You are never far from a fine dining opportunity in Frogner. As well as plenty of examples of excellent Scandinavian and Nordic cuisine, the Oslo district also has its fair share of international influence: anything from decadent Indian curries, and delicious French cookery, to exciting Thai dishes within a short walking distance of each other. Here we list our ten favourites.
As the former chambre separée of the Michelin-star-awarded, and now closed restaurant, Bagatelle, Lille B is a less pricy (but just as delicious) alternative to its former superior. With a set five-course menu and a customized wine list, Lille B offers a refined dining experience, brandishing fresh Norwegian produce and innovative cooking in a sophisticated and elegant manner. With the personal attendance of the chef, an informal atmosphere, and an impressive collection of art adorning the walls, this small restaurant is sure to leave you hungry for more.
One of the more scenic restaurants in Oslo, located next to the historic Frogner Manor, an 18th century wooden villa in the middle of the Frogner Park, Herregårdskroen offers light meals, as well as a comprehensive drinks menu. Right next to the Oslo City Museum, Herregårdskroen is a perfect spot for a post-tour break, especially in the summer months, with ample seating on its spacious terrace. First opened in 1960, this restaurant also provides its customers with a spectacular view of the park, and the forest-clad hills rising beyond.
One of the Norwegian stars in the Michelin sky, Fauna Restaurant is a vital destination for anyone interested in the sophisticated cuisine the Scandinavian Peninsula can offer. With star-studded reviews all around, the restaurant is a spectacular setting for formal, as well as informal meals, showcasing refined, elegant and modern plates of food at a very fair price. Presenting high quality produce in a creative and aesthetically pleasing manner, Fauna Restaurant and its cuisine is sure to create lasting impressions on the palate.
In the heart of Frogner lies a restaurant established in what used to be an old barn. Selling and serving organic food in a rustic and hip environment, Kolonihagen has found a recipe for success in food-conscious times. Started by one of the co-owners of Oslo’s only restaurant with two Michelin stars, the food does not disappoint. Lunch and dinner menus have been adapted to the seasons, and the best Norwegian produce is on offer. They even do a delivery service, bringing boxes full of organic goods straight to your door.
A funky, urban and international option in Frogner’s fashionable streets, Fresko offers healthy, clean, and fresh food to the masses. Catering to the earlier crowds with extensive breakfast and lunch menus, Fresko also serves as a juice bar, with a remarkable selection of juices, smoothies and shakes. If wary of what you put in your body, or simply in want of a light meal, this might just be the place for you. Fresko serves salads, sandwiches, soups and desserts, all made from local, seasonal produce, in a trendy juice bar setting.
In the former venue of Michelin-awarded Le Canard, an impressive villa, Restaurant Sawan, a contemporary Thai restaurant, has been well established as Oslo’s best place for Asian fusion food. With urban chic interiors, the contemporary Thai cuisine is matched by its surroundings. With decadent dishes, a wide array of inventive signature cocktails, and a sizeable terrace that makes for ample seating outside during the summer season, Restaurant Sawan is a sure fire bet for excellent Thai cuisine.
As the name suggests, this tapas-serving restaurant-bar has a fondness of sparkly, bubbling drinks. Champagneria serves a selection of well-made tapas dishes, perfect for a lighter dinner. The real star of the show, however, is of course the restaurant’s wide selection of champagnes, wine and other alcoholic drinks. This place is busy at weekends, when table booking is essential; visit in the middle of the week however, and the crowds are easily avoided. Champagneria is a slightly posh, but fun and informal concept, well established in Oslo’s best West End.
Receiving passionately enthusiastic reviews from the country’s leading newspaper, Aftenposten, this Indian restaurant hammers its already solid reputation as one of the best places for Indian food in Oslo solidly to the wall. With an extensive menu of authentic Indian dishes, influenced by north Indian cuisine, Jewel of India knows how to lead its customers through a delightful dining experience. This restaurant, popular among locals, tourists and other visitors, is the place to go if you find yourself in Oslo and in want of a hearty Indian meal.
Hos Thea is a well-established, and renowned institution in Frogner. A short walk from the city center, this restaurant serves food that honors the classic French tradition in an updated and refined manner. With a homely atmosphere, an engaged owner eager to make his customers feel at ease, and well-made food created with the best produce, learning that Hos Thea has been hailed as one of Oslo’s best restaurants is no surprise.
Yet another Indian restaurant with a hearty reputation, Natraj is a go-to place for delicious tandoori dishes. The venue is firmly entrenched in its landscape, having survived in the same location since 1985. With a friendly staff, intimate atmosphere, selection of Indian beers and a take-away option, Natraj has become a popular place among locals, with many regular customers. Serving authentic food in generous portions, the restaurant is busy at weekends, filled with an enthusiastic crowd. Named after the goddess, Shiva, and her dance to resist temptation, the restaurant of the same name may have the opposite effect.
