Oslo

Statholdergaarden, Oslo, 6/25,16

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building
building

Statholdergaarden is a large place with dining areas spread over several rooms in an historic home.  The house dates from 1640 when the Denmark appointed provincial governor lived there. Some of the interior had to be replaced because of fire but most is a reproduction of the original design. They offer an a la carte menu, a today’s menu tasting of 4-6 courses, or an extended tasting menu of 15+ courses. The same chef/owner has run the place for 20 years but he was not in the house the evening we visited.   Continue reading →

Ekebergrestauranten, Oslo, 6/25/16

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front of the building
front of the building

Ekeberg is a large restaurant in an old building designed by Lars Backer, that has been refurbished offering gorgeous views of the Oslo fjord and the city.  It is on a hill in a park that features statues. It was once the city’s place to hold celebrations but fell into disrepair.  It was bought and the owner wanted to turn it into a private residence but this was denied and instead the present owner restored it to its previous condition and it is once again the site for Oslo residents to hold their family celebrations. (The waitress said she had served two 100 years birthday parties this week). Continue reading →

Maaemo, Oslo, 6/24/16

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building
building

Maaemo opened in Dec. 2010 and was awarded its third Michelin star this year,  the first Norwegian restaurant to achieve this honor and one of only 2 Nordic restaurants to have 3 stars.  Its name means “Mother Earth” and they focus their tasting menu on the tastes of Norway.  It is located on the second and third floors of a modern building and has only 8 tables on the main dining floor and one larger table in the “Test Kitchen Table” (must be requested when making the reservation and your participation has to be confirmed) which is upstairs, adjacent to the kitchen. They offer every guest only one tasting menu and have optional wine pairings or a large wine list which the sommelier will help you navigate. Continue reading →

Smalhans, Oslo, 6/24/16

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Building
Building

Smalhans is a fairly small place that offers different menus throughout the day. We were there for lunch and you ordered at the bar, picked up your beverage, picked out your table and then they brought your food.  The guy at the counter was really friendly and helpful.  We chose their hamburgers, specifically bacon cheeseburgers.  They were wonderfully drippy with crisp flavorful bacon in a bun that slightly resembled an English muffin consistency.  They were sauced with a chili mayo and were quite delicious. Continue reading →

Restaurant Kontrast, Oslo, 6/23/16

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building
building

Kontrast is a medium sized place with wide spaced tables and an industrial motif with lots of exposed ducts and pipes. The noise level was perfect  and chef Mikael Svensson was in the house.  They offer a 6 or 10 course tasting menu, each course coming with lots of explanation.  They have over 1000 wines and thus offer wine pairings however we just ordered our own bottles of  red and white.  I’ve included my comments with the photo captions.  Continue reading →

Fauna, Oslo, 6/21/16

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building
building

Fauna is a medium sized place with a modern, stylish feel. Even though every table was filled we were still able to carry on a conversation without yelling. The service is nice and the bathrooms are unisex with shared sinks.  They offer only a tasting menu with optional wine pairings. There are options to add extra courses and/or wine pairings to go with those courses. It would be a meal I would repeat if it were closer and if the Chef Bjørn Svensson wasn’t burned out and closing the place next month.  I’m sorry to tantalize you with this fine soon to be unavailable food, but it is worth noting the chef’s name so we can visit any other places he tries.   Continue reading →

Tjuvholmen Sjømagasin, Oslo,6/21/16

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Exterior
Exterior

Tjuvholmen Sjømagasin is a very large place next to the waterfront. They have 2 levels of interior dining as well as a few patio tables and a huge wine selection.  They play a sort of moody music and were not as busy as many of the other places we passed by walking to it.  It has an elegant yet relaxed feel with pretty views. However the poor waiter could have used a helper to be more attentive to the guests.  At lunch they offer a 2 or 3 course menu and a shellfish bar.  Being right on the water we were anxious to sample some of the fresh catches of Oslo so we ordered a shellfish platter. Continue reading →