Norway’s capital is not to be overlooked if you want a taste of the best that the Nordics have to offer. Much like its people, Oslo’s culinary scene is not brash or showy, so its most notable restaurants and bars can be easy to miss. Here, Monocle’s resident Norwegian, Gunnar Gronlid, helps us uncover some of the city’s best spots. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hello and welcome to Food Neighbourhoods on Monocle Radio.
My name is Monica Lillis and once again we visit the places locals love for their food and drink.
The Scandinavian countries are increasingly popular culinary destinations and Norway's capital of Oslo is not to be overlooked if you want a taste of the best the Nordics have to offer.
Much like its people, Oslo's culinary scene is not brash or showy.
And if you don't know where to look, its best restaurants and bars can be easy to miss.
However, here, Monaco's resident Norwegian Gunnar Gronlid, helps us uncover some of central Oslo's best spot spots.
Take a listen.
Oslo, Norway's fjord spangled capital, is a subtle one on the culinary front, as was perfectly expressed by a recent sarcastic tourism ad.
I wouldn't come here, to be honest.
It's a city so walkable, accessible and non exclusive that it can sometimes feel more like a village than the capital of a wealthy nation.
Restaurants and bars in Oslo, especially the better ones, don't really announce themselves like they do elsewhere.
They tend to be low key, tucked around a corner with unassuming facades that can easily escape your notice.
Speaking from experience, if you find yourself in central Oslo without a plan, then breakfast, lunch and dinner can quickly end up being sourced from the nearest kebab shop, 711 or Pepper's Pizza, Norway's answer to Domino's, though definitely better.
To avoid such a calamity, let me take you on a brisk tour around some of central Oslo's best joints.
You can't be on the move in Norway without trying its unique approach to coffee.
Norwegians actually drink more of the stuff per capita than almost any other country in the world, second only to Finland.
One big secret to our tremendous appetite for coffee is a more delicate roast of higher quality beans with less caffeine per serving, meaning you can drink more without turning into a jittery mess.
If you want to experience Norway's coffee culture at its finest, one place you don't want to miss is Fuglen.
The brand has been serving high quality Norwegian style coffee since 1963 and opened a renovated cafe in central Oslo in 2012.
They've since also expanded to Japan and South Korea.