Coziest Backyards in Oslo

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!

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.

A cozy hidden courtyard right in the heart of the city! Just a stone’s throw from Karl Johans gate, you’ll find this small, tucked-away oasis of a restaurant and café. The concept is simple and inviting. Choose from snacks like bread and butter, marinated olives or salted almonds, or small treats such as Pata Negra, gorgonzola with quince compote, and mortadella sandwiches with an Italian twist. We were pleasantly surprised by the four stone oven baked pizzas they serve here! The Diavola and Parma come highly recommended, but they also offer a classic Margherita and a true cheese bomb with Quattro Formaggi. To quench your thirst, choose from beer, wine, Negroni or Spritz! Besides the courtyard seating, the venue has two floors with dark wood interiors, and the bar takes center stage on the ground floor. Perfect for coffee, a well-made pizza or a nice drink in hand.

Here you can pick several dishes without holding your breath. As you walk through the door, you can’t miss the wall with the large painting. The atmosphere is relaxed yet inviting, and the open kitchen setup gives you a glimpse into the action behind the scenes. Take note of the large tanks – they’re filled with wine. And don’t miss their charming backyard while you’re here. It’s urban and super cozy in the summer!

Here you step into a charming backyard in Frogner, the perfect place to sit and relax during summer. With a rustic yet modern interior and a cozy, laidback atmosphere, it feels like entering a hidden oasis. It leans toward the higher end price wise, but the food is full of flavor and made with locally sourced, organic and seasonal ingredients. Whether you're after a tasty weekday lunch, a weekend brunch or a lovely dinner in an intimate setting, this spot delivers.

Right in the heart of the popular and always trendy Markveien on Grünerløkka, you’ll find this cozy, independent roastery and café. All coffee here is brewed in small batches, and every step of the roasting process is done by hand. Step out to the back and you’ll discover a beautiful, quiet, and peaceful little courtyard. Enjoying a coffee here paired with some pastries, is always a delightful experience!

Right by Vulkan you’ll find this beautiful historic area. The outdoor seating is tucked away in the backyard, creating an elegant and intimate atmosphere. There aren’t many seats—about 30—so when the sun is out it fills up quickly. In the same backyard, you’ll also find one of the city’s best wine bars, Radegast. The perfect spot to wrap up a lovely evening with a date or good friends.

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.

In Vålerenga, inside an old smithy from 1878, you’ll find this beautiful and historic courtyard restaurant. Or perhaps more accurately, a front-yard restaurant! The outdoor seating overlooking Vålerenga Park and the church is truly one of a kind, nestled in a cozy courtyard surrounded by beautiful scenery. The atmosphere stays warm and rustic all year round, with brick walls, colorful stained glass windows and decorative stucco. They serve lunch, à la carte and their own three, four and five-course menus. Jazz nights here are a must-try, especially when they serve their famous “jazz soup” alongside the music. Fun!

Never been to Svovelstikka before? You’re not alone. This isn’t exactly a place you stumble upon by chance. Tucked away at Fyrstikktorget in Helsfyr, it’s a quietly charming neighborhood spot with plenty of soul and a well-hidden gem. As soon as you step into the square, you’re surrounded by warm brown brick walls that give the place a cozy, inviting, and historic vibe. The menu offers both lunch and dinner options, including Reef & Beef with tenderloin, shrimp, and calamari, as well as burgers, salads, soups, and various gyros. The spot feels well sheltered inside the plaza, creating a little oasis amidst the busy surroundings.