Oslo’s Best Restaurants for Fine Dining
Over the past decade, the Nordic countries have firmly established themselves as literal forces of nature in the world of fine dining. Their distinctly Nordic cuisine embraces the principles of going back to nature, focussing on fresh and local ingredients and experimental cooking. Let’s take a look at some of Oslo’s best and most popular fine dining options, where a distinctly Norwegian culinary culture meets European fine dining.
It is worth noting that many of these restaurants actually offer very good deals for fine dining experiences considering the slightly higher prices of restaurants in Oslo and Norway compared to many other countries.
Featured image by Moyan Brenn.
1. Maaemo
Restaurant, Diner, Northern European
No restaurant guide to Oslo is complete without a mention of Maaemo, the first restaurant in Norway to be awarded two Michelin stars in 2016. It gained a third one in February 2017. With the Danish chef Esben Holmboe Bang at its helm, the restaurant has won award after award and developed a distinctly Norwegian menu, mixing ancient food and techniques with modern-day finesse. The food is made only from organic and natural ingredients that can be found in Norwegian nature.
It is the perfect place to taste the very best meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables, berries and herbs that Norway has to offer. The menu is constantly changing and staff members are encouraged to put their own spin on dishes. Maaemo is extremely popular and booking in advance is a must (think a few months ahead).
2. Statholdergaarden
Restaurant, Northern European, Contemporary
This restaurant has one Michelin star and gives an intriguing insight into the Norwegian kitchen. Diners have a choice between a 13-course tasting menu, a 4-6-course menu and single dishes. All the courses are made with the best Norwegian ingredients and the food always reflects the seasons.
Statholdergaarden’s beautiful historical setting makes for a very distinct atmosphere. The building in the old city centre is one of modern Oslo’s oldest, dating back to the 17th century when it used to be the seat of the Danish king’s illegitimate son who governed Norway in his absence. The ceilings inside the restaurant have some of the finest stuccowork in Northern Europe.
Note that the kitchen closes for new orders at 9:30 PM.
4. Restaurant Eik
Restaurant, Northern European
The food is served in a lovely, relaxed room with an open kitchen and many interesting decorative details to admire. It is situated on the corner of Hotel Savoy across from the National Gallery and is connected to the Savoy Bar at the hotel. The staff are on hand to provide the best possible experience and to ensure that the restaurant remains one of the most popular in Oslo.
5. Gamle Raadhus Restaurant
Restaurant, Northern European
Oslo’s original city hall from 1641 is now the historic setting for this fantastic restaurant. It is just next to Akershus Fortress and is the perfect place to unwind with some Norwegian specialities after a day spent exploring Oslo’s sights.
The restaurant is well known for the wintry lutefisk, cod and other excellent fish and game dishes, as well as the fact that it has stayed true to its Norwegian heritage. It also boasts an abundant wine list in all price categories. During the summer, the doors are opened up to Raadhusgaarden, the quaint backyard, for lunch and dinner.
6. Værtshuset Bærums Verk
Restaurant, Northern European
This is the oldest restaurant in Norway, having served food since 1640 when it was a hot spot for the local workers. It is a little further from the city centre, but easily reachable by public transport. Today, Værtshuset serves classic Norwegian dishes based on the food that would have been eaten by the well-to-do in the 1800s. The food is an exciting combination of Norwegian produce (fresh, pickled or smoked) as well as foreign foods that would have been coming into the country in the 1800s. They are open for lunch as well as dinner.
The restaurant closes at 8 PM during holidays.
7. Lofoten Fish Restaurant
Restaurant, Northern European, Seafood, Soup
Fish and Norway go hand-in-hand and for foodies, a taste of local seafood should be high on the list of things to do in Oslo. At Lofoten Fish Restaurant, named after an archipelago with age-old fishing traditions in northern Norway, they have made wonderful things from the sea their speciality. Only the best and freshest produce is used and the maritime menu is of an extremely high standard. Their philosophy, charmingly, is to awaken the senses and ensure that your stomach is satisfied. Enjoy the exquisite food at the old docks at Aker Brygge just next to the sea.
8. Argent Restaurant
Restaurant, Northern European
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