New places in Oslo

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.

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.

This is the spot for truly delicious French pastries! On the corner of Bøgata in charming Kampen, you’ll find this little French bakery. Their 'Pastel de Nata' has become a real hit with crisp layers, creamy center, and just the right touch of caramel on top. But our top pick here has to be the 'Oslo Roll', a croissant-style swirl filled with pistachio cream. So good! There’s no indoor seating yet, and the outdoor spots are limited, but honestly it’s just as nice to grab a pastry and coffee to enjoy on a bench nearby. The neighborhood is absolutely lovely when the sun is shining!

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!

The craze for buns shows no sign of slowing, and you definitely don’t want to miss these cream buns in Gamlebyen! The toppings and unique flavors make this something you probably haven’t tried before. How about ‘Biscoff,’ ‘Blueberry and lemon curd,’ or ‘Banana, caramel and pecan’? Note: Cream buns are only sold on weekends. Here, Daglig Brød and Skrenten Pizza bring together two of the city’s delights with sourdough baking and creative pizza experiences. During the day, fill up on freshly baked bread, buns and pastries from Daglig Brød, while in the afternoon and evening, Skrenten serves up colorful, retro-inspired pizza vibes and an outdoor seating area almost as big as the inside.

A small, artsy patisserie on løkka serving up mini designer tarts and individual cakes. The menu features fruity delights like mango-passion and raspberry crème brûlée, alongside coconut, lemon, and chocolate creations. We enjoyed a glossy, bright red strawberry tart, and from the very first bite, it was clear that the cake’s stunning appearance was matched by its delicious flavor! Each cake is carefully crafted in both shape and taste, while the interior offers a muted, elegant atmosphere.

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!

A new favourite in town! In Markveien on Løkka, a brand-new pizza restaurant with a focus on both pizza and bistro dining has opened its doors. The owner has previously worked the pizza ovens at Lofthus, which basically guarantees they know their craft. You can choose from 12 different pizzas, all with a deliciously crispy thin crust. 'Ovnstekt Sopp', topped with oyster and chestnut mushrooms on a white sauce, is a must-try if you are into mushrooms. The meatier options like 'Salami (Sterk)', 'Salciccia', and 'Trøffelsalami' are also incredibly good. You will also find more adventurous creations such as 'Brennesle & Pistachios', and 'Tuna & Nduja'. The interior has a clear bistro feel, with the pizza oven shining warmly in the corner behind the bar. It is not a large space, but there is seating both indoors and outside.

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!

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.

The best scones in town! Tucked away on a quiet side street between lower St. Hanshaugen and Fredensborg, you’ll find a small and charming café that has specialized in just one thing: fresh and fluffy scones. The bakery is run by Mariyah, a warm and welcoming owner who makes everything herself. The selection changes daily, and sometimes you’ll find up to seven different varieties to choose from. Sweet or savory, always baked from scratch. Last time we stopped by, each scone was just 45 NOK, no matter the flavor. The smell alone made it hard to decide, but we ended up trying three. First a savory one with feta and zucchini, then the crowd favorite with blueberry and lemon, and finally the one that stole our hearts: raspberry and white chocolate. Seating is limited, but it’s absolutely worth a stop for a taste of real homemade baking!

There are very few true Lebanese dining experiences in Oslo, and this place lets you enjoy Middle Eastern flavors, beautiful meze, an open kitchen and elegant surroundings all in one. The space is decorated with gold accents, dark wood and a touch of sparkle on the walls – seriously stylish. You can expect bold flavors, generous portions and a stunning setting. Here, the caviar is suddenly vegetarian and the dessert comes smoked, so get ready for a few surprises.

Tucked away behind an unassuming facade on Fredensborg, you’ll find a small and exciting Brazilian café and lunch spot. Here, you can enjoy their authentic acaibowls in various flavors, handmade cookies, and their famous Pão de Queijo. Its a soft cheese bread roll that’s been ranked among the world’s top ten breads. The space is bright and yellow, with a simple, cozy interior, and seating both indoors and outdoors. Alessandra, who runs the café and works behind the counter, is friendly and knowledgeable, so it’s definitely worth striking up a conversation with her!

[You can get a discount here with Oslo Explore] Create your very own ring from scratch! In Grünerløkka, you’ll find an intimate and creative jewelry workshop. Over four hours, you’ll learn to shape a wax ring, cast it in sand using molten tin, and then sand and polish it until it shines. The class and space are warm and social, with good music and room for around eight participants. The process is surprisingly meditative – and you’ll leave with a personal piece of jewelry the same day, beautifully packaged in a box.

Enjoy Filipino flavors and Norwegian ingredients in elegant surroundings! The restaurant is led by Ivy Tabuno Solheim, a Norwegian-Filipino chef who previously worked at Betong, Hot Shop and Katla. The team from Betong is also involved, so you can expect an intimate dining experience with a changing menu and a small but thoughtful wine list to match the kitchen. For now, there’s only one set menu to order. Their veal tongue skewer with confit egg yolk and pineapple ponzu, and not least the duck with peach, were absolutely outstanding. Think clean flavors, precise sauces, and a strong focus on produce. The atmosphere is stylish yet grounded, with green surfaces and soft lighting. You can also get very good Filipino food at Kain Neo-Filipino Bistro in the city center, but this spot feels a touch more refined.