The 10 Best Restaurants In Oslo's Kvadraturen

In Oslo’s vibrant downtown district, Kvadraturen, visitors will never be at a loss for entertainment. The area is pedestrian-friendly and full of surprises, historical landmarks and museums just to mention a few of its pulls. On top of all this, the area is brimming over with some of the most fantastic restaurants in the city.

Pascal Tollbugata

Based on the sweet and delectable flavors of a French patisserie, Pascal Tollbugata is an affordable yet comfortable restaurant. The menu offers select dishes that are lightly filling, including a variety of delicate salads that delight the senses as well as the stomach. It’s a favorite place for the most mouth-watering cakes in all of Norway, and visitors will notice that the royal guards have made this little restaurant a regular! With a cheerful atmosphere and amazing cakes, Pascal is a good place to stop for lunch or an afternoon dessert. Pascal Tollbugata, Henrik Ibsen’s Gate 36, Oslo, Norway, +47 22 55 00 20

2. Nilsen Spiseri

Restaurant

Nilsen Spiseri

In a cozy and lightly decorated venue, try the authentic Norwegian cuisine of Nilsen Spiseri. This restaurant is open all day long, so whether one is searching for a delightful breakfast to start the day, a hearty lunch to keep on trucking, or a relaxing dinner with friends and family, Nilsen has something to offer. There are several main dishes featuring fish and potatoes, which are of course favorites in this Nordic capital. Visitors can even satisfy a sweet tooth by sampling the restaurant’s traditional Norwegian waffle, a wafer that is flavored to the T. Nilsen Spiseri, Tollbugata 8A, Oslo, Norway, +47 22 41 27 20

3. Mehfel

Restaurant, Pakistani

It’s a cultural exploration at Mehfel, a pleasant and family friendly Pakistani restaurant. The restaurant has a comfortable setting with food from the Punjab province of Pakistan. Layers of delicious and well-combined spices wrap the nose in warm and inviting aromas. The menu is quite extensive, including not just seafood, but a list of homemade soups, so there are plenty of options to explore, as well as something to please everyone. Besides fantastic food, there is a variety of events that take place at the restaurant, which makes Mehfel a vibrant place to enjoy live music and even a murder mystery dinner on occasion.

4. Caribe Restaurant & Bar

Bar, Restaurant

Caribe Restaurant & Bar

Taste the Caribbean as if really visiting the archipelagos of the tropics at Caribe, where visitors get all the flavors of delightful dishes such as plantains, cassava, chivo guisado and carne guisado. The food comes in large portions that ensure everyone goes home full and happy. Enjoy a chic and small atmosphere that invites a fun and truly community experience. Visitors won’t miss out on their favorite football games here either, because Caribe is sure to stream sports live on the TVs located about the restaurant. Caribe Restaurant and Bar, Radhusgata 6, Oslo, Norway, +47 40 32 32 00

5. Statholderens Mat & Vinkjeller

Bistro, Restaurant, Contemporary, European

Step down into this luxurious and modern bistro for an truly exceptional dining experience. Statholderens Mat & Vinkjeller specializes in ten course meals, where each week the chefs change the menu granting guests a new culinary adventure every time they visit. On top of excellent food, this restaurant is located in a historic building that was originally built for the Master of the Mint in 1623. After transferring hands over the years, the restaurant was opened in 1994 and is a winner of the Michelin Guide Star no less! Statholderens Mat & Vinkjeller, Radhusgate 11, Oslo, Norway

6. Posthallen Restaurant

Restaurant, European, Wine, Beer

Take a step into the former main post office and past the inspiring church doors to the relaxing environment that is Posthallen Restaurant. The menu here is focused on serving tantalizing dishes from Norway, and in the comfortable setting of this historic building, there is little to be missed. Try a diverse assortment of light dishes, or engage in a three course dinner that includes a soup, a main dish and dessert. Just sit back with a glass of wine in the warm and inviting realm of this restaurant and enjoy the local flavors! Posthallen Restaurant, Prinsens Gate 8, Oslo, Norway

7. Maaemo

Restaurant, Diner, Northern European

Highlighting the relationship between raw nature, natural produce and cultural history, Maaemo is a complete experience of inspiration and creativity. The food here is entirely styled after the seasons of nature, and the chefs spend quality time getting to know the farmers and producers of the materials used to create the tasty meals on the menu. Dining at this restaurant is about enjoyment, and notably the restaurant encourages visitors to take the entire night to stew in the amazing tastes and flavors going. With only eight tables it’s a good idea to book ahead! Maaemo, Schweigaardsgate 15b, Oslo, Norway

8. Engebret Cafe

Cafe, Restaurant, Seafood, European

Oslo’s oldest restaurant is a low corner building from the 1700s and a hub for delicious seafood. Since it resided across the street from the Christiania Theater, the restaurant has hosted many actors, actresses and well-known folk of society within its doors. The menu at Engebret is always changing with the seasons of Norway, and the food is a true reflection of Norwegian cuisine. Whether enjoying fresh game, daily caught fish, or melt-in-the-mouth mushrooms, the cozy and inviting atmosphere of this historic landmark is a great way to spend an evening downtown.

9. Grilleriet

Bar, Restaurant, Bistro, Northern European

The grill is the heart of this restaurant. At Grilleriet, almost everything is cooked on a special indoor charcoal grill. The dishes here are a blend of contemporary and creative innovations on classic favorites. The menus rotate on a seasonal basis, and the produce employed is fresh in a way that combines deliciously in each dish. Chill at the bar in the middle of the restaurant or observe the chefs as they prepare artistic entrées for guests, all the while wallowing in some serious great barbecue flavours..

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.