Oslo has quite an eclectic cafe culture that goes beyond the classic, new-age, or even the hipster coffee shops one typically finds in cosmopolitan cities. Instead, there is a sense of practicality in the establishments dotted around the capital of Norway. Consequently, the best cafes in Oslo are either exclusive in composition or serve dual purposes. Interestingly, they still remain very steeped in Scandinavian ethos. So, using organic produce, sustainability, design, and creating a welcoming ambiance are often at the forefront, as crucial as the food and drinks they serve.
Situated on the southern coast of Norway, Oslo has long been a destination for experiencing rich culture, Viking heritage, and architectural magnificence. Easy to reach it has excellent road and air connections. However, sailing into the city via Oslofjord is a journey not easily forgotten. Through Ferryscanner, you can book ferry tickets to Oslo from Copenhagen and Frederikshavn in Denmark. These are spectacular voyages that, in a way, allow you to immerse yourself in the maritime legacy of the region.
Cafe Sør
Address: Torggata 11, 0181 Oslo
Cafe Sør is quite possibly among the most atmospheric places to eat in Oslo. Binary in its disposition, the cafe in Torggata is an unconventional lunch haunt during the day, transforming into a groovy cocktail bar as the sun sets. The interiors complement both identities. Relaxed and informal, the space oozes an amorous aura with its mood lighting, rustic brick walls, distressed furniture, and deep color tones.
Not entirely content with its already unique character, Cafe Sør enchants with its lively events calendar. Sundays are meant for open-house jam sessions, while the rest of the week features salsa, 90s nights, quizzes, and DJs.
The cafe’s lunch menu comprises worldly delights like veggie sticks with tahini, chicken quesadillas, and chevre salad with walnuts. The drinks menu is equally diverse, with beers, wine, coffee, homemade iced tea, cocktails, and mocktails.
Tim Wendelboe Espresso Bar
Address: Grüners gate 1, 0552 Oslo
World Barista Champion Tim Wendelboe’s namesake espresso bar is an ideal stop for connoisseurs to try seasonal coffee harvests and take home freshly roasted beans. Located near the Akerselva River, the cafe is a simplistic-looking shop with bare brick walls, pendant lights, and stacks full of coffee shop products for sale. Guests can check out the seasonal menu or order from the day’s tasting, which includes four coffee varieties. Either way, the baristas are amicable and more than happy to divulge information about different coffees and their origins. However, it’s rather interesting to note that Tim Wendelboe is an espresso bar in the truest of senses. The cafe does not serve anything other than coffee.
Tim Wendelboe also has a roastery next door wherein they lightly roast carefully selected beans from across the globe. Above the roastery is an experimentation lab where members of the public can learn more about different aspects of coffee production.
The Espresso Bar is open from 08:30 – 18:00 on weekdays and 11:00 – 17:00 on weekends. Tim has a monthly coffee subscription for coffee enthusiasts that includes up to 6 bags of espresso and filter roast delivered worldwide.
Liebling
Address: Øvrefoss 4, 0555 Oslo
Liebling is the Norwegian word for ‘sweetheart.’ Among the best cafes in Oslo, it is the right destination for guests looking to spend time in a casual atmosphere with a young crowd. The place exudes a quintessential cafe vibe with functional decor, comfortable furniture, and aesthetically plated meals. Liebling has indoor and alfresco curbside seating, resulting in enough quiet corners for visitors wanting to catch up with work.
Open since 2010, the cafe serves Norwegian, European, and Scandinavian recipes with vegan-friendly, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. The menu includes delights like acai bowls, parma sandwiches, and filling brunch plates. To complement the food, freshly brewed coffee and wine are always available.
Among Liebling’s other charms are the many events it regularly hosts. There’s something for everyone, from bao nights and live music sessions to lively quizzes. The shop also sells coffees and products like tote bags designed by their CEO.
Godt Brød Grunerløkka
Address: Thorvald Meyers gate 49, 0555 Oslo
If the idea of a customized sandwich sounds exciting, plan a stop at Godt Brød Grunerløkka, one of the top bakery cafes in Oslo. Although it started in Bergen in 1995, the bakery now has several outlets across the country. Their unique selling point is that they procure produce from local farmers and suppliers. Not only are the ingredients free of additives and pesticides, but the cafe also reduces its carbon footprint by keeping the distance between farm-to-shop as short as possible. Moreover, they do all the baking in-house.
In Oslo, Godt Brød is in the center of Grunerløkka, one of the city’s trendiest districts. The bakery has a welcoming environment, with communal and private tables and indoor as well as outside seating.
At the cafe, you’ll find all sorts of bread, fresh pastries, cinnamon rolls, and a range of desserts, including vegan and gluten-free options. Godt Brød also has a customer club with benefits like invitations to exclusive baking events and courses.
The Room Cafe
Address: Paleet Karl Johansgate 39, 0162 Oslo
If the combination of shopping and coffee is something of interest, then The Room Cafe makes for the perfect choice. Situated on the second floor of Paleet, a leading shopping center, The Room is among the best cafes in Oslo. However, contradictory to what its name might suggest, the eatery is a bright, expansive, and modern-looking space.
While limited, the menu at The Room includes a good selection of sweet and savory bites. There’s an assortment of pastries, sushi, fresh juices, coffee, and wine. Additionally, you may choose from several healthy options like pasta salad, rigatoni pasta with cherry tomatoes and green beans, and pork dumplings. When waiting for food, you can also work or charge your phone at one of several charging stations around the place.
Moreover, the cafe organizes a British-inspired Afternoon Tea session every Saturday. A fine-dining gastronomic affair, servings consist of traditional sweets and beverages. An Afternoon Tea with only tea costs 350 NOK, whereas one with a glass of champagne is 450 NOK.
Pust
Address: Slemdalsveien 1, 0369 Oslo
Pust translates to “breath” and is undoubtedly a lovely place for a respite. Popular with students, the coffee bar in Majorstuen has all the trademarks of a contemporary eatery. An overall bare industrial look with wooden accents, a tile mural behind the barista bar, and multiple seating options from couches to steps places it amongst the coolest places to eat in Oslo.
A grand open space on the inside, Pust has a cozy alfresco section, making it popular with students who come here to mingle or study. The large interiors further allow the cafe to host events like exhibitions, quizzes, and music performances.
The drinks menu at Pust covers all the essentials. So, whether you desire a cortado, cappuccino, mocha, or latte, they have it. The cafe also sells house-made baked goods, pre-made sandwiches, and packed drinks.
Galgen
Address: Strømsveien 1, 0657 Oslo
Galgen is one of the best places to eat in Oslo and its best-kept secret. An “informal restaurant” with a classic cafe-like atmosphere, it’s a favorite jaunt among locals in and around the neighborhood of Vålerenga. Galgen’s location inside a traditional wooden house adds to its eccentric contemporary meets vintage characteristic.
Beautifully decked in blue-green wooden interiors with bare brick walls and chalkboard menus, Galgen is a quaint, cozy space full of charm. Its equally appealing backyard opens in the summer and is an idyllic spot for a drink on a pleasant day. Now, much to everyone’s delight, Galgen serves breakfast, pancakes, and avocado toast until 4 PM. Otherwise, you can opt for a chevre salad, Philly steak sandwich, bacon cheddar burger, homemade vegan burger, and other delectable offerings.
Galgen remains closed on Mondays. However, arrive on Tuesday at 7 PM, and you will find the space packed due to their famous quiz night. The restaurant also serves lavish, specially-prepared brunches on the weekends.