Trendy tapas!

Oslo is far away from the hot cities of Spain, but tapas is still very popular here in Norway. I guess it reminds us of relaxing (or wild!) holidays in Spain. There are a few tapas restaurants to choose from and San Leandro is among the most popular. They're behind a growing tapas concept in the city of Oslo. There are three San Leandro restaurants downtown and they're almost always full. The venues are modern with high bar tables and bar chairs and modern art. The staff is mixed and most of them are Spanish-speaking, some are of Spanish or Latin American/South American origin. The restaurants do not accept reservations unless you're a larger party of 6 or more, so there's almost always a line to get a table, but it's okay to sit at the bar as well.
Popular dishes include the prawns in garlic, the Spanish meatballs, patatas bravas or patatas con aioli, the ham and the cheese, the various salads or the grilled chevre. You can make your own selection or  choose from the pre-set menus. There's an extensive wine list and traditional Spanish drinks such as sangria and Kalimotxo. The restaurant is a little bit pricey, the cheapest pre-set menu is 210 NOK per person, which is fine. My only complaint is that sometimes they're rushing and such in a hurry, you almost feel like they're already onto serving the next group of persons coming after you!

Visit San Leandro in Vika, at Grünerløkka or Majorstua.
Check out their restaurants at http://www.sanleandrotapas.com/

Best coffee: Stockfleths

Norwegians love their coffee! A normal cup of coffee to us Norwegians is a cup of black, quite strong coffee. The younger generation is more into coffee-drinks such as mochas, lattes and iced coffee drinks.
The best place for coffee (or actually the best latte/mocha..) in Oslo is in my opinion is served at Stockfleths. Their baristas are so professional and the coffee is always fresh. The latte is so smooth and delicious. Stockfleths is consistently good and I'm never disappointed. It is pricey, but well worth it (expect to pay 35 NOK for the latte).
There are three cafés downtown Oslo; inside the mall Oslo City Shopping Centre, outside Tinghuset and in Grensen, a side street of Karl Johan. The seating is sparse (inside the Oslo City location there's none), but if you're lucky you might grab a table outside in Grensen or take the coffee to go! Enjoy!

Best Sushi: Alex Sushi

Alex Sushi is probably the most famous sushi restaurant in Oslo. Located on the west side of downtown Oslo, near Solli Plass, it has attracted sushi-lovers for a decade. The food is prepared in the middle of the restaurant, in what looks like an oval bar. If you're a small company of two persons, you're most likely to be seated at the bar with the entertainment of the sushi chefs preparing your pieces. It is definitely a pricey restaurant, but well worth the price. I had the 16-piece main course sushi, with pieces of sushi and maki, and a complement of sashimi.
Expect to pay about 265 NOK. The more extensive menus are 395-895 NOK, but then you'll have the opportunity of eating the most exclusive delicatesses of the sea. The ingredients are all fresh and of high quality. It is the best sushi I've ever had! Service is great as well, the staff is very attentive and polite, without being intriguing. At the steep prices, this restaurant is a real luxury treat, but well worth it!
Make a reservation in advance, as this restaurant is busy every night!

Adress: Cort Adelers gate 2, 0254 OSLO
Web page: http://www.alexsushi.no/

Welcome to the I Heart Oslo-blog

I'm always curious of what it's like living in other countries, so this is my contribution to other curious species!
I want to share what it is like living in a Scandinavian country. My hometown is Oslo, the capital of Norway.
I will be posting restaurant reviews, my thoughts of living in Oslo, ups and downs, and a whole lot more.