THE LOCALS’ GUIDE TO OSLO

Valebrokk’s tips for a Saturday with the locals in Oslo

Fashionable Frogner: Follow up a stroll in the Vigeland sculpture park (Frognerparken) with a visit to the lovely café Anne På Landet. Have some quality coffee, try a rum-spiked hot chocolate, or opt for a rhubarb slush with or without alcohol. They also have a selection of yummy buns and cakes. Be sure to pop into the shop Dècouvreur, which have a cool combination of art, interior design and fashion, plus delicacies like homemade chocolate. There’s nothing like it in Oslo! Two other hot tips are to stop for a coffee at Eckers or an affogato at Gioia. Enoteca is a top-rated restaurant in Bygdøy Allé. This is the place to be if you want to rub shoulders with some of the richest people in the country – don’t be surprised if you see a member of the royal family. The food is Italian, but the atmosphere is 100 per cent Frogner.

Food market: There’s a Farmer’s Market with local produce most Saturdays, either at Vinkelplassen in Majorstuen or in the Birkelunden park in Grünerløkka.

Fresh fish from the fjord: Hop on a wooden boat to the restaurant Lille Herbern, or take the ferry to Nesoddtangen and have a meal at Signalen. Munching fresh shrimps on a bench in the harbour is an exotic experience for tourists and locals alike. Grab a bag straight from the fishing boat at Rådhuskaia. There’s plenty more fish at Vulkanfisk, a shop and eatery that serves shrimps, crabs, fish soup, and mussels. It is located in the food hall Mathallen, which houses numerous other good restaurants, too.

Cake with a view: Take the metro to Frognerseteren, where you can tuck into a scrumptious apple pie while looking out over Oslo.

Top eateries and water holes: Enjoy oysters and organic wine at Eff Eff in Fredensborg. Go for a walk among the wooden houses at Telthusbakken before having another glass of wine and perhaps a snack at Nektar. Crow Bar in Torggata has a wide range of beer on tap and a fantastic rotisserie pork shawarma. For the very best service by the most energetic waiting staff, head to Grünerløkka and Skaal Matbar, which is also known for their legendary snacks.

Cocktail o’clock: Three reliable cocktail bars are The Swan, Andre til høyre, and Himkok. Be sure to try a cocktail with aquavit, Norway’s national spirit. Himkok also has a cider bar and an outdoor kitchen in the backyard.

The best coffee in town: Tim Wendelboe is a world-renowned coffee legend. A trip to his café on Grünerløkka is a must for anyone who wants to familiarise themselves with Nordic-style coffee.

Cheese in the city: Winther at Aker Brygge is an artisan cheese factory and farm shop. They also serve delicious Italian dishes and sourdough pizza.

Typically Norwegian: Vaaghals in Bjørvika has beautiful food with a Norwegian focus. Bibliotekbaren at Hotel Bristol has satisfying sandwiches and afternoon tea. If you have budgeted for something a bit fancier, Rest is a cool place to visit. They describe their concept as “fine dining on food waste”. To minimise waste, they create gourmet dishes from ingredients that would otherwise have been thrown out. If you are curious about the most Norwegian of all shops in Oslo, head over to Fenaknoken where you can learn about our food heritage and taste local specialities.

Sausages and waffles: Stop by Syverkiosken, also known as hotdog heaven, for an impressive selection of sausages and homemade condiments. Unless you’re more in the mood for a waffle, that is. At Haralds Vaffel, you get classic Norwegian-style waffles with toppings like sour cream and jam or brown cheese. At both Syverkiosken and Haralds Vaffel, you can also try a rare combination from the city of Moss: a sausage in a waffle.

Quirky places: Smalhans at St. Hanshaugen is known for its simple but delicious food. Just around the corner, you’ll find Restaurant Schrøder, which is not to be missed for fans of Norwegian crime author Jo Nesbø and his main character Harry Hole. Don’t expect anything elegant, but it sure has plenty of charm. A great place to sit down with a pint.

Bistro chill or crazy grill: Ostebutikken in Grünerløkka is a cheese shop during the day and a cosy bistro in the evening. Those who prefer their dinner served with a lot of energy should check out Palace Grill at Solli Plass, where the atmosphere often builds up to complete mayhem during the evening. Hang out at the bar and listen to country music before you take a seat in the restaurant.

While you’re here: There are so many fantastic eateries in Oslo that your only problem will be to choose which ones to go to. Plan ahead and start exploring the cafés, bars, and restaurants!