This is probably one of Oslo's most intimate bars, with enough room only for five small tables. The atmosphere is warm, kept in a subtle 1950s style. Its main attraction is actually its owner, Jan Varden. He is one of Norway's few enthusiasts when it comes to mixing cocktails, and his skills have made him a minor celebrity in the region. If you want the best in concoctions, this is one of the places you should definitely visit.
There is one of these in every major city and happily also one in Oslo: a place that looks like jazz, feels like jazz, smells like jazz and definitely sounds like jazz. Herr Nilsen is a small and intimate jazz café with regular concerts scheduled in the week. Drinks are reasonably priced and the staff is always friendly. Light snack food is available. This is the kind of place where you can sit back and relax.
Do you like soccer? Do you like Arsenal? If the answers are "yes", you will like Highbury. As the name implies, this is where fans of the London-based soccer team meet when the Gunners enter the field. You can also enjoy watching Norwegian and international soccer on a big-screen TV. Highbury has an atmosphere that soccer-lovers from all over the world will recognize and appreciate. Scarves, T-shirts and pictures accompany a wide variety of English and Norwegian beers, which are sold at average prices. Get in there early if there is an important match on.
What's could be better than listening to some of the best DJs in Norway while surrounded by plenty of food, alcohol, and beautiful people? Perhaps doing all of that 12 stories above the ground, atop the historic Folkteateret building, with a beautiful panoramic view of the bustling city of Oslo would be an improvement. This is the premise of Stratos. For most of the year it is rented out for weddings or corporate events, but during certain holidays and the summer months it opens up to the public as a nightclub featuring live music, DJs, and an unforgettable view. Call or email for table reservations.
This gourmet restaurant, located in the heart of Oslo's oldest neighborhood, is run by award-winning chef Bent Stiansen. A varied menu is available, compiled from the freshest and best available ingredients. The beautiful and stylistic 18th-century décor just adds to the restaurant's ambiance. The restaurant consists of five small rooms with an intimate atmosphere. The ceiling contains some of the finest stucco work in northern Europe. Guests must be suitably dressed (jacket and tie for men).
BLÅ is an independent club in Oslo that offers live, contemporary music, including jazz, every night of the week. Contemporary artists from all over the country and international artists perform here. Resident DJs make guest appearances on the weekends. BLÅ also offers an outdoor café experience on the banks of the Aker river. The club hosts events such as "BLÅ, Molde" at the Molde International Jazz Festival. BLÅ has expanded to become one of the largest clubs of its kind in Scandinavia.
This gourmet restaurant, located in the heart of Oslo's oldest neighborhood, is run by award-winning chef Bent Stiansen. A varied menu is available, compiled from the freshest and best available ingredients. The beautiful and stylistic 18th-century décor just adds to the restaurant's ambiance. The restaurant consists of five small rooms with an intimate atmosphere. The ceiling contains some of the finest stucco work in northern Europe. Guests must be suitably dressed (jacket and tie for men).
When you're at Karl Johans, and wish to try something new, Izakaya is one place you just cannot miss! Here you will experience a mini Japan, with the traditional decor, music and specialties offered. Try their Ede-mame, Chijimi which is a Korean pancake, Tsukune a chicken meatball and Gyoza Dumplings. For drinks, you will have an extensive selection of sake, soju, umeshu, whiskey, beer and wines. This place will soon have you visiting them again. Check out the website for detailed information or call ahead.
The best of the Best Western can be found here. Boasting a wide list of cognacs, Stilla is an intimate cafe by day that turns into a cozy bar at night. Their daytime menu features a variety of sandwiches, pastries, soups, and salads. Dishes like shrimp and mayonnaise sandwiches, fish soups, and omelets with prawns are some of the most popular Norwegian delicacies. At night Stilla offers a pleasant drink menu complemented by a broad collection of rare cognacs. See their website for further information.
To the north of the center of Oslo, nestled in a seemingly remote area of the city, the Biermannsgården rests. This little bar is housed in a yellow colored, small, lovely house, and at first glance does not appear as a bar. But step inside and you will discover a vibrant and creative scene. The inside, as is obvious, resembles a house, and it does appear as if someone who lived there just had this great idea one day to turn their abode into a bar. The Biermannsgården is mostly used for concerts that are very environment-centric, and which aim at spreading awareness about the issues affecting the environment. There is beer available, and sufficient seating, so there perhaps won't be any space issues.
Fuglen is one fun place at Karl Johans. A coffee favorite during the day turns into a great hangout for drinks in the evening. The atmosphere is a lovely retro with the music from the 50-60's. The coffee is absolutely worth for coffee lovers. The unique collections of cocktails will sure take you by surprise. The ginger daiquiri is definitely a must-try! The patio seating is relaxing and best for smokers. Call ahead for detailed information.