If you want to eat good Norwegian food with the coolest ambiance, you need to check Starholderens Mat & Vinkjeller (@statholderens_matogvin) in your next trip to Oslo.
Statholderens Mat & Vinkjeller is one of the two restaurants by Chef Bent Stiansen. Both are located in the same building, the one at the top has a a Michelin Star and this one lies just below. I think it’s a good starting point and to get to know what kind of food this chef offers.
The Restaurant
Statholderens Mat & Vinkjeller is a modern bistro. The setting here is very casual and realxed with all the benefits from a Michelin Star restaurant without being one. One of the most peculiar things is that the restaurant is located in a 17th century vaulted cellar—such a unique place to have a meal. In 2021, the restaurant was honoured by Wine Spectator for an exceptional wine list. We were seated beside the cellar, which was cool spying all the wines and champagnes. Also, they had this clown drawing inside the cellar which felt a bit creepy. If you’re afraid of clowns, this isn’t your seat.
The Food
Their specialty is a 10-course menu that changes every seven weeks. And that’s what we ordered so we could have a small taste of everything. High quality food arrived to our table. They use local ingredients and create new flavour combinations. I found the menu quite fulfilling as I almost couldn’t finish it. But the food was really tasty and well-elaborated, I really enjoyed so much that it’s one of my favourite restaurants so far in Oslo. The only downside I can think of is that some dishes took their time to arrive. Desserts were up to the expectations and felt like a neccessary refreshment after all the good food.
Service
Service was amazing and very friendly, they always explained to us the origin of the dishes. They always tried to accomodate us and for Norway, I think is one of the best services in restaurants.
Totally recommend trying Statholderens Mat & Vinkjeller for Norwegian food in Oslo when visting this city.
7,5/10
