Dining out in Norway may be expensive to foreigners. The restaurants below are chosen for their excellent quality/value balance.
Tipping is not compulsory, but if you are happy with the service and the food, you may add/leave up to 10 % of the bill.
Hai Café
Excellent and reasonably priced Thai and Vietnamese food in central Oslo. Do not expect excellent service or beatuful premises, but the food is great. This is the favorite every-day restaurant of many star chefs! Try the fresh spring rolls and a curry dish. Expect around NOK 150 for a filling meal.
Jewel of India
Arguably the best Indian restaurant in Oslo, located within walking distance of both DNVA and Hotel Gabelshus. Great interior, staff and food! Expect around NOK 250 for a main course.
Amundsen Bryggeri og Spiseri
Brewpub close to the town hall and Nationaltheatret with a huge selection of beer and good pub-style food (try the fish and chips). A bit crowded and with expensive alcohol, but a nice place overall, and the place to go if you want to try Westvleteren Trappist beer or real British cask ale.
Café Christiania
This is a brasserie-style restaurant close to Stortinget. The interior is unique and full of odd collectables, the food is good and reasonably priced (try the duck confit), and the staff are friendly.
Trattoria Popolare
Excellent italian restaurant in the lower part of Grünerløkka. Try the tasting menu for two persons (NOK 550 per person) and imported Italian gourmet beer! NOK 400 for four course menu.
Villa Paradiso
Situated in Grünerløkka, Villa Paradiso is an excellent place for Italian pizza and pasta, with Italian chefs. Has an Italian-style enoteca (Bar Bellini) linked via an indoor entrance with a choice of excellent Italian wines. Pizza for NOK 150-200.
The Nighthawk Diner
American style diner in Grünerløkka with good burgers and unique decor.
Grünerløkka Brygghus
Small brewpub with perhaps the best in situ brewed beer and pub food in town! Try fish and chips or bangers and mash with one of the house beers.
Statholdergaarden (one Michelin star)
This gourmet restaurant is run by 1993 Bucose d'or winner Bent Stiansen, one of Norway's most profilic chefs. The restaurant's premises are from 1640, giving a unique historic atmosphere. The food is classic yet modern. Excpect NOK 2000 for a complete experience. The restaurant has had one Michelin star since 1998.
A mid-price informal section resides in the basement, Statholdergaardens Mat & Vinkjelle, which is also a memorable experience and highly recommended. Ten courses including a complete wine menu for about NOK 1200. This offer is hard to beat!
If you want to try Statholdergaarden, please book well in advance!