My favourite places for Summer 2026
Dining in Oslo
Welcome to Oslo's refined culinary landscape. The city offers a sophisticated blend of New Nordic innovation and deep-rooted maritime traditions. From the bustling food halls of Mathallen and Oslo Street Food to the quiet, Michelin-starred establishments in Frogner, this guide curates experiences that prioritize quality, atmosphere, and local provenance. As you navigate the capital during the bright Nordic summer, discover how Oslo’s dining scene reflects a commitment to sustainability and seasonal integrity, providing both intellectual and sensory rejuvenation.
Further down at this page you will find some of my favourite places to enjoy good food and drinks. You can also read about my tips for dining out in Oslo during the summer time. Keep an eye out for my honorable mentions on the bottom of the page. These are popular places among Norwegians.
Recommended Restaurants
Oslo is full of amazing food experiences and hidden gems. Here are just a few of the many fantastic places you can visit for something to eat, from highly acclaimed restaurants to my personal favorites that I always find myself coming back to.
Maaemo
Price: High
Address: Dronning Eufemias gate 23
Three star Michelin restaurant with incredible quality. Maybe one of the best dining experiences you can get in Norway. Maaemo value their farm-to-table idea, with a focus on zero food-waste. The food that would become waste they use at their farms.
Oslo Street Food
Address: Torggata 16b
Oslo Street Food is a food hall with 13 different food stalls where most of them serve different cuisine from around the world. You can enjoy the delicious food both inside the food hall and outside in the sun. This is a place I always visit in Oslo, because everyone finds something they like.
Raffiné
Address: Universitetsgata 7
Lebanese restaurant and wine bar. Affiné is a modern and elegant restaurant in Oslo known for its creative tasting menus and focus on seasonal Nordic ingredients. The atmosphere is intimate and stylish, making it a perfect spot for a special dinner or a refined food experience in the city. Their attention to detail, both in flavor and presentation, makes this a must-visit for food lovers visiting Oslo.
Cafes & Bakeries
Braud Bakery
This bakery originally comes from just outside the town I’m from. They have several bakeries around the Sunnmøre region and have now opened their very first bakery in Oslo. I highly recommend stopping by and trying some of their pastries and baked goods, especially since this was also my very first workplace back in my hometown, Ålesund.
Address: Middelthuns gate 17
Price: Mid-range
Note: Quiet weekday mornings
Tim Wendelboe
World-renowned coffee roastery operating with scientific precision. This micro-roastery offers the pinnacle of Scandinavian light roast culture. This place is very popular among both locals from Oslo and tourists visiting the city.
Address: Grüners gate 1, Grünerløkka
Note: Best to grab and go, not that many spots to sit
W.B. Samson
Established in 1894, this bakery combines tradition with modern craftsmanship. W.B. Samson is one of Oslo’s most iconic bakeries and cafés, known for its long history and traditional Norwegian baked goods. It’s the perfect place to enjoy freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, and a good cup of coffee in a cozy atmosphere. Whether you stop by for breakfast, lunch, or a sweet treat, W.B. Samson is a classic Oslo favorite worth visiting.
Address: Karl Johans gt. 20
Price: Moderate
Note: Many locations throughout the city
Babbo Collective
Babbo Collective serves authentic Scandinavian breakfast with delicious sourdough bread, traditional toppings, and a variety of baked goods. I highly recommend stopping by one of their cafés to experience a real Norwegian breakfast.
Address: Bygdøy allé 15
Note: They have several locations across the city, so I recommend checking which one is closest to you.
Tips for Dining Out
Practicalities
Reservations
- Tipping: A service charge is usually included; however, rounding up or adding 5-10% for exceptional service is standard academic practice. No need to tip like you would do in the U.S.
- Hours: Most kitchens close at 21:00 or 22:00. Weekend brunch is highly popular; plan accordingly.
- If you have a specific restaurant you want to try, check if they have a location near where you are staying. The address I put down in my recommendations is not always the closest.
- For high-end restaurants you need to book 4-6 weeks in advance.
- If the weather is nice and you want outdoor seating at lunch, you need to book a table. You are competing with the whole city for a good spot in the sun.
- I always like to book for both dinner and lunch if we are eating at a restaurant. I would recommend doing the same if you know where yould like to eat.
Honorable Mentions
Check out these local favorite spots that you should visit while exploring Oslo.
Digg
Famous local pizza that is ideal for a summer picnic in the Royal Palace Park or on the Opera House roof.
Soul Cake
This trendy bakery is the top spot for gourmet cookies when you need a sweet treat during your travels.
Lille Betong
Renowned for their amazing 'skolebrød' and its close connection to the Michelin-recommended restaurant Betong.
Jønk
A popular fast-food joint offering fantastic burgers and high-quality chicken sandwiches.
Teatercaféen
A legendary and historical landmark featuring a refined vibe and world-class dining.
Norda Restaurant
Found atop The Hub, this venue provides perhaps the best views in the city alongside great music.