Lifestyle

The 11 tastiest brunch spots to try in Oslo

By Asa Hedvig Aaberge

Dapper . Photo: Nedre Foss

From sourdough bread with scrambled eggs to delicate seafood dishes in the sun, here's where to get the best brunches in the Norwegian capital

Nedre Foss Gård

Nedre Foss Gård is a true destination for full-day brunches. The restaurant is located in one of the oldest buildings at Grünerløkka, originally from 1802. The former farm is now an aesthetically alluring restaurant beaming in natural light, decorated in marble, brass and hand-painted wallpapers. The seasonal all-day brunch menu merges local ingredients and specialities with a continental touch. In-house there's also a cocktail bar, brewery and wine bar. Plus, Nedre Foss Gård has a friendly, homey feel and a lush outdoor space to relish in the warmer months.

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Nordre gate 2, 0551 Oslo

Best Oslo brunch spots - Nedre Foss Gård

Photo: Nedre Foss Gård

The Vandelay

Since opening in 2020, the pink door outside The Vandelay brasserie has adorned countless Instagram posts. But be sure to step inside too. The Vandelay is the more rebellious little sister of Michelin-starred Maaemo, both restaurants created by chef-turned-restaurateur Esben Holmboe Bang. The Vandelay's regular breakfast and lunch menu is a brunch-worthy feast - from soft scrambled eggs, ricotta toasts and pancakes to burgers, cookies and ice cream.

Operagata 30, 0194 Oslo

Best Oslo brunch spots - The Vandelay

Photo: The Vandelay

Pillefyken

As Pillefyken is open only a few hours during the day, four days a week, it seems curated for the concept of long early day meals complemented with a drink. With the friendly setting of a neighbourhood cafe and a simple seasonal menu, this gem on a corner in Tøyen is excellent for a meet-up with friends. Pillefyken is a wine-cafe, and the rotating wine list is grand. Drop by for organic vegetables, homemade bread and Norwegian cheese with a glass of wine and unwind in a deck chair on the outside patio.

Monrads gate 1, 0577 Oslo

Best Oslo brunch spots - Pille Fyken

Photo: Kristina Brekke

Dapper Bistro

Dapper Bistro is a second outpost from the eponymous multi-brand store and bar at Grünerløkka. The modern eatery in Bjørvika offers a smaller section of clothes and an extended emphasis on fresh food. At Dapper, the ambience is casual, and the carefully selected wine list features bottles from smaller producers of natural wine. On weekends, a brunch menu appears with dishes such as pancakes, porridge and eggs or mushrooms on sourdough toast.

Operagata 36, 0194 Oslo

Best Oslo brunch spots - Dapper

Photo: Ronja Penzo

Kafeteria August

Kafeteria August is a new, informal all-day spot in the heart of Oslo, colourfully decorated in warm hues, Norwegian contemporary art and with a menu focused on flavourful regional, seasonal produce. Go early for a classic Scandi breakfast of boiled eggs, cheese, fresh out the oven bread and pastries, berries and granola. Later in the day, the menu changes for lunch with plates like rich beans, potato salad and tartar. August serves wine daily, and on weekends DJs play until late.

Universitetsgata 9, 0164 Oslo

Best Oslo brunch spots - Kafeteria August

Photo: Kafeteria August

Theatercaféen

Theatercaféen is an iconic eatery in Oslo. The spacious premises feature Art Nouveau architecture with an arched ceiling, dark leather seating, and walls adorned with portraits of iconic Norwegian actors. The decor and white tablecloths add elements of elegance and history. Theatercaféen is great for a glass of Champagne with a portion of Eggs Benedict or spicy Moule Frites. On selected Sundays, Theatercafèen hosts "beats and brunch" with cocktails and DJs.

Stortingsgata 24-26, 0117 Oslo

Best Oslo brunch spots - Theater Cafeen

Photo: Claes Skog

Café Platz

The team behind one of Norway's leading fashion brands, Holzweiler, expanded their universe last year with Café Platz. Here, the Holzweiler family aims to connect their passions for food and fashion. Platz is linked with the brand's flagship store, situated in the trendy Bjørvika area next to the new Munch Museum and the waterfront. The interior at Platz is by renowned architect firm Snøhetta, who have formed soothing surroundings to savour the vegetarian-friendly brunch menu that's curated for table-sharing.

Operagata 61 D, 0194 Oslo

Best Oslo brunch spots - Café Platz

Photo: Café Platz

Brasserie Rivoli

With one foot in the Norwegian culinary scene and the other in the French, Brasserie Rivoli brings a piece of Paris to Oslo. The menu resembles that of a traditional French brasserie but is infused with local specialities, with classics such as entrecote joined by seasonal seafood. Low-slung sofas and round tables make for a cosy, calm and intimate experience.

Operagata 3, 0194 Oslo

Best Oslo brunch spots - Brasserie Rivoli

Photo: Dag Randen

Skaal Matbar

Located in the very heart of Grünerløkka, Skaal has a laid back and welcoming atmosphere, the sort of place where you can pop in for a snack or a drink - no reservation needed. The small sharing platters with seasonal produce make for a social and scalable experience. On the weekends, a dedicated brunch menu leans toward comfort food that pairs nicely with a glass or two from the expansive wine menu.

Olaf Ryes Plass 12, 0552 Oslo

Avalon

Avalon is a promising newcomer in Vika in Oslo, opened in November 2021 by chef Mikael Svensson, the man behind the renowned fine dining restaurant Kontrast. Here, he's gone for a more casual yet vibrant vibe with cocktails and uncomplicated dishes. The food is inspired by contemporary European cuisine and Mediterranean food culture, where family and friends gather to share the joy of a meal, making it ideal for brunch.

Munkedamveien 31, Oslo

Best Oslo brunch spots - Avalon restaurant

Photo: Avalon

Liebling

For a vegetarian-focused healthy fix, Liebling is an excellent spot. Their brunch menu of sandwiches with homemade hummus, yoghurt, granola and pastries is served in a relaxed atmosphere all day, all week. Round the meal off with a refreshing matcha-mimosa al fresco.

Øvrefoss 4, 0550 Oslo

Best Oslo brunch spots - Liebling

Photo: Liebling