1. Food experiences in Norway
  3. Oslo's food courts

Oslo's food courts

When looking for the best places to eat in Oslo, you should definitely consider the cities bustling food courts. In a nation of potato lovers, Norway has never really featured on the foodie map...but now we think it should! Oslo has enjoyed a food renaissance over the last couple of years inspired by a host of homegrown talent and international imports.
4 min readUpdated: Feb 27, 2026By: The Fjord Tours team
A vibrant street food market with colorful booths, tiki-themed bars, and communal seating for customers.
This has been reflected in the inclusion of 39 Norwegian restaurants in this year's Michelin Guide. Although the majority are in Oslo, Bergen, Tromso, and Trondheim also feature. With an underground edge to it, Oslo’s strong hipster vibe becomes delightfully apparent when exploring some of the less traditional hangouts emerging to eat and drink. Namely, the food market!
A vibrant food hall with the “STANGERIET” eatery, industrial decor, and communal seating for dining.

Mathallen

Mathallen, literally Food Hall, was Oslo’s first attempt at emulating the great food halls in Europe and has enjoyed huge success.
Located on the banks of Akerselva river, the original building housed a cast-ironfactory. B uilt in 1902 to produce iron supports for bridges and railway tracks the building was part of a large-scale redevelopment of the disused industrial area and re-opened in 2012.
Open six days a week with 10 restaurants and 18 stores over three levels you will fínd some of the best homegrown produce Norway has to offer. Fresh seafood at Vulkanfisk, gourmet butchers Annie’s, and hipster street food in Hitchhiker. In the basement level, you can find a 27m long bar in Smelteverket which is apparently Scandinavias longest bar.
An outdoor seating area by the waterfront with rustic wooden furniture, string lights, and a striking orange shipping container.

Vippa

Formerly a warehouse building beside the fish market on the very edge of Oslofjord, Vippa is one of Oslo’s most popular summer hangouts with views of passing cruise ships and outlying islands.
A hub of international cuisine, the Vippa project has had a strong focus on creating an ethical and multicultural environment for guests and proprietors alike. Opened in 2017, you can find 11 food stands from around the world offering sustainability and diversity in abundance.
The vision was to create a space where farmers, producers, and all levels of chefs could meet and collaborate. The project helps educate its partners in everything from composting/recycling, to the acquisition of ethically sourced ingredients, to the conversion of these raw materials into delicious food!
All the food here is great with Russian, Syrian, and Greek stands all unique and delicious. One of the real success stories here is Aleppo Bahebek serving authentic Syrian street food with locally sourced organic ingredients. Aleppo is run by Mestringsguiden, a non-profit organization helping refugees become independent again with Vippa providing a unique platform of stability and support to showcase their culinary heritage
A vibrant indoor market stall with fresh produce, oils, and packaged goods, in a rustic setting with exposed brick.

Oslo Street Food

On one of Oslo's most popular streets, Torgata, you’ll find Oslo Street Food close to Sentrum Scene and the Rockefeller.
A derelict swimming pool from the 1920’s might not be your first thought when looking to set up a new food court, but that is exactly what happened here. One of the biggest baths of it’s time, Torgata Bad offered swimming pools and Roman baths but after a period of neglect was reopened as Oslo Street Food in 2019.
With 4 bars and 16 food stands, Oslo Street Food is a real melting pot of ideas, cultures and cuisines with inclusions of stands like TUNCO changing the way we think about fast food. TUNCO aims to make healthy, tasty and sustainable food available for everyone with the team behind it preaching a healthy gut leads to a healthy life. With every meal sold, one meal is given to school children in Kenya. Since its inception in 2016 TUNCO has provided over 300,000 meals.
In Oslo Street Food you can also find Silk Road, an exclusively vegan and gluten-free establishment offering wholly ethical and environmentally sustainable gourmet street food.
A modern indoor shopping hall with high ceilings, food outlets, and natural light flooding the space.

Østbanehallen

Østbanehallen is the oldest part of Oslo Central Station but it is at the same time the most modern. Reopened in 2015, it has undergone a complete transformation with the hope of creating a small oasis away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Housing a range of restaurants and small shops as well as a hotel and the Oslo Visitor Center, it is the perfect place to find good food and beautiful architecture in the heart of Oslo. Italian, Japanese, and Norwegian fares are all on offer whether you are looking to grab a bite on the go, or to sit down and plan your next activity over a hot coffee or refreshing beer.
Close to the Opera and Karl Johan, and a short walk from the royal palace it is as popular with the locals as it is tourists, with many enjoying pre-show or after-work drinks.
When your bellies are full and your batteries recharged, check out our tips for some of the best food tours in Norway here.
A bustling food stall area with colorful shipping containers, graffiti art, and lively food stalls named “Duck It!”

Top things to do in Oslo

From world-class museums to outdoor experiences, Oslo offers activities for every interest and season. Our hand-picked recommendations help you experience the city like a local while ensuring you don't miss any must-see attractions.
Tourists on fjord cruise on the Oslofjord pass historic Akershus fortress at sunset.
Fjord cruise in Oslo
Oslo • 2 hr
From 479NOK
Available all year
Silver bowl of shrimp with lemon wedges, surrounded by bread, plates, condiments, and napkins on a boat deck.
Oslofjord Sunset Cruise with shrimp buffet
Oslo • 3 hr
From 802NOK
1 May - 4 October
Elegant table setting with wine and food aboard cruise boat
Bestseller
Dinner cruise on the Oslofjord
Oslo • 2 hr 30 min
From 1490NOK
Available all year
Ferry passes white pier at sunset with golden hues and soft light over distant skyline.
Electric fjord cruise on the Oslofjord
Oslo
From 430NOK
Available all year
Fortress and historic buildings overlook water with city skyline in background under clouds.
Oslo grand tour with fjord cruise
Oslo • 7 hr
From 1450NOK
Available all year
Aerial view of green island with marinas, red roofs, boats, and city across fjord under blue sky.
In high demand
Island hopping in Oslo
Oslo • 4 hr 30 min
From 660NOK
6 March - 31 December
Cheerful pair enjoying waffles with cheese and jam at outdoor park, with sunny weather and surrounding trees.
Oslo street food tour
Oslo • 2 hr 30 min
From 1590NOK
Available all year
White hybrid-electric cruise boat sailing through Oslofjord waters with autumn-colored forested hills
Silent fjord cruise on the Oslofjord
Oslo • 4 hr
From 490NOK
Available all year
Holmenkollen Ski Jump close-up with statue in foreground and snow-covered trees under a blue sky.
Oslo Panorama bus tour
Oslo • 3 hr
From 550NOK
Available all year
Two smiling hikers resting in forest at golden hour, sunlight filtering through lush green trees.
Hiking trip in Oslo - Discover the Magic of Norwegian Forest
Oslo • 3 hr 30 min
From 1022NOK
Available all year
Two women smiling and conversing at a stylish bar in Oslo with cozy lighting, champagne in hand, and waterfront view.
Oslo food & beer tour
Oslo • 3 hr
From 1990NOK
Available all year
Cyclists ride through green park with pavilion to the side.
Oslo highlights bike tour
Oslo • 3 hr
From 530NOK
Available all year
Kayakers near floating sauna with Munch Museum in background Oslo
Kayaking in Oslo
Oslo • 2 hr
From 995NOK
2 May - 31 October
Kayakers paddling under modern Oslo bridge
Akerselva River Kayak and Packraft Tour
Oslo • 1 hr 30 min
From 995NOK
2 May - 31 October
See all things to do in Oslo

Food experiences in Norway

We offer several activities and experiences which include sampling Norwegian food and beverages. Here are some of our favorites.
Cozy glass-fronted waterfront restaurant glowing warmly at twilight, reflections shimmering on calm water surface.
Fjord cruise and dinner at Cornelius
Bergen • 5 hr
From 1695NOK
Available all year
Traditional Norwegian lapskaus stew served at Flåm farm
Hidden Gem in Flåm
Local food tasting in Flåm
Flåm • 1 hr
From 750NOK
1 May - 1 October
Silver bowl of shrimp with lemon wedges, surrounded by bread, plates, condiments, and napkins on a boat deck.
Oslofjord Sunset Cruise with shrimp buffet
Oslo • 3 hr
From 802NOK
1 May - 4 October
Musician playing traditional Hardanger fiddle during intimate concert in rustic barn at Flåm
Local Food & Concert in Flåm
Flåm • 2 hr 30 min
From 990NOK
15 May - 14 September
Elegant table setting with wine and food aboard cruise boat
Bestseller
Dinner cruise on the Oslofjord
Oslo • 2 hr 30 min
From 1490NOK
Available all year
Yellow Ulriken cable car ascending to mountain top restaurant in Bergen with fjord and city views below
Ulriken Gondola & lunch with a view over Bergen
Bergen • 2 hr 30 min
From 1081NOK
Available all year
Tourists on the boat deck on the winter cruise on the Geirangerfjord surrounded by a beautiful world heritage landscape
Geirangerfjord winter cruise
Ålesund • 9 hr
From 2933NOK
1 November - 31 March
Norwegian cider tasting with local food at Ciderhuset Balestrand overlooking Sognefjord
Cider & lunch in Balestrand
Balestrand • 2 hr
From 860NOK
4 May - 30 September
Family of three enjoying a meal by a fjord, with a boy reaching for a strawberry and adults laughing.
RIB boat tour with cheese tasting from Flåm
Flåm • 3 hr
From 1395NOK
1 May - 20 September
Red inflatable boat speeding through rippling water, carrying yellow-jacketed people, framed by snow-covered mountains.
RIB boat winter tour in Flåm
Flåm • 2 hr 30 min
From 1220NOK
1 November - 31 March
Cheerful pair enjoying waffles with cheese and jam at outdoor park, with sunny weather and surrounding trees.
Oslo street food tour
Oslo • 2 hr 30 min
From 1590NOK
Available all year
Two smiling kayakers in a yellow tandem kayak on calm blue water, surrounded by green hills and waterfalls in a peaceful fjord.
Sea kayaking day tour in Gudvangen
Gudvangen • 7 hr 30 min
From 1396NOK
6 April - 30 September
Table with cider glasses, bread, cured meat, and mountain backdrop, suggesting a relaxing moment in nature.
Cider tasting & lunch in Ulvik
Ulvik • 1 hr
From 795NOK
13 April - 14 October
People on boat raise arms watching northern lights.
Northern Lights cuisine cruise in Tromsø
Tromsø • 3 hr 30 min
From 1890NOK
Available all year
People in bright thermal suits and life vests on a boat, smiling and excited, surrounded by snow-covered mountains and icy fjord waters.
Winter fjord safari and viking dinner in Flåm
Flåm • 2 hr 45 min
From 1650NOK
1 November - 31 March
Fresh seafood platter with oysters, clams, and sea urchin on ice, served elegantly at sophisticated indoor event.
Fjord cruise and shellfish tower at seafood restaurant
Bergen • 5 hr
From 2295NOK
1 March - 19 December
Man pouring golden cider into glass at Ciderhuset fruit farm in Balestrand, Norway
Cider tasting in Balestrand
Balestrand • 1 hr 30 min
From 700NOK
1 June - 28 August
Viking dinner with 5 courses and beer tasting at Ægir Brewery in Flåm featuring local Norwegian ingredients
Viking dinner and beer experience in Flåm
Flåm • 1 hr
From 775NOK
1 October - 31 March
Two women smiling and conversing at a stylish bar in Oslo with cozy lighting, champagne in hand, and waterfront view.
Oslo food & beer tour
Oslo • 3 hr
From 1990NOK
Available all year
Geodesic dome tent illuminated from within, set against starry night sky with snow-capped mountains.
Glamping at Trolltunga
Multiple locations • 1 day 4 hr
From 4400NOK
1 May - 1 December
See more activities

Articles about Norwegian food and cuisine

A group of friends enjoying an outdoor meal at a cozy table with a white tablecloth, candle lantern, and small plant.
Traditional Norwegian food
Norway has a lot of interesting traditional food, and any travelers visiting Norway would do well to sample some of the local cuisines. Culinary traditions in Norway have been dominated by meat, fish, and seafood that could be hunted or caught. These days the Norwegian food space represents an interesting mix of old and new due to culinary influences from all over the world.
Close-up golden sparkling cider poured into glass outdoors under bright sky with branches in background.
Norwegian cider’s rise in popularity
Cider brewing is a Norwegian custom that dates all the way back to the 13th century. However, once the Vinmonopolet or the Wine Monopoly came into effect, the practice largely died down. Despite this, Norwegians continued to brew cider in their homes and cellars. And now the drink is experiencing a surge in popularity yet again. If you’re a cider lover planning a visit to Norway, here’s everything you need to know!
Man in orange jacket reaches for fish mid-air on a boat at sea.
Top 3 Norwegian recipes to try
If you are a foodie or even just a lover of barbecue, then you will definitely want to make sure that you take a trip to Norway to experience the incredible local cuisine in places like Bergen and Røros. To give you a small taste of the kind of culinary experience you will get in Norway, here are three top Norwegian recipes that you can easily make at home.
An elegant presentation of cured salmon with pepper crust, creamy sauce, and fresh herbs on a stone plate.
Sustainable eating trends
Norway is already publicly recognized by almost every foodie as being home to some of the tastiest cuisine options in the world, with some truly exquisite national recipes like lutefisk and pinnekjøtt originating in Nordic countries. But what you may not know is that Norway is also a leader in bio-farming and sustainable food production.
Under Restaurant in Lindesnes - this unique restaurant serves the dinner under water, a truly unique experience
Here's what you'll experience at this record-setting underwater restaurant
There are a lot of fantastic things to experience on land in Norway, but there is a new exciting activity that takes you under the water. At the southern tip of Norway in Lindesnes, you can find the world's largest underwater restaurant.
Wooden Viking-style table with food preparation, herb butter, wooden bowls and crackers, and historical figures in background.
What did the average viking eat?
When your every-day activities include pillaging villages and exploring the impressive fjords in Norway, you are going to need a lot of energy to sustain yourself. This means eating some pretty astonishing meals in order to maintain proper health with such an active lifestyle.
A block of brown Norwegian goat cheese sits on a plate with a cheese slicer resting on top, surrounded by jars and traditional food packaging.
What do you eat with Brunost?
Every culture will have its own set of unique food items that either impress or disgust visitors when they try it upon visiting. Norway is no different and offers an assortment of delicious Norwegian food that is unlike anything that can be found anywhere else in the world. Some of the more common examples include lutefisk and pinnekjøtt.
A rustic scene with rolling pins and dough being prepared for lefse, with flour on the surface.
What is lefse?
Whether you’re planning to visit Norway or are just interested in Norwegian culture and tradition, you’ll want to find out more about lefse. Lefse has a long-standing history as a traditional food in Norway, and it remains about as popular today as it was a hundred years ago. Let’s take a closer look at what this tasty, simple food is all about!