The Best Bars in Oslo
Nothing is left to chance at Himkok, Scandinavia's most award-winning bar, and rightly so. This eclectic establishment, whose name translates as "booze", offers a complete experience: a cozy craft cocktail bar, a lively courtyard with a carefully curated cider menu, a lively cocktail bar with drinks on tap and even an in-house distillery - not to mention a hair salon! The drinks are perfectly balanced, minimalist in style and yet largely composed from local ingredients. If you are near Oslo, the "Himkok" is a must-visit.
A visit to "Svanen" gives you the feeling of traveling back in time. The restaurant is located in a beautifully preserved pharmacy from the late 19th century. The wood-paneled main room and the original interior design create an unagitated, enchanting atmosphere. The bar offers a seamless blend of vintage elegance and modern cocktail artistry, while the staff, in their dapper apothecary-inspired uniforms, add a distinctive charm to the Nordic hospitality. The frequently changing menu is consistently excellent - and the team's dedication extends to making their own bespoke glasses.
Set within the Amerikalinjen Hotel in Oslo, Pier 42 takes its inspiration from Manhattan’s historic pier, where countless Scandinavians first arrived in America. The bar blends the opulence of a classic American lobby bar with the clean lines of Nordic minimalism. Each thoughtfully curated menu reflects the team’s dedication to craft, from concept and service to the creativity behind every cocktail.
The bar within the bar. Tucked away in "Svanen", this eye-catching offshoot offers a complete change of scene. Under the name "Den Grimme Ælling" (The Ugly Duckling), the vintage elegance of Svanen gives way to a sleek sci-fi aesthetic with a metallic interior that almost looks like a spaceship. True to its sustainable philosophy, "Den Grimme Ælling" transforms "ugly" ingredients into beautiful, flavorful creations. A study in contrasts, creativity and meticulous detail - a bar that is best experienced in person.
Located in the trendy Grünerløkka district of Oslo, this bar exudes the elegance and energy of a New York lounge from the 1920s. It specializes in reinterpreted North American classics made with local ingredients and serves perfectly balanced cocktails with a distinctive Nordic touch. Look forward to one of the warmest and most authentic venues on the Norwegian bar scene.
This versatile Art Deco-style venue combines a cocktail lounge, live events and a dance floor for the late hours under one roof. The first floor is a relaxed lounge, while the upper floor transforms into a club after 10 pm. An additional outdoor area on the opposite side of the street completes the offer and makes this place a worthwhile destination for a varied evening. We recommend taking a look at the event calendar in advance to ensure the best possible experience.
Named after the Celtic phrase for “Soul Friend”, Anam Cara captures a spirit of warmth and connection in everything it does. From the genuinely welcoming team to a carefully considered menu, its theme runs through the experience with effortless grace. Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and a refined wine selection in a space that feels instantly like home.
Botany in – and out of – the glass. This plant-focused bar celebrates creativity with herbs, spices, and botanicals taking centre stage. Playful, visual, and refreshingly un-Scandinavian, its drinks are fun, approachable, and full of personality – all served in a relaxed setting that favours genuine charm over “Instagram” gloss.
Bettola brings a touch of southern Europe to the north with Italian-inspired dishes and cocktails designed to complement every bite. Warm hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere make it a favourite with both locals and visitors, whether you’re stopping by before dinner, settling in for a meal, or lingering late into the evening.
F6 is a stylish cocktail bar where sleek design meets a fashionable crowd. Known for impeccably made classics and inventive twists, it’s a go-to for excellent drinks in elegant surroundings. The team strikes just the right balance between attentive service and giving guests space to enjoy the moment – effortless sophistication in the heart of the city.