Traditional in Oslo

This is the kind of place where you walk in for a coffee and suddenly find yourself drifting into a whole little retro world. The space in Gamlebyen is filled with vintage furniture, lamps and small treasures from the 1960s and 1970s. Here you get specialty coffee, really good waffles and simple things like toast when you want something more than just something sweet. And as the afternoon slowly turns into evening, it feels completely natural to move from a cappuccino to a glass of wine or beer. Their new Saturday brunch from 10 am is worth trying. Think a brunch buffet inspired by Berlin. On Sundays they also serve a pancake buffet where you can eat as much as you like with plenty of toppings.

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!

Great Norwegian seafood? Here the fish shop and the restaurant share the same space, so you see the ingredients first and suddenly want everything before you even sit down. On the menu you will find creamy fish soup, fish and chips with a perfectly crispy coating, and of course shrimp served with bread and aioli. If you want the full experience, you should order the 'Shellfish Platter'. It is a bit pricey, but there is enough food for two people. We have enjoyed that one several times. PS! You will also find the same restaurant in Bjørvika.

The concept is simple: Norwegian waffles done in their own slightly creative way. The start of this small waffle business is quite unique. Jonathan got the idea and began selling waffles from the window of his home at Harald Hardrådes plass in Gamlebyen. Word gradually spread, and people started coming from far away to get a waffle on the weekend. Now they are located in the popular area of Grünerløkka, and this is the kind of place you stop by when you want something sweet, savory, or both, without it feeling like a big occasion. You walk in, order at the window, and suddenly you are holding a freshly made waffle that tastes not only like childhood, but also a little like Oslo in 2026. You will find the classics here, but also some slightly unusual combinations that actually work. Think blue cheese, sausage, or a vegan coconut waffle that makes you forget it is vegan. They also offer options for those who want gluten free.

Right in the city center, you’ll find traditional Norwegian food – proper classic home cooking. Choose from dishes like elk meatballs and meat patties, to fish options like char and halibut. Kaffistova features a modern interior with dark walls, simple dark brown tables and black wooden chairs. Along the innermost wall, you’ll spot black and white photos of women at work or in traditional bunads. The space is otherwise brightened by tall windows and round lamps.

This traditional restaurant on Majorstuen feels a bit like a quick trip north without leaving the city. There are no trendy small plates or neon lights demanding attention, just an unpretentious dining room where seafood and tradition do the talking. The menu follows the seasons, and you will find classic Northern Norwegian dishes that are not always easy to come by in Oslo. When the time is right, they serve mølje, cod tongues that almost resemble scallops, and for the curious, even whale appears on the menu. This is the place to go when you want to eat proper fish, at a relaxed pace, with the feeling that the people in the kitchen truly know their craft.

Looking for traditional Norwegian food? This place is a true classic, and the menu is packed with just that. It’s an old school spot with a history going all the way back to 1923. The walls are covered with vintage paintings, photos, Jo Nesbø crime novels and proud newspaper clippings. It’s no coincidence they’ve been mentioned in his fiction – this is a restaurant with real character and a solid place in Oslo’s culinary story.

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.

Right in the heart of Barcode, you’ll find this bright and inviting restaurant. The food is rooted in Norwegian cuisine with a modern twist. Think homemade cured meats, creamy pasta salad with roe, chicken from local farms and juicy entrecôte. Their focus on carefully selected ingredients, prepared with love and respect for tradition, offers a unique Norwegian dining experience you won’t find many others matching in Oslo. The menu changes with the seasons, and for dinner you can choose from 4, 5 or 8-course sharing menus. The interior feels urban and warm with Scandinavian wooden furniture, reindeer antlers and touches of concrete. They also offer both a lunch menu and Saturday brunch!

Right in the heart of Oslo’s food hall at Vulkan, you’ll find this Norwegian fish market and seafood bar, known for its ocean scents and long lines. You might recognize the place from TikTok, where it’s become a real sensation. Here, you can peel shrimp, dip lobster in aioli, or enjoy mussels and crispy fish and chips—all surrounded by the lively buzz of Mathallen. The fish counter overflows with fresh ingredients like live lobster, Norwegian and French oysters, roe and seasonal catches, all handpicked and prepared on site. Their fish and chips and lobster are the most popular dishes on the menu.