Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
OLD TOWN (GAMLEBYEN/KVADRATUREN)
VERY EXPENSIVE
Statholderens Krostue
SWEDISH/DANISH This relatively uncompli-
cated cellar-level bistro is associated with Statholdergaarden, one of Oslo's most
prestigious restaurants (see below). Unlike its more sophisticated sibling, it's
open for lunch as well as dinner, and features relatively uncomplicated food
that's mostly based on traditional Swedish and Danish recipes. The cuisine pro-
vides many original and, most of the time, happy combinations of ingredients.
Beneath the vaulted Renaissance-era ceiling, you can order
frikadeller
(meat-
balls), minced veal patties in creamy dill sauce, steak with fried onions, fried eel
with potato-and-herb dumplings, and grilled salmon with saffron-flavored noo-
dles. Lunch specialties include platters piled high with Danish or Norwegian
ham, herring, boiled eggs, and vegetables, and a selection of
smørbrød
(Danish
open-faced sandwiches).
Rådhusgata 10.
&
22-41-88-00.
Main courses 245NOK-330NOK ($35-$47); fixed-price menu 400NOK
($57). AE, DC, MC, V. Tues-Sat 11:30am-10pm. Tram: 11, 15, or 18.
Statholdergaarden
NOUVELLE NORWEGIAN One of Oslo's
most historic restaurant settings (the building dates from 1640) has one of its
most successful chefs, Bent Stiansen, whose unique interpretation of Norwegian
nouvelle cuisine has attracted the admiration of gastronomes throughout the
country. At this century-old restaurant (ca. 1901), menu items change fre-
quently, according to what's in season. Examples include grilled crayfish served
with scallop and salmon tartare, and thyme-infused cod with crabmeat mousse
and two sauces (a simple white-wine sauce and another based on a rare vanilla
bean imported from Thailand). One of our all-time favorite dishes is lightly
fried arctic char with sautéed Savoy cabbage and lime beurre blanc (white but-
ter). Also appealing are roasted rack of lamb with sage sauce, platters of French
cheeses, and cloudberry crepes. Don't confuse this upscale and prestigious site
with the less expensive bistro Statholderens Krostue (see above), which occupies
the building's vaulted cellar.
Rådhusgata 11.
&
22-41-88-00.
Reservations recommended. Main courses 290NOK-350NOK ($41-$50);
4-course fixed-price menu 725NOK ($103); 6-course fixed-price menu 875NOK ($124). AE, DC, MC, V.
Mon-Sat 6pm-midnight. Tram: 11, 15, or 18.
EXPENSIVE
Det Gamle Rådhus (Old Town Hall)
NORWEGIAN One of the oldest
restaurants in Oslo, Det Gamle Rådhus is in Oslo's former Town Hall (1641).
This is strictly for nostalgia buffs, as the restaurant is not at all cutting edge. It's
Kids
Family-Friendly Restaurants
Mamma Rosa
(p. 103) The best place to fill up on pasta dishes or 1 of
10 kinds of pizzas, each a meal in itself.
Najaden
(p. 107) As if being in the Norwegian Maritime Museum
weren't enough for kids, those under 12 can also enjoy an elaborate
summer lunch buffet here for half price.
Santino's Spaghetteria
(p. 100) Delectable pasta and pizza, served in
a quirky setting that kids should love.
