Maaemo Restaurant

Maaemo was the first Norwegian restaurant to attain multiple Michelin stars and, as such, comes highly recommend for most travelers. But does it live up to its vaulted status as the country’s finest?

The entrance to Maaemo is something of a spectacle with diners having to traverse either a lengthy staircase alongside a series of flats or an elevator up to the top, where you’ll find wonderful views of Oslo through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The restaurant is upscale and guests are expected to dress for the occasion, but not so stuffy you must wear a suit and tie.

It has no true menu to speak of with executive chef Esben Holmboe Bang eagerly testing new dishes on unsuspecting guests on a seasonal basis. The dining area has only eight seating areas in addition to a chef’s table, a great place from which to see the kitchen, so it’s essential to book ahead of time. The wine list is a treat with more than 300 options available, along with a juice pairing option for less adventurous diners.

With nearly two dozen items on the seasonal menu you’ll want to come with a hearty appetite, though portions are still in line with European norms. The restaurant boasts that nearly 90 percent of the produce comes from the region surrounding Oslo and it’s noticeable in the freshness of the food. A majority of the dishes we were served were a hit, with only a handful leaving a little to be desired. Of course, everyone’s tastes are different so that’s not to say they weren’t all expertly crafted.

Maeemo is a wonderful dining experience for the avid foodie and an excellent place to visit when touring Norway. I highly recommend it.