Top Bar Restaurants In Oslo

What could be better than a nice dinner? A nice dinner accompanied by cool cocktails, refreshing beer or wines that expertly elevate each dish. The art of the bar restaurant is relatively new in Norway, which is perhaps not surprising, given the country’s still-strict attitude when it comes to alcohol, but in the last few years it’s been going strong. We take a look at the best places for you to have your dinner and drinks in Oslo. Cheers and velbekomme!

1. Fyr Bistronomi & Bar

Bistro, Restaurant, Bar, Tapas, Beer, European

A new arrival in Majorstua, Fyr manages to balance grilling things to perfection and offering a refreshingly Nordic twist on bistro dishes that are at the same time elaborate and authentic. Their menu, Full Fyr, is excellent and is paired with wine and cocktails, but if you have to choose one dish, make it the langoustine, served with bread and infused butter.

2. Champagneria

Bar, Restaurant, Contemporary

Α posh but fun concept in Oslo’s West Side, Champagneria serves a selection of well-made tapas dishes (try the sweet potato chips with the chimichurri aioli), paired with a wide selection of champagnes, wines and other alcoholic drinks. It’s busy at weekends, but visit in the middle of the week and the crowds are easily avoided.

3. BAR Vulkan

Bar, Restaurant, Contemporary

The terrace at BAR Vulkan, Courtesy of BAR Vulkan

On the edge of the Akerselva River, you’ll find one of the branches of BAR Social Eating: the Vulkan outpost. It’s industrial in style (this is Grünerløkka, after all) but manages to convey a chic atmosphere that has made it popular among the locals. Have a seat on the patio or the terrace, if the weather is on your side, or enjoy the ambience and live music at the bar. You can enjoy dishes such as beef tartare with miso mayonnaise, paired with a cool cocktail or a glass of red wine.

5. Le Benjamin Bar and Bistro

Bistro, Bar, Restaurant, French

Fried sardines and rose wine at Le Benjamin Bar & Bistro

If you’re looking for a casual French bistro experience in a setting that’s just the right side of fancy, look no further than Grünerløkka. There you’ll find Le Benjamin Bar & Bistro, a fine place that’s all about authentic Gallic recipes, made fresh daily from the finest ingredients. There’s a succulent selection of cheeses, but also fare such as beef tartare with beets, sardines and tarte brûlée, all complemented by an extensive wine list. Note that they’re closed on Mondays.

6. Arakataka

Bar, Restaurant, Northern European, Contemporary

One of the dishes at the food bar of Arakataka

There’s something about an open kitchen. Watching the chef preparing your meal right in front your eyes makes the whole experience that much more special. And that’s exactly what awaits you at Arakataka. Sure, you can book a table at this modern Scandinavian bistro, but why would you, when you can take a seat at the matbaren (food bar)? Serving smaller portions until half past midnight, while the rest of the restaurant closes at 10pm, this is the best place to enjoy gourmet bar food such as langoustines or poultry hearts cooked on the spot, all paired with some very good wine and beer.

7. Louise Restaurant & Bar

Bar, Restaurant, Seafood, European

Sharing platter at Louise Restaurant & Bar

When a Norwegian restaurant is located by the port, you know the seafood you’ll be eating there will be beyond fresh. Louise Restaurant & Bar is located in a historic building in Aker Brygge and decorated with more than 1,000 objects from harbours, shipyards and the sea. Here you can enjoy seafood platters paired with wine, but also hearty, traditional Norwegian dishes such as lutefisk.

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