The Best We've Eaten This Summer

This summer, Oslo's dining scene has offered a plethora of memorable culinary experiences, with several establishments serving dishes that linger in the memory long after the last bite. The review highlights a range of expertly prepared meals, from innovative takes on comfort food to classic dishes executed with exceptional skill.

At Pao on Grünerløkka, the humble chicken nugget is elevated to an art form. Forget processed patties; here, tempura-battered chicken thighs from Hovelsrud gård are served with a Thai chili, fresh coriander, and caramel-fish sauce dressing. The result is a succulent, salty, and sweet creation with a delightful kick that has diners dreaming of it for days.

Grünerløkka continues to impress with Apostrophe's pommes frites, described as some of Oslo's best. These perfectly crispy and salted fries are a perfect accompaniment to their tartar. Meanwhile, Skaal offers outstanding grilled skewers, featuring Norwegian high-rib, yakitori-grilled and glazed with a miso-plum glaze, served with mushroom ragu, coconut sushi rice, and spring onions. The dish is lauded for its succulence, saltiness, umami richness, and sweetness.

Other highlights include the entrecôte at Brasserie Blanche, praised for its high-quality, perfectly seasoned, tender, and juicy meat, accompanied by crispy fries and a tangy béarnaise. Grotten's oeuf mayonnaise, featuring a smiling egg with mayonnaise made from fried kale and a hint of salted Sicilian lemon powder, offers an intense, delightful acidity balanced by the soft yolk and rich mayonnaise. Render Burger's Oslohoma, loaded with grilled onions and cheese, is recommended for curing any post-party ailments. Bistro Fourrage's tartare, made with coarsely ground flank steak, Caesar dressing, chopped lettuce, and comté cheese, is quickly becoming a new favorite. Finally, Grotto's pistachio ice cream is so exquisite it could be a reason to visit on its own, offering a creamy texture and fine nutty flavor topped with sweet Italian meringue. Solsiden also impresses with its monkfish dish, featuring firm, mild, sweet, and well-seasoned white fish served with a flavorful bulgur.