Top picks in Oslo

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.

One of Oslo’s safest bets when you’re after seasonal, modern Norwegian cuisine. The restaurant strikes a fine balance between down-to-earth and polished. The walls are lined with modern art, the atmosphere is cozy and informal, but the plates arrive like small works of art. Choose from à la carte or a four- or six-course menu. It often starts light and green before moving into meat from Holte Gård, fresh fish, and seafood. On our last visit we went for the six-course and enjoyed tartare, squash with lovage and Amalfi lemon, corn with razor clams and chili, the catch of the day with mussels, chicken with wild mushrooms, and a refreshing apple dessert. Truly delicious from start to finish! The wine list is among the city’s finest, with a backbone of French regions like Jura, Champagne, Loire, and Burgundy, alongside German riesling favorites and Italian reds. If you want to keep it more casual, grab a spot in the bar area and order from the small plates menu instead.

Step into this little hidden gem tucked away at Alexander Kiellands plass. Behind an unassuming door on the second floor of Tranen, you’ll find a space that serves high quality food and drink in romantic surroundings. From the ceiling hang large and small lampshades casting a warm glow over the deep red wallpapered walls. The menu changes weekly and with the seasons, and you’ll find an impressive selection of luxurious and delicious wines.

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.

This New York specialty quickly took off with its bagels. Inside, two long tables fill the room where people either wait for their bagels to be made or enjoy the fresh ones they just received. The space has an urban, industrial vibe with yellow walls and framed black and white photos. Laidback hip hop plays over the speakers, setting the mood and giving you a little taste of Brooklyn.

These guys are known for their amazing authentic Mexican birria tacos. Their food truck became so popular that they’ve now moved off the street and into a cozy little restaurant in Frogner – how fun is that! With colorful decor and plenty of plants, the space has a warm and welcoming vibe, all tucked inside a charming little house in a lovely backyard.

After a few popular sourdough bun pop-ups, this bakery opened up right by the Akerselva river, tucked away in a cozy little corner of Oslo. The space is quite small and charming, so it’s usually best suited for takeaway, as seating is pretty limited. We definitely recommend the sourdough cardamom bun! You can really taste the sourdough – just the way we think a bake like that should be. The only downside? It’s the first one to sell out!

At the top of Grünerløkka you’ll find high quality dumplings at a fair price, along with plenty of tasty sides. The space has a simple yet stylish interior with light wood, concrete and minimalist furniture. It’s shaped like an L, which helps keep the noise level comfortable even when it gets busy. They also have an exciting drink menu, featuring sake, cocktails and several wines on tap, which has become an increasingly popular trend in the city.

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.

Right by Sofienbergparken you’ll find this charming corner shop filled with the flavors and atmosphere of Italy. The shelves are stocked with ingredients tied to the country’s culinary traditions, and behind the counter you can watch the chefs prepare their much loved focaccia sandwiches. You can choose between three options – porchetta, salsiccia and vegetarian. It’s a very popular lunch spot in Oslo. There’s limited seating inside, but outside you can grab a seat in the sun along the wall facing the park. Absolutely lovely!

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.

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.

A beautiful café tucked away in idyllic Fagerborg, with climbing plants winding their way up the brick facade – like something straight out of a romantic comedy. The café is small and intimate, so it fills up quickly, but the atmosphere still feels calm and peaceful. Just across the street you’ll also find Havens kolonial, a specialty grocery store with an inviting selection of fruits and vegetables, along with a variety of tasty delicacies.

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.

One of our favorites on Løkka! At this neighborhood restaurant, we always have a great time and the conversation flows as naturally as the wine. It’s all about quality ingredients and reasonable prices. The small plates draw inspiration from around the world, featuring everything from mussels with coriander, ginger and chili (perfect for summer) to steak with chimichurri, fish and tartare. You’ll find sparkling, red, white and natural wines at very friendly prices, with a curated selection that’s surprisingly good for the price. The interior showcases wooden furniture, vinyl records and soft lighting.

As the name suggests, hummus is at the heart of the experience – along with meze! The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, where guests can savor the flavors of the Middle East paired with a nice drink. You’ll find classic dishes made with fresh ingredients and traditional preparation. The wine selection includes local European wines as well as bottles from the Middle East.

Our Indian favorite in Oslo! With views of the Munch Museum and a stylish setting, this spot serves up delicious Indian street food. This is not your classic Indian dining experience, but rather one with a fine dining twist. The Chef's Tasting Menu is a true gem with eight courses, and we keep coming back for more. Also, don’t miss their naan with brown cheese – yes, really!

Tucked away below street level, you will find this cosy Japanese gem with a warm red glow, paper lanterns, and vintage film posters. The menu features Japanese small plates like edamame with sea salt, shiitake mushrooms in ponzu and butter, pork and cabbage gyoza, or warm mazemen noodles with a poached egg. Dishes are sent out as they are ready, just as it should be at a true izakaya. It feels a bit like a hidden watering hole, with shelves lined with sake bottles and low conversations drifting over the bar. Behind the bar, you will also find cocktails, a small selection of natural wines, and Japanese bottled beers. Walk-ins only, so get here early if you can!

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.

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.

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.

In the Gamle Oslo district, you’ll find this cultural hub offering a lovely mix of café by day and bar by night. You can soak up the relaxed atmosphere right by the Alna river. Choose from a wide selection of coffee, fresh baked goods, grilled cheese, snacks, cold drinks, beer, wine and cocktails. Its location right next to Svartdalsparken makes it easy to combine your visit with a nice walk in the area. There’s a year round sauna here and in the summer the outdoor seating is unlike anywhere else in Oslo.

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 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.

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.

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.

Right in Bjørvika, just by the river promenade and the Munch Museum, you’ll find this modern and flavorful dining experience. It’s a cozy restaurant with dark, minimalist interiors and abstract artworks on the walls. Every dinner here is a little journey, featuring well-balanced flavors and creative small plates meant for sharing—from chawanmushi to tacos and seafood—designed for savoring multiple tastes at a relaxed pace. Many of the dishes highlight Norwegian ingredients with an international twist. On Fridays and Saturdays, they also offer a special lunch menu from noon to 3 pm!

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.

This French restaurant is known for its refined flavors, classic luxury and well deserved Michelin star. Inside you’ll find soft lighting, elegant marble tables and crescent shaped sofas wrapped in sheer pink curtains that create a warm and intimate atmosphere. It’s not a cheap place, but you are guaranteed one of the best dining experiences in Oslo.

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.

The perfect spot for a romantic evening! With red checkered tablecloths, string lights overhead and walls adorned with nostalgic details, it feels just like a cozy little bistro in Paris. The menu is full of French delicacies, with cheese as the star in most dishes. The atmosphere is intimate, with only a few closely spaced tables, so booking well in advance is usually a must.

Right by the river near the popular venue Blå, you’ll find this Sicilian gem. The menu offers a great selection of pizza, pasta and other Italian delights, all inspired by the rich flavors of Sicilian cuisine. When it comes to wine, it’s all about quality over quantity, with a focus on Italian bottles. PS, the dessert Crema di Limone Caramellizate e Sorbetto Limone was so good we actually had to order a second one! From Thursday to Sunday, their Sicilian Panetteria (bakery) is also open. The selection varies, but the buns here definitely stand out in a very delicious way. We recently tried the pistachio version, and it was fantastic!

Right in the heart of Grünerløkka, surrounded by vintage shops and trendy cafés, you’ll find this Thai restaurant. The space is quite small and intimate, with simple yet stylish decor. Both the food and service are top notch, while the atmosphere stays relaxed and informal. They perfectly blend a bit of fine dining with street food vibes in a wonderful mix!

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.

Grünerløkka’s perhaps liveliest food bar, serving up seasonal small plates with a cool bar vibe! You absolutely have to try their famous cheddar and jalapeño toast. They have quite a reputation for this! From the lunch menu, the Vitello Tonnato is a great pick, featuring thinly sliced veal, tuna mayonnaise, salad, parmesan, and toasted bread. Lunch is served until 3:30 pm daily and until 5 pm on Sundays. The evening menu offers dishes like tagliatelle with lobster, tartare, and ling (fish). Oyster lovers will also find options at friendly prices. The wine list focuses mainly on organic and natural wines. We keep coming back because of the laid-back yet elegant feel, paired with an energetic atmosphere. It’s especially popular in the summer when the sunny outdoor seating really shines!

This bar and pizza restaurant is easily one of the most popular spots in Frogner and definitely worth the visit. The first thing you’ll see when you walk in is the open bar, and both the pizza and the atmosphere here are top notch. They don’t hold back on quality ingredients or creativity, so you’ll find plenty of exciting flavor combos on the menu. Our favorite is the one with seasonal tomatoes, packed with rich flavor and topped with a creamy burrata in the center. The space is divided into several cozy rooms and there’s outdoor seating for sunny days.

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!

[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.

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.

Fiery peppercorns, a slightly worn interior and top tier food. Make no mistake, this place is absolutely worth the long standing hype. And don’t forget to ask about the secret menu. The selection ranges from classics like spring rolls and dumplings to crispy duck and fried rice or noodles – all familiar favorites. The only thing they have in common with most Chinese restaurants in town is the massive and extensive menu. The space might not scream Michelin, but this is without a doubt a spot you need to check out.

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!

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!

A busy and popular café in Grünerløkka, known for its award winning coffee and sustainable approach. This small corner café has a few benches outside facing the Akerselva river and a handful of seats indoors. They serve high quality light roasted coffee, with beans carefully sourced from origin countries by Tim Wendelboe himself.

Oslo’s hidden sandwich magic tucked behind an unassuming door! Hope for good weather because it’s take-away only. But trust us, It’s totally worth it! This small sandwich shop serves seriously tasty creations on brioche buns. Think duck confit with tangy red cabbage, pickles, and tarragon mayo, porchetta paired with fennel salad, or a meatball sub with habanero marinara and melted mozzarella. Absolutely delicious! And don’t miss finishing off with their amazing chocolate chip cookie. Just saying.

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.

Middle Eastern meze right in the heart of Grünerløkka! With colorful dips, heavenly hummus, warm fluffy bread, flavorful halloumi and delicious falafel, this beautiful restaurant has everything you could wish for. Inspired by the rich meze culture, they serve small, tasty dishes perfect for sharing. What makes Zarathustra Meyhane stand out is how they honor the traditions behind meze while adding their own creative twist.

Not far from Majorstuen, in Marienlyst, you’ll find this pizza gem! Topped with Fiordilatte mozzarella, prosciutto, mortadella, flavours like chèvre and caramelised onion, and of course a delicious thin crust, this is among the very best in Oslo. The 'Mortadella' is packed with ham and plenty of creamy mozzarella. If you like a spicier option, the 'ZiOPizza Special' with chorizo and ’nduja is an absolute must! The space is small, but the cosy indoor seating with a view straight into the kitchen adds to the charm. A truly excellent pizza experience and one of our top picks!