From havens for hang-outs to ideal date night spots, these are the best places for a glass or two in the Norwegian capital
Becco
Becco is a new three-floor wine bar offering superb wines from a former stable in the heart of Oslo. Run by a group of fiery souls, the bar seeks to create connections and unity through creativity, discussions and eminent - mostly natural - wines, without a hint of snobbery attached. Becco presents weekly live music and DJ events as well as exhibitions and more in welcoming and lively environs.
Kristian Augusts gate 11, 0164 Oslo
Photo: AndreaT ecusan
Brutus
Brutus is a trailblazer when it comes to all-organic and low-intervention bistros in Oslo. Housed on a corner in Tøyen, in the eastern part of the city, Brutus is a fuss-free neighbourhood hang out serving natural wines and simple dishes of locally-sourced vegetable-focused food. The ambience is charismatic - a delicate fusion between relaxed and vibrant.
Eiriks gate 2, 0650 Oslo
Photo: Courtesy of Brutus
Esaias
Located right in the centre of the city, Esaias is an uncompromising natural wine bar and restaurant serving wine and small plates under pink neon lights. The friendly bar welcomes local musicians, artists and food producers to showcase the best of Oslo through special events in their charming, rustic venue and backyard.
Dronningens Gate 27, 0154 Oslo
Photo: Ida Bjorvik
EffEff
The wine chart at oyster and wine bar EffEff, contains a combination of classic wines, bubbles and natural wines that pair nicely with their carefully selected oysters. EffEff has a social vibe with low-slung seating, marble counters, neon lights and a pastel-coloured artwork ceiling. This little gem, located between Grünerløkka and the city core, is as fit for savouring inside as it is for people watching on the outside pavement in summer.
Fredensborgveien 22A, 0177 Oslo
Photo: Katerina Dima
Nektar
Further down the road from EffEff, in an old, red house is the warm and welcoming wine and food bar Nektar. With delicious organic Norwegian food and a comprehensive wine chart, Nektar is great for a full evening meal, not just a full-bodied red. When the tables fill up, guests are welcome to grab a spot and a glass at the bar or take a seat on the stairs, which gives Nektar the feel of visiting the high-spirited home of a familiar friend.
Fredensborgveien 42, 0177 Oslo
Photo: @LifeOfOslo
Territoriet
A small space with a big inventory (including about 400 bottles of wine at any one time), Territoriet has everything from classic cava and Beaujolais to orange and modern American and eastern European wines placed on their shelves. It's an intimate place, with a comfy ambience to enjoy wines by the glass to a soundtrack of blues, rock and jazz on vinyl. Although no reservations are accepted, there is usually room to squeeze in at the bar or take a seat on the street-facing outside chairs.
Markveien 58, 0550 Oslo
Photo: Courtesy of Territories
Lasarett
The owner of the neighbourhood wine bar Lasarett describes it as a “hole in the wall with a down-to-earth approach”. The intimate space hosts about 20 people, so to ensure a seat, bookings are open. The wine chart is limited but dynamic, selected with great producers in mind, while there's also a range of cheese, almonds, olive and cured meats from the Oslo region to enjoy with your wine.
Torshovgata 15, 0476 Oslo
Photo: Courtesy of Lasarett
Radegast
Radegast is synonymous with warm and cosy, with dark wood panels, bookshelves and a fireplace. Wine-filled cabinets decorate the walls from floor to ceiling, and wines in all categories can be served by the glass, accompanied by cheese and snacks. The place is great for dates or a drink with friends alike, or pop by for one of their weekly wine tastings.
Nordre gate 2, 0551 Oslo
Photo: Courtesy of Radegast
Merkur
Neighbourhood bar Merkur in St Hanshaugen focuses on both wine and Japanese sake. The venue has authentic green and woody interiors that partly originate from the 1930s. The ambience is welcoming and down-to-earth. Merkur is a nice bar to bring that friend who's not really that into wine, as their cocktails are also excellent. In summer, the Merkur team runs neighbouring bar Grotto too - a unique wine bar located in a small cave.
Bjerregaards gate 5A, 0172 Oslo
Related: 10 of the best bars in Reykjavík
Photo: Camilla Hay Jensen
Snadder Og Vin
Snadder, meaning 'snack' in Norwegian, is another newcomer in Frogner, further west in Oslo. With a rotating, extensive wine list featuring classic cuts and small dishes to pair with, Snadder is a go-to place for both a glass and a wholesome all-nighter.
Frognerveien 12, 0263 Oslo
Photo: Courtesy of Snadder
Kastellet
Kastellet is a new bar and restaurant concept separated over three floors, with one fully dedicated to wine - an ideal place for an aperitif. Here you can grab a seat at the bar or lounge amongst the eclectic interiors and enjoy a taste of the massive selection of over 1,400 different bottles of wines from all over the world,
Hegdehaugsveien 25, 0352 Oslo
Photo: Courtesy of Kastellet