Palace Grill

We’re talking about a real institution in Oslo’s gastronomic scene here, as this tiny restaurant has been around since 1994 and at the same address in the western part of downtown. The concept hasn’t changed: great food and wine, combined.

Palace Grill is a restaurant that has shaped some of the best chefs in Norway. The food is classic in a playful way, reflecting the young energy in the kitchen and the restaurant’s profile. You’re sure to have caviar at least once during the meal and the main ingredients in the 10-course menu are of the highest Norwegian quality. The chefs here get bored easily so the menu changes very dynamically. All the 20 guests that the restaurant can house arrive at the same time, with the chefs themselves serving and presenting the food.

One thing that has changed over time is the music in the kitchen, which is no longer as loud (and metal-oriented) as it used to be.

Palace Grill has a reputation as a place where you leave slightly intoxicated. And this image is nurtured by both the media and the guests – you can feel everyone’s expectations upon arrival, almost like letting kids in a candy shop. And the vibrations climb instantly as soon as the first drops are served. The sommeliers don’t hold back – you get as much wine you want (within certain limits, of course). The wine show is run by two sommeliers who have done so for at least the past decade, with most guests choosing the full wine-pairing menu to accompany the food.

There is no such thing as a wine list at this restaurant. When asked why, the answer is “too much work – we don’t like being in the office in front of the computer.” Still, the sommeliers keep track of the 1,000 different wines in stock and, even though most guests choose the wine pairing, there is a certain demand for bottles – and Palace Grill is well known for its high standards. We’re talking very classic wines and mostly French – Burgundy, Bordeaux and Loire – with one or two German Rieslings helping out. It’s not just young wines but also some with maturity, which increases the classic feel. This is one of the (many) success factors for this venue – for a wine lover, it is like coming home.