Sandra F.
Yelp
Engebret Cafe is Oslo's oldest Restaurant. Engebret Named for "entrepreneur", Engebret Christophersen from North Odal.
History:
Engebret started almost as Uncle screw, with two empty hands and gradually various "ten aurar" As a young boy he had wanderlust, packed what little he had and went to town.
After just a few days he got a job as a shill for Lars Ihles little cafe on Stortorvet. In 1848, he rose through the ranks and was waiter at the "Swamp", basement restaurant in an award ceremony, where artists and theater people slaked throats with cheap beer, toddy, punch and drams.
Engebret received many tips, for he was a nice guy. He saved his money and soon he could open his own cafe. In 1857, he started in a small location in Church Street, "Kvæl". He worked hard and put up even more money. In 1862 he bought Bank Square 1 and it was the start of Engebret Café as we know it today.
He just had time to open the doors before Asbjørnsen, Bjornson, Ibsen and John Brown came to get a sip of thirst. Sister to Engebret was a chef, and those who came to eat almost could not get enough of her "fiskekager and Wood Marvben"
Regardless of the thickness of the cheese sandwiches were a manageable affair at the time. A price list from 1938 shows that the sandwiches with lobster cost 100 cents! For "mayonaise" had to be out by ten cents to. A "gin" cost one dollar and five cents. In the tradition of characters, Engebret Café serves sandwiches even daily, and they are as popular as ever.
We decided to dine in inside for lunch because I wanted to see history and decor of the building. It is decorated victorian like with dark cherry wood and many old paintings/portraits hanging on the walls. Their menu is the best authentic scandinavian meals has to offer.
I decided to get the Salad with Norwegian gravlax and smoked salmon with a glass of Cabernet. The salad was absolutely delicious. I really enjoyed the Norwegian Mustardsauce (dressing with salad) and salmon was fresh.
The staff was very friendly, knowledgeable, and patient.
It was a great experience to dine in the oldest restaurant
They also have free wifi.
Pricing is alittle pricey, but worth the visit.