Bar in Oslo

Right by Sofienbergparken, you’ll find this gastropub with a playful atmosphere filled with retro lamps, vintage frames and cozy sofas. It feels a little like home! The menu offers everything from snacks to full dinners, and the wine list is carefully curated and surprisingly good. Not so surprising though, since Alex, one of the owners, has previously held wine courses for Mer av Oslo. We can vouch for his expertise! Sometimes, quizzes and small concerts bring the lounge area to life, making the place even more inviting. In short, this spot is perfect for everyday relaxation or a weekend celebration, with warm sofas, great food and vibrant culture.

Best known for their 2 for 1 deal on beer, wine and Aperol Spritz until 9PM! Right in the city center, you’ll find this bar with free shuffleboard and a relaxed vibe that makes it easy to feel at home.

Right in the heart of Alexander Kiellands plass, you’ll find Alf – a true neighborhood bar with a big heart and a welcoming vibe. Dogs, art and laughter are all more than welcome here. On the ground floor, you can pop in for a reasonably priced beer before 7 pm. The atmosphere is warm and inclusive, with an outdoor seating area that soaks up the sun on nice days. Alf is the kind of place where you feel right at home, whether you’re dropping by for a quiet chat or a night full of laughter.

A bar with its heart in the right place! This warm and inviting cocktail and wine bar is built around the concept of “soul friend.” The name Anam Cara is pre-Celtic and means “soulmate,” which is exactly the feeling they hope to give you here. They offer a great selection of wines and a truly unique cocktail menu inspired by various immigrant cultures in the US. Extra praise goes to their excellent mocktail menu! The interior features colorful touches—greens, terracotta and wooden furniture—that create a cozy, welcoming vibe.

In the narrow passage of Strøget, you’ll find a small bar with big personality! It’s dark, intimate and edgy in just the right way, with neon signs, art on the walls and speakers pumping everything from deep house to hip hop and guilty pleasures. It’s just as perfect for grabbing a beer and having a chat as it is for dancing the weekend away. You’ll find a great mix of regulars, DJs and people who just stumbled in and never left. The vibe is honest, energetic and real – and that’s exactly why people keep coming back.

Tucked into one of the city’s oldest buildings, you’ll discover this charming café, pub, and restaurant. All housed in an original wooden building on Grønland that dates back to 1730! Inside, they dish up classic Norwegian home-cooked favorites like pickled herring, meatballs, and fresh trout. Step outside into the spacious courtyard, where long communal tables, twinkling lanterns, and lush greenery create a warm, inviting atmosphere. And indoors? Think rustic décor and worn wooden floors that perfectly balance urban cool with historic charm. It’s the ideal spot to grab a beer on a sunny day!

At the bottom of Løkka, B-VIN has found its home. They offer a monthly wine selection alongside a clear wine list featuring sparkling, white, orange, rosé and red wines. They also serve a range of snacks, a few small dishes and a dessert, and you can reserve the Chef’s menu – a six-course meal paired with wines. Exposed brick walls, light wood surfaces and rust red walls create a warm and inviting atmosphere. We’d guess the space holds around 35 to 40 guests.

Right by Alexander Kiellands plass, you’ll find this little wine bar that invites you to enjoy wine, laughter, and some low-fi good vibes. You’ll regret it if you don’t step inside! The cozy space is a retro party full of bright colors and nostalgic details. It’s the place for those who want wine with personality, no fluff. The 80s beats here perfectly match both the flavorful sips and the easy conversations at the tables. The wine list ranges from funky natural wines by producers like Meinklang and Gut Oggau, to organic sparkling wines and pét-nat. Prices are quite reasonable too! Between 12 and 6 pm, you can choose from a variety of small plates, including sourdough bread, hummus, olives, cornichons, Persian potato salad, mortadella, vegan cured sausage, cheese, and sardines.

This hidden little Japanese cocktail bar at St. Olavs plass has genuine urban charm. The spot gives off a real neighborhood vibe, nestled in a classic Oslo courtyard between yellow buildings. The courtyard, together with Happolati, is open from May to October and is absolutely fantastic during the summer months! Here, you can enjoy summer drinks or something else tasty in your glass, surrounded by cobblestones and Japanese lanterns under the open sky. Feeling hungry? Happolati has fired up the grill, serving up some seriously good food. You simply have to try the grilled lobster, Happo Sandwich, or their Udon Noodles. Yum! And if you’re an oyster lover, you’re in luck, there are oysters here too.

Right after our first visit, we fell in love with this place, and it’s become a local favorite for many in the city. The spot has a retro vibe, and the backyard feels urban and cozy – which we absolutely love. When they also host live music from time to time, the experience feels complete! Inside, it’s bright and airy thanks to a “hole” in the ceiling leading up to the second floor, plus plenty of windows letting in natural light. Wine and music are clearly Becco’s great passions. With a wide selection of drinks and talented staff behind the bar, we think most people will find something they love here.

This Italian cocktail bar is inspired by the Italian aperitivo tradition, and it’s a popular classic down at the bottom of Grünerløkka. Expect a relaxed, informal and cozy vibe, with beautiful interiors that give off a 60s feel. There are plenty of tables for two, making it one of our top picks for first date spots in Oslo thanks to its charming atmosphere.

Boule and sausage party right in the heart of the city! This game bar brings true French joie de vivre. Inside, people toss metal balls on gravel courts while enjoying wine, cocktails, and gourmet sausages. The vibe is casual and lively, with hanging plants from the ceiling and large communal tables. It feels like stepping into a mix of a garden party and an outdoor café. Games and socializing go hand in hand here, with afterworks, competitions, and themed nights like Bastille Day celebrations featuring pétanque, music, and wine.

A little taste of Japan in the middle of Oslo? This bar is all about Japanese culture, and you can feel it in every detail. The food menu will feature dishes like yakitori skewers, sashimi, and cold noodle salad. Behind the bar you’ll find Japanese beer, whisky, and sake. The interior is carefully designed, and even the drinks and games are curated to match the vibe. The place is filled with arcade machines with everything from classic rhythm games to Mario Bros cabinets from the 80s. If you’re into Japanese culture, or simply want a different kind of night out in the city, this spot is worth checking out. PS: When we dropped by, the bartender mentioned they were brewing their very own matcha beer. Exciting!

When you step inside, it’s hard to believe you’re at a kebab joint. The menu features creative options like the "Torggata Cheesesteak" with cheddar and jalapeño, and the "Lebanese" with sumac onions and tzatziki. The space is modern with a cool, youthful vibe, decorated with photos of basketball stars and music legends like Tupac, the Beatles and Queen, while the bass from the speakers pulses along with classic 90s hip hop.

Oysters are more popular than ever, and if there’s one place you can count on to serve them in all kinds of styles, it’s right here in Fredensborg. Alongside the delicate star of the menu, the space offers a maritime feel with sea inspired artwork on the ceiling and a bright, airy interior. In addition to plenty of great wine, the menu is kept short and sweet, focusing mainly on oysters with a few other small bites like pickled herring.

This is the coziest café in the Carl Berner area! Stepping inside feels a bit like stumbling upon a small Italian neighborhood café, overflowing with delicacies like focaccia, panini, fresh pastries, and a tempting selection of freshly sliced cheeses and cured meats. We’ve enjoyed many cappuccinos here on their charming outdoor seats. In the evenings it’s all about wine and aperitivo, and every now and then you might catch an intimate concert in the corner. Simply a lovely little neighborhood café and wine bar. The kind Oslo doesn’t have many of left!

The former lighthouse building sits in one of the city’s green pockets, Kubaparken. And yes, it really did serve as a lighthouse back in the day. The café opened in the early 2000s. The terracotta colored building glows in the evening sun during summer, and blends beautifully with the colors of nature in the autumn months. The outdoor seating area has become a popular gathering spot, and when night falls, string lights above the tables make it extra cozy. This is a laidback and welcoming place to visit all year round.

This is a cozy little retro wine bar filled with green plants and industrial charm. They offer carefully curated French natural wines from the Loire and other regions, as well as classic cocktails like Daiquiri and Negroni. The snacks here are excellent too, with options like large green olives from Sicily, walnuts, chips served with sour cream and jalapeño dip, cheeses like Brillat-Savarin, and shrimp rolls with shrimp, crayfish tails and pickled jalapeños. Delicious! The relaxed atmosphere is perfectly complemented by music that swings between soft techno and funk, just right for casual conversation.

A wine bar with a twist. Instead of complicated wine lists, this spot features an easy going self serve dispenser system with 60 different wines from around the world. You can choose between three pour sizes, a tasting (25ml), half glass (125ml) or full glass (175ml). The wines are divided into nine categories and the dispensers are clearly labeled. You can explore options like bold, structured, full bodied, aromatic, fresh, orange, rosé, port and light. There’s plenty of seating throughout the space, including small sofas, as well as classic benches and chairs around the tables.

Just a stone’s throw from Karl Johan, you’ll find Haandtryk – a modern bistro set in a historic tavern dating back to the 1800s. Here, dark wood and brown leather sofas meet a menu full of creative sausage creations and beer at friendly prices. This isn’t your typical Norwegian sausage joint, but more of a gourmet take. The place also has a cozy backyard where they show, among other things, football matches.

Hammerhai made a stylish debut in 2022, and since then we’ve kept coming back, again and again. Terracotta, mosaic and velour welcome you into a playful, art-filled space where sea air meets soft background music. The stunning interior, bursting with color and unique aesthetics, really makes this place stand out among the many bars and cafés in the capital. In the mornings, it’s the perfect spot for coffee, light bites and a bit of remote work vibe. When evening rolls around, the menu shifts to cocktails, wine, beer and snacks. Alongside the distinctive interior, they offer a vibrant and sunny outdoor seating area. This fills up quickly during the summer months. Tip! Try the ‘Slush Sour’ with pear.

Right by the fountain at Youngstorget, at the end of Folkepassasjen, you’ll now find Harlem. This central bar is not just about cocktails – it’s also a stage and music studio with plenty of events happening. Just outside the passageway they’ve placed a few tables, but across the street they’ve built a full outdoor seating area. It’s decked out with touches of artificial greenery, fenced in with wooden pallets and filled with tables and chairs. Out here you can relax and enjoy yourself all the way until 3 in the morning.

Behind an unassuming door on Storgata you’ll find Himkok – one of the world’s best bars, ranked number 11 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024 and winner of the Bareksten Best Bar Design Award the same year. They distill their own vodka, gin and aquavit, and the cocktails surprise with flavors like sea buckthorn, quince and carrot cake. The space blends speakeasy vibes with Scandinavian design, creating a down to earth and inclusive atmosphere. It’s a place we love coming back to again and again.

This popular restaurant and wine bar is tucked away in a courtyard off Universitetsgata, surrounded by glass, concrete and futuristic lighting. But step inside and you’ll find a much cozier and more relaxed vibe. The space feels open, with the kitchen at the heart of it all. They run a full day concept with lunch, dinner and a lively wine bar. Prices are moderate, but the quality is top notch and easily on par with similar spots. The crowd is a fun mix of the city’s trendsetters, folks in hiking gear and men in suits.

At the bottom of Hegdehaugsveien, you’ll find this vibrant wine bar, cocktail bar and restaurant. An urban favorite spread over three floors, offering great flavors, wine and atmosphere. Here you can enjoy a relatively affordable and casual menu featuring dishes like mussels, sirloin, cheeses, oysters, bread and sharing plates. The space is bright, well designed and filled with happy people as the vibe livens up into the evening.

Bagels, cocktails and that vibrant Vulkan vibe! By Mathallen, with windows facing Akerselva, you’ll find this bar concept with an inclusive, urban and laid-back atmosphere. It’s all about creating a lively culture of great food, music, art and good people. Naturally, there’s a solid drink selection—from wine by the glass or bottle to cocktails, beer and non-alcoholic options. Feeling hungry? Grab New York-style bagels from ‘Bob the Bagel’ and lobster rolls from ‘Roll Baby Roll.’ They also occasionally host a second-hand Sunday market. We’re loving it!

Art, coffee and something good in your glass right next to the Royal Palace Park! Juret Bar has moved into Kunstnernes Hus, bringing new life to the foyer and the terrace. The result is a mix of bar and café that fits very well in this iconic functionalist building. Behind the concept is the team who started Oslo’s smallest jazz bar, and after three years with over 300 concerts, they have become an important stage for young jazz musicians. Now they bring that experience into Kunstnernes Hus, where you can expect both a laid-back atmosphere and a mix of good drinks and music. If you feel like a bite, they serve pizza, bread with different toppings, sardines and anchovies, and some baked goods from Mjøl. A bonus is their “jazzpils” every day until 9 pm, with beer at a very friendly price!

Three family members opened this cozy café and bar together. They renovated the space, built the furniture and decorated in a simple style with beige and white tones. We really like it! There’s seating both inside and outside, and this little spot in lower Grünerløkka, right next to Apostrophe, is definitely worth a visit.

This bar has its very own charm and a down-to-earth vibe! Inside you step into a warm, butter-yellow room with red accents and a record player spinning Beatles and Oasis. Alongside beer and wine you will find cocktails with playful nods to the Norwegian heartland, like 'Je skar surfe på Einafjorden'. A tribute to the norwegian cult band Vazelina Bilopphøggers. There are plenty of other drinks worth trying too, like 'Peter’s Shandy', a crisp favorite that tastes a bit like a radler. If you get peckish, you can order small bites such as cheese, ham, olives, pickles or simply a bag of chips. Langt Langt Borte sits a little outside the city center, but its neighborhood charm and fun drinks will easily put a smile on your face. With plenty of outdoor seating, it is also the kind of place where you might just end up staying until long after the sun goes down.

This is a true wine gem in Torshov – a tiny hole in the wall with only 23 seats spread across 30 square meters. Inside, between tall bar stools, dark concrete walls and candlelight, a relaxed atmosphere awaits. With its raw and industrial style, it stands out from the rest of the city’s wine bars. It’s a charming little spot, perfect for enjoying a beautiful glass of wine in ultra thin Zalto glasses and experiencing a wine bar that’s just a little different.

In the mood for a great cup of coffee, some Danish pastries and a sandwich in intimate and urban surroundings? Then this café and wine bar in Oslobukta is just the place. Their school bun has, to say the least, gone viral – so there’s either a (very) long line or it’s sold out. But there’s no doubt it’s absolutely delicious. You’ll find all kinds of coffee here, along with a tasty little selection of baked goods and small dishes.

Hidden in a quiet passage right in the city center, you’ll find one of the most budget friendly bars in town. It’s undeniably cozy in this spot, with a relaxed and informal atmosphere. An extra bonus is that you can bring takeaway pizza from the nearby Cin Cin.

French vibes in Bjørvika! By day this place is a bakery, before turning into a restaurant and wine bar in the evening. The space is absolutely stunning with high ceilings, plenty of natural light and eye catching art on the walls. A glass platter with a miniature Eiffel Tower placed at the center of the room proudly sets the tone for the French inspired atmosphere and menu. It’s the perfect spot to impress a date, enjoy a lovely lunch with friends or wind down with a few glasses of wine in the evening.

Behind a somewhat unassuming facade near Oslo S, you’ll find this bar that blends a bit of retro charm with a playful atmosphere. With green walls, vintage furniture and a wide selection of board games, it’s a great spot for a social evening with friends. Prices for both beer and other drinks are quite reasonable, which makes it even more popular. While they don’t serve food, you’re welcome to bring your own.

Wine and sake with a Japanese flair in St. Hanshaugen! This is a small and intimate yet wonderfully charming neighbourhood bar. Natural wine and natural sake take centre stage, but you can also get cocktails here and the Negroni is a must-try! The bar has kept the original 1930s interior, giving the place a distinctive character. Most of the décor features natural tones and wood, creating a relaxed and cosy atmosphere. As the name suggests, they have been inspired by the planet Mercury. The lighting casts a warm golden glow, and further inside you will find a large illustration of the planet. A fascinating and beautiful detail. So sit back, let your shoulders drop, and enjoy indie and indie pop playing softly in the background.

The wine bar in the little red wooden house in Fredensborg has become a true Oslo favorite. Here you’ll find an exciting selection of great wine and tasty small plates. Nektar has previously been named the best wine bar in Oslo, and it absolutely lives up to the title. They offer a carefully curated wine list and flavorful, locally sourced food made with sustainable ingredients, all served in warm and welcoming surroundings. It’s a small and intimate space with just a few tables spread across two floors, plus a couple of spots at the bar and a few seats outside. Despite the humble and homey interior, which feels more like a cozy countryside house than a trendy city bar, this place has become a go to hangout for the hippest of the hip looking to sip wine in good company.

If you know your way around Oslo, chances are you’ve already heard of this place. This bar at Teaterplassen by Grønland Torg is a true classic among the city’s urban backyards! With a calm and relaxed vibe, cozy seating areas, and the option to bring your own food, it’s easy to feel at home here. The outdoor area is lush with greenery, featuring large plants and trees along the walls. When the evening sets in or the weather cools down, the atmosphere stays just as inviting thanks to hanging lanterns, heat lamps, and available cushions and blankets. Indoors, large sofas, long tables, green plants, and bookshelves create a cozy industrial vibe. The drink selection is solid and reasonably priced, offering everything from various coffees to cocktails, beer, and wine. It’s right in the city center near Grønland Torg, yet still feels a bit hidden.

Right at Jernbanetorget, inside the historic Amerikalinjen building, you’ll find a cocktail bar with genuine New York vibes. Named after the iconic Pier 42 in Manhattan, it’s designed as a modern tribute to the cocktail culture linked to Norwegian-American travel. The atmosphere is both polished and warm, featuring dark wood and stylish furnishings. The drinks here are unquestionably top-notch, and the bar has won numerous awards!

Hidden “in plain sight” in the backyard of Nedre Foss Gård by Akerselva, you’ll find Grünerløkka’s very own wine gem. They offer an impressive selection, many available by the glass. The space is thoughtfully designed and atmospheric, with soft lighting. You’re literally surrounded by wine here, with glass cabinets filled with bottles lining every wall. In summer, you can enjoy your wine outside in the backyard (one of the best in the city) and when the cold sets in, the crackling fireplace makes the perfect companion.

Another favorite on Grünerløkka is this bar full of retro charm and nostalgia. It’s probably best known for its great deal where you can get three beers for a really nice price until 8 pm! The outdoor seating is perfect for sunny days, especially if you like sitting right in the heart of things, soaking up the warm, informal and urban vibe. You can also grab some simple food here or find your favorite guilty pleasure tune on the jukebox.

Right in the heart of Grünerløkka, you’ll find this bar with fairly friendly prices that pays tribute to the 80s with a modern twist. Here, retro aesthetics meet today’s Oslo, with neon signs, colorful walls and an atmosphere dripping with nostalgia. On weekends, Rebell transforms into a lively hub where DJs spin everything from synthpop to modern hits, and the vibrant backyard becomes a popular hangout on warm evenings.

This wine bar and gallery in Sagene is where wine meets art in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Rivertz has already become a popular gathering spot for locals, and it’s easy to see why. You can explore a carefully curated selection of natural wines or go for classic bubbles, whites or reds, all while enjoying rotating art exhibitions. The space has a warm yet sleek style, blending rustic touches with modern art on the walls. There are no stiff wine lists here, just a laidback vibe!

Imagine a bar where a good drink is paired with a cozy fireplace and Tour de France posters on the walls. Here, you can sip wine, beer, or their signature cocktail, the Nordmarka. And yes, this is even a bike repair shop! The wine selection features easy-drinking and fresh bottles from young producers, alongside some classic French elegance. The interior welcomes you with warm wood paneling, low lighting, and open doors in the summer that turn this place into more than just a bar. It’s like a friend request in bar form. Low-key and laid-back are perfect words to describe it, and this is a favorite for many.

A neighborhood bar in Bislett with great food and a laidback vibe. The dishes are made with Norwegian ingredients and change with the seasons. Both the menu and portions are on the smaller side, but they complement each other well and the prices are quite reasonable considering the quality. The space is stylish and warm, with a relaxed and down to earth atmosphere.

This is the place to drop by for a whole baked camembert, or even order a little bowl of candy with your wine. Just because you can! Cheese, wine, and long evenings are always a classic. What started out as a great wine bar with snacks has, after its success, expanded into a full food bar too. The menu is tempting and we’ve enjoyed dishes like crab salad and halibut with fennel and beurre blanc. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed, with high ceilings, rust-red walls, and soft lighting. And while they’ve always been known for their wide range of wines, the cocktails here are just as impressive!

Grünerløkka’s sunny beer garden! Hidden behind the trees along Akerselva, you’ll find this charming outdoor spot with a mix of chairs, hammocks and a bit of sandy beach vibe. When the sun shines, it’s the perfect place to enjoy beer, pretzels and plenty of laughter. Orders are easy to place through the service window, and the menu offers everything from local IPAs to classic German brews. There’s no stiffness here—just genuine everyday joy and beer happiness with true Grünerløkka spirit!

In this central Oslo park you can grab a drink and a bite to eat! The outdoor seating is wrapped in calm greenery with plenty of space to retreat from the city buzz. Sit back with something good in your glass and soak up the sun. From a small kiosk that looks like a tin can, they serve coffee, wine, beer, cider, and even several kinds of gin. You’ll also find light bites and a small menu with waffles and toppings, cheese and cured meats, or gazpacho and soup. PS: They are only open until September 30. [2025]

This bar has a history dating all the way back to the 1800s, when the space was originally a pharmacy. It still looks almost exactly the same, a beautifully preserved piece of the past. The space is divided into smaller sections, perfect for a more private and cozy atmosphere. The cocktail menu is extensive, featuring a variety of signature creations along with all the classics. They ferment their own strawberries, brew house made ginger beer and use old medicinal herbs as ingredients in their cocktails and drinks. Instead of loud music, you’ll be greeted by smooth background tunes like old school soul, funk and RnB.

Grünerløkka’s coziest wine den! Nestled in bustling Markveien, this intimate wine bar has a timeless feel and offers nearly 450 different wines, most available by the glass. Vinyl records spin in the background as you enjoy a glass while mingling with some of Oslo’s coolest crowd. Alongside an impressive wine selection, they serve daily toast, cheese boards, serrano ham, olives, chips and other snacks. With seating both indoors and outdoors, it’s a perfect summer pitstop. That authentic Løkka vibe!

Right in the middle of Youngstorget, you’ll find this bar that’s especially popular with students thanks to prices that won’t break the bank, especially considering the central location. They also have a small backyard area.

No capital city is complete without Irish bar options. Here you get a great price on beer until 11PM, which is definitely a plus! This is a spacious pub and nightclub that combines Irish charm with a party vibe. It’s perfect whether you’re after a quiet pint or a night full of singalongs and dancing.

This cocktail bar is famous for its lush interior filled with plants and its relaxed vibe. Greenery stretches from one corner of the ceiling to the other, creating a true jungle feel. Here you’ll find fresh botanical cocktails from their seasonally changing menu. If you’re looking for a place that combines flavors like you’ve never tasted before, this is an absolute must try!

This bar, just a short walk from the sea, boasts one of Oslo’s freshest interiors and a beautiful outdoor seating area. A must visit during the summer months! The drink menu is full of tempting options, and their slush is a favorite on the hottest days. The decor takes you back to grandparents’ summer holidays on the French Riviera in the 70s and 80s. Classic orange stripes mix with pool blue from floor to ceiling and brown leather under a sparkling disco ball – creative and refreshingly unique.

The charming little wine bar is called Vinkassen, and that’s exactly what you’ll find inside – a big box filled with bottles available by the glass. After ten years working as chefs, two young Danes decided to open a local wine bar in Bislett, Oslo. Tired of all the cheese platters being served at the city’s wine bars, they wanted to create a spot with both great wine and proper food on the menu. Here you’ll always find a solid and varied selection by the glass, along with a food menu full of tempting small plates inspired by Italian, Spanish and French flavors.

Just below Olaf Ryes Plass and right in the heart of Grünerløkka, you’ll find this stylish little wine bar. The focus here is almost entirely on wine, with just a handful of other options like beer or radler. The menu only lists bottle prices, keeping things simple and to the point. The interior features dark tones against exposed brick walls, giving the space a moody and urban feel. There’s seating by the large windows at the entrance, around the bar, and a cozy little nook at the back. Downstairs you can sit right in the middle of the wine cellar.