The 7 Best Brunch Spots In Grünerløkka, Oslo

Named for the diner in the famous Hopper painting, The Nighthawk Diner is a pleasant surprise for any homesick Americans rambling around Oslo; as soon as you walk in, you’ll notice the telltale bright chrome decor of fifties-style American diners. Sidle up to the long L-shaped table and take your pick from a menu of classic American diner grub, like pancakes, hamburgers, milkshakes, pies, fresh juices, and of course, a regular cup of joe. All the handcrafted furniture has been imported from the U.S., along with a stunning old jukebox which is a bit of a starring attraction at this venue. The kitchen make all their own sauces and mayonnaise, which are part of the magic behind dishes like the pulled pork and the chili con carne. The quality of the food and service draws a lot of people in, so try to get there a little early to snag your own slice of apple pie at this cute, kitschy Oslo outpost for all things Americana.

Det Grønne Kjøkken (The Green Kitchen’) is an incredibly charming haunt, with ample seating both inside and out despite its strong sense of coziness. The menu may be small, but everything they offer here is 100 percent organic, from their range of baked goods to their light snacks and filling sandwiches. If you’re very hungry, the sandwiches are sure to satisfy your appetite, as they all come with hot cheese, béchamel sauce, ham, and a huge portion of salad. For a more breakfasty option, their omelettes are also known for their generous size. Those with a sweet tooth should try their organic cakes and waffles, or even their decadent cheesecake. If you need a little caffeine kick, their superb latte will pick you right up.

Prince Lunchabar has been in the market since 2001, and has grown over the past fifteen years into one of Oslo’s best loved lunch spots for locals. It’s also a great place to have brunch on a lazy weekend. They serve some of the best sandwiches in town, the secret weapon being their homemade tangy mayonnaise. They also bake all of their own breads, which takes their sandwiches and burgers up yet another notch. This is a great spot to enjoy quality food straight from the source, and considering how fresh everything is, the prices are impressively low.

Located inside the Hotel Folketeateret, Grilleriet offers its guests a rustic, inviting atmosphere, with a large open kitchen on one end and a bookcase stuffed with old cookbooks on the other. The breakfast buffet is a true standout here. You’ll have a variety of fresh flatbreads to choose from, along with rye and crunchy bread, which you can top with your own customized assortment of cheeses, cold cuts, and condiments. You’ll also find hot dishes like fried and scrambled eggs, and a station where you can assemble your own ideal omelette. There’s plenty of bacon to go around, and a delicious warm aubergine salad for veggies. This is a great place for those who like to try a little bit of everything, so stop by and assemble the brunch of your dreams.

You’ll love the low-key, neighborhood feeling at the laidback cafe Fru Hagen. Whether you’ve curled up with a warm mug on one of their cushy couches, or have staked out a table for catching up one-on-one, there’s a casual, chilled out atmosphere here which attracts a big crowd without ever breaking the sense of calm. Their menu offers a wide range of omelettes, sandwiches, pasta, and burgers. For the earlier side of brunch we’d highly recommend the omelette, served with your choice of bacon or side salad. If your appetite’s leaning more towards lunch, go for the grilled chicken sandwich with tomato, mozzarella and basil dressing, or the pasta with beef, mushroom, spinach and fresh tomato sauce. No brunch is truly complete without a dessert, and Fru Hagen’s apple crumble with vanilla ice cream makes for a tasty finish here. If you’re a little too full for the crumble, go for the hot chocolate with cream.

Mucho Mas is a modest Californian/Mexican restaurant serving fresh, home-style food. If you prefer to sleep in before a leisurely afternoon brunch, roll into Mucho Mas one afternoon and try something different. Their delicious tacos are liberally filled with your choice of grilled or braised meat or seafood, and heaped with guacamole. The torta sandwich is always a great choice here too. Mucho Mas offers a refreshing change of pace if you’re tired of the usual heavy eggs-and-bacon brunch, and all their dishes are packed with natural, top-quality ingredients for a healthy start to your day.

With its subtle background music, free Wi-Fi and intriguing decor, Liebling is a laid-back choice for brunch where you can easily camp out and relax for hours after your meal. They serve fresh food here for brunch, like sandwiches and thick slices of bread topped with creamy hummus, lettuce and cucumbers, or with their house avocado spread and cherry tomatoes. The coffee and espresso drinks are the true stars of the show at Liebling, so be sure to try a latte or cappuccino to complete your relaxing experience here.