Category: food

Top 5 Restaurants For Romantic Dinner in Oslo

Looking for the perfect restaurant for a romantic dinner in Oslo? Here are our top 5 choices.

When you’re planning a special evening or want to surprise someone (wink wink: Valentine’s Day is happening this year too), what would be better than a romantic dinner in a restaurant that has a special atmosphere. Maybe it’s sitting by a fireplace, the service that makes you feel special, or the surroundings. Oslo has something for every occasion and taste. Here are our recommendations for romantic restaurants in Oslo.

Statholdergaarden

  1. Statholdergaarden – Classical gourmet in Oslo

    The Michelin star restaurant is located in a 17th century building right in the heart of the city. You can even book a private dining room. There is a lot of local flavours on the classical menu, and the wine list is impressive. The chandeliers and the outstanding service are just some of the elements that create the perfect atmosphere for a special night out. One of the best restaurants in Oslo. Statholdergaarden holds a Michelin star Our tip: Make sure you book a table in advance.
    Statholdergaarden, Rådhusgate 11.

  2. Restaurant Fjord

    Fjord offers a great selection of fish and seafood and a nice selection of wines to wash it all down with. The interior is on the dark side, dominated by tones of blue – like the night sky in the winter before it gets really dark. A good choice if you want to experience a romantic atmosphere and local flavours.
    Restaurant Fjord, Kristian Augusts Gate 11

     

    Cru

     

  3. Cru Vin & Kjøkken (Cru Wine & Kitchen) – Cosy and Romantic Restaurant

    Let’s start with a small personal disclosure: This is where me and my significant other had our first date, so Cru will always have a special place in my heart. But it’s not just me: the place comes highly recommended by many food connoisseurs in Oslo. It has also made its way to the Michelin guide. The wine list is guaranteed to satisfy even the most demanding guest, while the British-inspired menu (the manager is originally from the UK), rustic interior and knowledgeable team ensure that your evening is memorable. Highly recommended! Do also check out their wine bar which is downstairs. In addition to wine, they also have a seasonal 3-course menu.
    Cru, Industrigata 51.

  4. Eik Annen Etage

    Located in the same building as the Continental hotel, the restaurant Annen Stage is decorated in dark colours such as black, red and gold for a feeling of contemporary luxury. The menu has focus on Nordic ingredients, such as seasonal root vegetables, fish and meat. The wine list will also please even the connoisseurs, and among other things includes a wide selection of top champagnes. Great choice for that special night out.
    Eik Annen Etage, Stortingsgata 24.

  5. Hos Thea – One of Oslo’s hidden gems

    This is a charming little restaurant that you probably won’t come across by accident. Located in Skillebekk, a central residential area, the restaurant is equally popular among the locals and visitors. A touch of classical, old fashion charm and a menu boasting local flavours (especially seafood) with a a French twist are the ingredients for a memorable evening. The restaurant is fairly small, so do make sure you book your table well in advance.
    Hos Thea, Gabels gate 11.

    Looking for more Oslo restaurant recommendations? Check out our Top 10 Restaurants in Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen Area.

Top 10 events in Oslo in 2019 – Music, Sports, Food, Festivals

In case our top 5+1 reason to travel to Oslo didn’t already convince you to visit the capital of Norway, we put together a list of 10 events that will be happening in 2019. There is something for everyone: for the sporty one, for the foodie, for the music lover and so on.

Oslo vinfestival

  1. Oslo Wine Festival
    1-3 February 2019
    Let’s face it: Norway is not a wine producing country, but we do love our wine. The great thing about not being a wine producing country is that the selection of top wines from literally all over the world – not just one or a few countries – is impressive. The Oslo Wine Festival is located in the Aker Brygge / Tjuvholmen area. There will be over 100 events happening in 20 different restaurants in the area, ranging from quick courses to guided tours. Learn more (only in Norwegian – sorry!)
  2. Biathlon World Cup
    21-24 March
    The annual, international event takes place at Holmenkollen and gathers tens of thousands of winter sport and ski enthusiasts. In addition to a great sports event atmosphere, you also get to experience the unique closeness of the hills of Holmenkollen – just a short tube ride from the city center. As a bonus, you get to admire the amazing views over entire Oslo. For program and tickets, visit the Holmenkollen Ski Festival website.

    17 mai

  3. Norwegian National Day
    17 May
    This is a day worth experiencing. It’s a day that, to many, begins very early: a festive breakfast, often enjoyed with a glass of champagne, is an important start of the often long day. To Norwegians, 17th May means school and marching bands, ice cream, getting dressed up in traditional outfits (bunad), meeting friends, overdosing on cake and waving small Norwegian flags to anyone and anywhere. This is the day when you’ll see the streets filled with people, regardless of the weather. If you’re planning to dine out, make sure you book a table well in advance. It’s also good to know that 17th May is a public holiday, meaning all shops and most services are closed (except for the public transport).
  4. Nor-Shipping
    4-7 June
    Every two years, the global maritime industry gathers in Oslo for a 4-day event called Nor-Shipping. The actual fair is in Lillestrøm, some 10 minute train ride from the Oslo city center, but there are maritime and shipping related events all over Oslo, especially in the Aker Brygge area. Read more.
  5. Oslo Pride
    Jun 14 – Jun 23
    Oslo Pride is the biggest Pride event in Norway, and brings together tens of thousands of people to celebrate and enjoy arts, diversity and culture. The highlight of Oslo Pride is the parade which is 22 June. For full program, visit the Oslo Pride website. 
  6. Øyafestivalen
    6-10 August
    The name literally stands for “the island festival”, and while the event moved onshore many years ago, it really started off as a festival on island called Kalvøya outside Oslo. It’s now one of the biggest urban music festivals in the Nordics, and is held in Tøyen Park, some 20 min walk from the Oslo city center. There are also tens of events and concerts around the city. Some of the names for 2019 have already been announced: Robyn and the Cure. For more info and tickets, visit the Øyafestivalen website.
  7. Oslo Jazz festival
    11-17 August
    Each year, thousands of jazz lovers gather in Oslo to enjoy up to 90 concerts around the city. The festival is well established with a history that dates back 30 years. The program for the 2019 festival will be published soon.
  8. Matstreif
    6-7 September
    Foodies have a good reason to visit Oslo in September when the biggest food festival Matstreif takes over Rådhusplassen between Aker Brygge and the Akershus Fortress. There will be some 200 exhibitors, and you can pamper your taste buds with flavours from all over Norway and the world. The program and info for the 2019 event will be announced soon.

    Oslo Marathon.jpg

  9. Oslo marathon
    21 September
    The timing of Oslo marathon is actually quite ideal: in late September, the chances for the weather being too warm are minimal, and the risk for rain and cold weather is not too high. For runners this means good weather conditions. The running event offers several other distances too, including half marathon and kids marathon. You’ll find more info and registration on the Oslo marathon website.
  10. Christmas fair
    Opens 30 November
    The Christmas fair – Winter wonderland – seems to get bigger and better each year, and is a must for anyone visiting Oslo in December. It’s a great place for Christmas shopping, tasting through Norwegian specialities, trying your luck on ice skates and much more.

Guide to New Year’s Eve 2019 in Oslo – What to do, Where to eat, What you should know

Get the most out of your New Year in Oslo with our tips to events, restaurants and more.

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Fireworks by the Oslo Opera House. Photo: VisitOSLO / Nancy Bundt

Here’s a funny fact: Going out in Oslo on New Year’s Eve has gained popularity only during the recent years. In fact, the first public fireworks in Oslo was in 2008! Today,  Oslo has many options for those wanting to ring in the New Year in the city.

Fireworks
If you’re keen to see the fireworks, make sure you are in the Aker Brygge / Tjuvholmen or City Hall (Rådhuset) area. The best way to get there is with public transport: for example the tube to National Theatre station (the station is served by all metro/tube lines). From there it’s only some 5 minutes walk down to the waterfront where you’ll get the best view. Do note that private fireworks are not allowed.

Weather
As a rule of thumb, the colder it is, the clearer the sky gets… and the better for fireworks. But it also means that you want to add warming layers before you head out. Check the latest forecast at Yr website.

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Photo: VisitOSLO / Nancy Bundt

Transport
Ruter has service throughout the New Year. You’ll find more info on special timetables on the Ruter website or their app.

Vinmonopolet
Good news: all Vinmonopolet stores are open on New Year’s Eve (so you can get your bubbly), but they close earlier than normally. Check the opening hours of your store on the Vinmonopolet website.

Dining and going out
While some restaurants remain closed throughout the holidays, many have a special New Year’s events. As the offering is limited though, we recommend you book in advance. Here are some restaurants that have a special New Year’s menu or an event:

  • Olivia restaurants (several locations in Oslo, in terms of the fireworks the one in Tjuvholmen is recommended) serves a selection of their most popular dishes. Read more and book your table.
  • Restaurant Asia offers great Asian food and one of the best views of the fireworks. Read more and book your table.
  • Ekebergrestauranten has a special 4-course New Year’s Menu and probably the best view over the entire central Oslo, with its many fireworks. Read more and book.
  • Grand Café in the heart of the city center also has a special 4-course New Year’s menu. Read more and book.
  • Restaurant Festningen (“The Fortress”) offers panoramic views of Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen, and a festive 4-course menu. Read more and book.
  • BAR Tjuvholmen, a restaurant and lounge bar, is also open on New Year’s Eve, and London-based DJ Ask is coming to keep guests going into the early hours. Table booking is required. Read more.

Looking for something fun to do on New Year’s Eve? How about relaxing in the sauna by the Oslo fjord? Check out culture hub SALT’s New Year’s event.