Open Sundays in Oslo

What began as a small garage wine bar in a former workshop has grown into one of the city’s coziest French bistros. Charming! The space is tight and the tables are close, but that only adds to the intimate feeling and open kitchen. Even though the menu is small, it is both varied and carefully curated. Last time we visited, the selection included delicacies like fresh oysters, escargots, halibut, and grilled monkfish. The starter “Leeks Vinaigrette & Walnuts” comes highly recommended and was absolutely delicious. The wine list is compact but clever, and perfectly complements the kitchen. PS! Ever since the Norwegian influencers Vita and Wanda visited and stirred up quite a bit of bad PR for themselves, getting a table here has become a little trickier.

What could be better than a generous bowl of rich broth seasoned with umami sauces, various toppings and wheat noodles? Mm, yes please. At the bottom of Maridalsveien you’ll find this wildly popular restaurant that has truly mastered the art of ramen. The space features modern Japanese design, with minimalist interiors in light wood. They do offer drop in, but be prepared to wait a little – it’s a favorite for a reason.

A kilo of steak and shared delight in Grünerløkka!? Here you’ll find a warm and laid-back wine and food bar serving plenty of treats, including French-style pizza, Västerbotten cheese with roe and bone marrow tartare. If you really want to go all out, we highly recommend their entrecôte! For steak lovers, this is a seriously great dining experience with a whole kilo of meat from Galicia, Spain. It’s served on the bone with delicious chimichurri, aioli and crispy fries. It’s a bit pricey but perfect for sharing! The interior blends historic stucco with dark walls, concrete floors, vintage records and green plants. It creates a warm and hip vibe and is definitely a spot we’ve always loved! The weekend brunch is also absolutely worth checking out.

A small neighbourhood restaurant with a big personality on Torshov! Inside, you’ll find just six tables, six bar stools, and a seasonal set menu that changes often based on Norwegian ingredients. Their philosophy is down-to-earth and fully committed to sustainability, with their own vegetable garden, local ingredients, near zero food waste, and even surplus egg whites donated to a nearby cocktail bar. The kitchen is tiny and does very few allergy adjustments. This is also the team behind Lasarett, close by, and one of our absolute favourite wine spots in Oslo. The wine list here is both clever and exciting, and they’re approved by Star Wine List, listed as a ‘White Star’. The whole experience may be small in size, but it’s big on flavour! In summertime, they also serve a simpler menu with small plates and drinks out on the pavement.

Homemade pasta, fresh fish, sun on the terrace and an open kitchen? Yes please. At the top of St Hanshaugen you’ll get a refreshing taste of Southern Europe and the Mediterranean. There are plenty of small tables and chefs prepping away in the open kitchen. The menu is full of shareable small plates, with a recommendation of three to four dishes per person. With an intimate vibe, excellent service and delicious food, we’d say this place is perfect whether you’re out with friends or on a date.

A little taste of Italy just steps from Karl Johans gate, with pizza, pasta, and wine! This has quickly become one of the city’s most popular Italian restaurants, so don’t be surprised if there’s a line at the door. The pizzas come with thin, crispy crusts and generous toppings. The menu goes beyond pizza, offering various pasta dishes and bruschetta. The interior features checkered tablecloths, plenty of plants, and a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for enjoying pizza, pasta, and wine. For dessert, you absolutely have to try their Nutella pizza or tiramisu! They also have a cozy wine bar with ambitions to stock 100 Italian wines on their shelves.

Curious about traditional dishes from Uzbekistan? The national dish is plov, a hearty rice stew made with carrots, onions and meat. It’s both delicious and full of flavor, and the portions are generous. The space is decorated with patterned textiles along the walls and traditional Uzbek hats called doppa, adding to the authentic feel. A fun and slightly different food experience that’s well worth trying!

A natural gathering spot on St. Hanshaugen since 2012! Smalhans is the place for flavorful shared meals, natural wine and that true neighborhood vibe. They even earned a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide in 2015 for serving great, tasty food at a friendly price. With a focus on Norwegian ingredients, they offer three different concepts throughout the day: lunch, ‘Dagens husmann’ (today’s traditional dish) and a couple of set menus for sharing in the afternoon and evening. The interior is framed by vintage wallpaper, dark wooden furniture and green plants. ‘Dagens husmann’ is especially popular and helps put them high on our list of great traditional dining spots in Oslo.

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!

Michelin restaurant, bakery and a solid lunch spot all in one! This place has a cozy vibe with minimalist interiors inspired by British cuisine. The lunch menu features everything from eggs and salads to sourdough bread with delicious whipped butter and a variety of small dishes. Most of the baked goods are made with sourdough. Expect an aesthetically cool spot with high quality in everything they serve, and a genuinely pleasant place to hang out!

They started as a pop up a few days a week at Trekanten, but quickly became so popular that it turned into a permanent concept. Which we are very happy about. Ramen is served from Sunday to Tuesday, while udon is on the menu from Wednesday to Saturday. The menu changes depending on the day of the week, with homemade noodles at the center. We enjoyed the 'Umami Miso Ramen' with pork, served in a rich and flavorful broth. On the drinks menu you will find Japanese beer and several types of sake. The large and open space has a raw concrete feel, but still comes across as bright and welcoming.

There’s no doubt this is one of the best Italian spots in the city, and a well crafted pizza straight from the stone oven or a plate of delicious pasta never disappoints. The owner, Francesco Solimeo, has won the Norwegian championship for best gourmet pizza, but the Italian chef clearly knows his way around more than just pizza. Try the tasting menu for a generous and truly lovely Italian dining experience. The space is filled with warm tones and Italian decor. When the weather warms up, you can enjoy outdoor seating both out front and in the backyard. It might just be the shortest and most affordable trip to an Italian street corner and sun soaked wall you’ll have this summer.