Oslo is the capital and largest city of Norway, situated at the head of the Oslofjord. A dynamic Scandinavian capital blending Viking heritage with state-of-the-art architecture, Oslo offers world-class museums, a vibrant waterfront, lush forests, and some of Europe's finest dining.
Oslo's food scene has undergone a remarkable transformation, from traditional Norwegian fare to a world-class dining destination. The New Nordic cuisine movement, which began in Copenhagen, has taken deep root here, with chefs celebrating Norway's extraordinary natural larder: pristine seafood from the Oslofjord and Norwegian coast, game from the forests, foraged berries and herbs, and artisan dairy products. Oslo now boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants including the legendary three-star Maaemo.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Oslo.
Gravlaks
Salt and dill-cured Norwegian salmon, served with mustard sauce on dark bread
Reker (Shrimp)
Fresh Norwegian shrimp bought from harbour boats, peeled and eaten on crusty bread with mayonnaise
Fårikål
Norway's national dish: slow-cooked lamb and cabbage stew, best in autumn
Kjøttkaker
Norwegian-style meatballs in brown gravy with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam
Brunost (Brown Cheese)
Norway's unique caramelised whey cheese, best on waffles or crispbread
Lutefisk
Lye-treated dried whitefish, a traditional Christmas and autumn delicacy
Skillingsbolle
Oslo's beloved cardamom and cinnamon pastry, found at every bakery
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Maaemo
Oslo's three-Michelin-star restaurant serving a philosophy-driven tasting menu celebrating Norwegian nature and seasons. One of the world's top restaurants with ingredients sourced from pristine Norwegian landscapes.
Known for: Three Michelin stars, New Nordic cuisine
Schweigaards gate 15B, 0191 Oslo
Statholdergaarden
Located in a 17th-century Baroque building in the city centre, this elegant restaurant has held a Michelin star for years. Celebrated for refined Norwegian cuisine with classical French influences.
Known for: One Michelin star, historic setting
Rådhusgata 11, 0151 Oslo
Kontrast
A Michelin-starred restaurant in Grünerløkka focused on local, seasonal Norwegian produce. Chef Mikael Svensson's tasting menus showcase innovative Scandinavian cooking techniques.
Known for: One Michelin star, hyper-seasonal menu
Maridalsveien 15A, 0175 Oslo
Arakataka
An acclaimed Oslo restaurant offering exceptional value tasting menus. The six-course menu at 925 NOK represents outstanding quality for the price in Oslo's dining scene.
Known for: Excellent value fine dining tasting menus
Mariboes gate 7, 0183 Oslo
Restaurant Eik
An elegant restaurant in the Christiania Teater building offering modern Norwegian cuisine. Known for exceptional Norwegian seafood and game dishes with a refined wine list.
Known for: Norwegian seafood and game
Stortingsgata 16, 0161 Oslo
Theatercaféen
Oslo's most celebrated grand café, open since 1900. The lavish Art Nouveau interior is a landmark in itself. Traditional Norwegian dishes alongside continental European classics in a theatrical setting.
Known for: Historic grand café experience
Stortingsgata 24-26, 0117 Oslo
Ling Ling Oslo
A vibrant pan-Asian restaurant by the Hakkasan Group on the Aker Brygge waterfront. Stylish setting with excellent cocktails and sharing plates inspired by Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisines.
Known for: Waterfront Asian fusion, excellent cocktails
Stranden 30, 0250 Oslo
Illegal Burger
Oslo's most popular premium burger restaurant with multiple locations. Offers creative gourmet burgers with Norwegian beef and inventive toppings. The Grünerløkka original is the best.
Known for: Oslo's best gourmet burgers
Thorvald Meyers gate 2, 0555 Oslo
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Modern Norwegian
Statholdergaarden
Restaurant Eik
Smalhans
Kveldsmat
Traditional Norwegian
Engebret Café
Stortorvet Gjæstgiveri
Kaffistova
Burgers
Bun's Burgers
Døgnvill Burger
Indian
Punjab Tandoor
Punjabi Dhaba
Japanese
Hitchhiker
Sabi Omakase
Modern Scandinavian
Arakataka
Folk Restaurant
New Nordic
Maaemo
Kontrast
Seafood
Fiskeriet Youngstorget
Aker Brygge Fish Market
American
Illegal Burger
Bar Snacks & Light Food
Kulturhuset
Brasserie
Sentralen Restaurant
Coffee & Cocktails
Fuglen Oslo
Craft Beer & Snacks
Torggata Botaniske
French
Brasserie Blanche
Fusion
Ling Ling Oslo
International Street Food
Vippa Oslo
Italian
Popina
Modern Nordic Sharing Plates
Pjoltergeist
Modern Norwegian Lunch
Maaemo Lunch at Einer
Nordic Wine & Snacks
Maaemo Bar
Norwegian
Ekeberg Restaurant
Norwegian & Continental
Theatercaféen
Norwegian Bakery & Café
Baker Hansen
Norwegian Fast Food
Syverkiosken
Organic Bakery & Café
Godt Brød
Specialty Coffee
Tim Wendelboe
Specialty Coffee & Light Bites
Java Espressobar & Kafé
Traditional Norwegian Pub Food
Olympen (Lompa)
Wine Bar
Mæemo Sommelier Bar
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Pølse (Hot dog)
Norwegian hot dog in lompe (potato flatbread) from kiosks throughout the city, ~55 NOK
Vippa Food Market
International street food market at Akershusstranda with 15+ stalls
Mathallen stalls
Artisan Norwegian produce and ready meals in the indoor food hall
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Mathallen Oslo
Vippa
Grønland Bazaar
Fisketorget at Aker Brygge
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Oslo is expensive - budget 200-350 NOK for a casual lunch, 400-800 NOK for dinner per person
The Oslo Pass includes discounts at select restaurants
Tap water is free and safe to drink - always ask for 'vann' to avoid paying for bottled water
Lunch menus (lunsjmeny) offer the best value at quality restaurants
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory - 10% is standard for good service
Book Michelin-starred restaurants months in advance
Grønland neighbourhood offers the most affordable dining in the city centre
- Vegetarian
- Good vegetarian options at most modern restaurants; Grünerløkka has the most vegan/vegetarian cafés
- Vegan
- Growing vegan scene, especially in Grünerløkka and Majorstuen
- Gluten free
- Most restaurants can accommodate; always ask 'Er dette glutenfritt?'
- Halal
- Several halal restaurants in Grønland neighbourhood
- Allergens
- Norwegian restaurants are required by law to list allergens on menus
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | 150-300 NOK per day (~$14-29) - hot dogs, bakeries, supermarket | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |