Are you going out to eat with your family or a group of friends, but everyone wants different food? Then one of Oslo’s food courts is the perfect place to go!
Since the first food hall in Oslo opened 13 years ago, the concept has become incredibly popular, and many new ones have appeared. We’ve tested them all, and found that they’re quite similar in terms of price and food selection – what really sets them apart is the style, vibe, and atmosphere.
Below, you can read what we think about each food hall. This is our subjective opinion based on only 2–3 visits to each place. Of course, your experience may differ – feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Oslo.
Mathallen Oslo
When Mathallen Oslo opened its doors in October 2012, it became Norway’s first food hall. Inspired by famous European markets, it was an instant hit in Oslo. Located in Vulkan – a trendy area by the Akerselva River, between St. Hanshaugen, Alexander Kiellands Plass, and Grünerløkka – the hall features a great mix of food stalls, bars, and small shops selling local cheeses, sausages, seafood, and more.
Food: 5 / Variety: 6
Atmosphere: A more mature crowd. This is the place for champagne and oysters. The space feels a bit cramped – they’ve squeezed in a bit too much. You must sit in the bar’s designated area to order drinks, which we found a bit odd. Also, the restroom is hard to find, as it’s located downstairs.
Opening hours:
- Tuesday–Saturday: 10–20
- Sunday: 11–18
- Monday: Closed
- Some venues may stay open later.
Oslo Street Food
Located in the former Torggata Bad (public baths), Oslo Street Food retains many of the original features in its interior. With over 600 indoor and outdoor seats, it’s the largest food hall in the city. Oslo Street Food gave us the most authentic food hall vibe. It’s perfectly located between Grønland and Grünerløkka and has become a trendy hotspot for a younger crowd.
Food: 5 / Variety: 5+
Atmosphere: Youthful and vibrant. The large outdoor area is packed when the sun is out. On weekends, the “pool” area is cleared of tables and turned into a dance floor – time to get up and dance!
Opening hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 11–23
- Friday–Saturday: 11–03
- Sunday: 12–22
- Food stalls close at 22:00 on weekdays and 21:00 on weekends.
Paleet Food Hall
Paleet Food Hall is by far the smallest, with only four food outlets and a small bar. It’s located in the Paleet Shopping Center on Karl Johan Street, right across from Spikersuppa.
Food: 4+ / Variety: 3
Atmosphere: Calm and cozy with low lighting and quiet music. Ideal for a break while shopping with the family. Surprisingly affordable beer, especially for a place right on Karl Johan – the most touristy street in the city.
Opening hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 11–20
- Friday–Saturday: 11–22.30
- Sunday: Closed
Via Village
Just a stone’s throw from Aker Brygge, you’ll find Via Village Food Court. It has a modern and stylish – though maybe a bit sterile – interior. There’s plenty of space, it’s family-friendly, and the food selection is decent. It used to be one of our favorites, but recent visits included order mix-ups and long waits.
Food: 5 / Variety: 4+
Atmosphere: Feels calmer and more upscale. It’s clean and organized, with kid-friendly options like colorful burgers and crepes/bubble waffles.
Opening hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 11–22 (kitchen closes at 21)
- Friday: 11–23 (kitchen closes at 21)
- Saturday: 12–21 (kitchen closes at 20)
- Sunday: Closed
Vippa
Vippa is amazing when the sun is out, with plenty of outdoor seating where you can watch boats go by while sipping a cold drink. Opened in 2017, it focuses on local and sustainable food. Inside, there’s plenty of space and a good variety of food stalls. On both our visits, Aleppo Bahebek was the standout.
Food: 5 / Variety: 4+
Atmosphere: Sitting outside in the sun is lovely in summer. Otherwise, the vibe can feel a bit flat. Slightly off the beaten path but hands-down the best view of all the food halls.
Opening hours:
- Tuesday–Saturday: 12–22 (food stalls close at 21)
- Sunday: 12–20 (food stalls close at 19)
Barcode Street Food
Barcode Street Food is the newest food hall in Oslo and perhaps the most international. It’s centrally located near Oslo Central Station, in the area known as Barcode. With space for about 450 people and a solid range of food stalls, the food is excellent.
Food: 5 / Variety: 5
Atmosphere: The venue feels a bit impersonal with its generic design, but there’s plenty of space. On weekends, they often host various entertainment events. Overall, we really like Barcode Street Food.
Opening hours:
- Monday–Saturday: 11–23 (food stalls close at 22)
- Sunday: 12–22 (food stalls close at 21)
Posthallen Drinkhub
As the name suggests, Posthallen Drinkhub isn’t really a food hall – it’s a collection of bars under one roof. A perfect place for a drink before or after a meal and ideal for after-work etc. There are eight concept bars with creative cocktails, often crafted by award-winning bartenders. They also serve pizza from Mamma Pizza, the only food vendor. We do think a few more food options (like burgers or bar snacks) would improve the experience. Even though it’s not a true food hall, it’s such a cool place that we had to include it.
Variety: 5
Atmosphere: Relaxed and welcoming. Housed in Oslo’s old main post office, the ceiling height is an impressive 11.2 meters! There’s plenty of space, to say the least.
Opening hours:
- Tuesday–Thursday: 11–01
- Friday: 11–02
- Saturday: 12–02
- Sunday–Monday: 11–22
Oslo’s food halls are great meeting spots for anyone who loves food and good vibes. You’re sure to find one (or more) you’ll enjoy!
Do you have a favorite? Share it in the comments below.
