Grand Café Oslo

Yesterday, when we arrived at the restaurant, we were greeted by the host (or maître d’) who told us that there were no available tables and that the only option was a small table right next to the entrance. It was very cold there with a constant draft, as people were coming in and out all the time. I mentioned that this table was not suitable for us and pointed out that the restaurant looked almost empty. However, we were very hungry and tired, and since it was raining heavily outside, we didn’t really have the energy or desire to walk around the city looking for another place. I insisted and asked if he could check for any other options — perhaps at the bar? The maître d’ then said we could wait until a table became available (which was confusing, since around 70% of the dining room was visibly empty!). We agreed to wait, but asked to sit somewhere and have a drink while waiting. At that point, he reluctantly led us to a table in the middle of the room, looking rather displeased. We ended up spending about two hours in the restaurant, and my initial impression was confirmed — about 70% of the tables remained empty the entire evening (on a Saturday night!). Hardly any new guests arrived. I find the maître d’s attitude completely unacceptable and hope the management takes this into consideration. Other than that, everything was excellent — the food was delicious, our waiter was polite, and the atmosphere was lovely.

We stopped in for a snack. We got the scallops and the ceviche. Both were delicious and beautiful. The service was consistent. The kitchen was wonderful - i love the open concept. The decor is nice the flavors and plating were fantastic. A good historical site to put on your list

We visit Oslo frequently from the United States. While we have walked by this wonderful café, on many occasions, we have never taken the opportunity to dine here. I am so glad we did so this evening. Our amazing server, JESPER, took time to explain each of the daily specials. I am learning Norwegian so he was very patient with me. I had the fish soup with shrimp and mussels and my wife had the braised beef with puréed potatoes and grilled vegetables. For dessert we had the apple tart with cardamom ice cream and everything was absolutely superb.

Really a way to start our Norway trip! Oysters are superb! That we ended up ordering it twice! And I’m amazed there was only one waiter/floor manager and he was running around managing orders and serving customers! The duck leg and scallops was also cooked to perfection!!

We visit Oslo frequently from the USA but have not tried this delightful cafe until now. The service is excellent even on this very busy, tourist-filled day with the Oslo marathon. Our server, JESPER, was EXCEPTIONAL going over today’s specialty menu offerings. I had the fish soup with shrimp and mussels and my wife had the braised beef puréed potatoes and grilled vegetables. We highly recommend a stop at this beautiful historic locale on Carl Johans Gate for a delicious taste of bluefin cuisine.

Fantastic lunch at the Grand Cafe in Oslo. Both the mussels with fries and the salmon bagel sandwich are a must try.

Beautiful historical restaurant conveniently located along Karl Johans Gate. Lunch sets are available but we decided to go for their ala carte menu as it seemed more interesting. Absolutely loved their beef tartare! Other dishes were a bit salty for our taste.

Great location, friendly and helpful staffs! The food was amazing, we got the chef’s recommendation of the day! Salmon as starter was delicious! The place is fancy and cozy at the same time! I had a great time there! Save some time for a walk around before or after visiting the restaurant!

I didn't see too many updated reviews on this hotel, so it scared me a little. That said, I found this hotel to be absolutely fantastic. Here are a few tips and observations for tourists: - This hotel is central to almost everything. - It's a bit old, but it has been renovated to match it's charm. - The hotel restaurant in the main lobby is wonderful for dinner, drinks and afternoon tea. (Make sure to make reservations in advance for the restaurant) -As someone from the United States, I am used to hotels being ADA compliant. In Europe, specifically at this hotel, there were tons of areas that are a hazard for you to trip and fall. In Europe, it's a norm, but if you are from the US, it might be something you need to pay more attention to. - The hotel sinks have a ton of water pressure. Be careful when turning on the faucet. -The bathrooms have heated flooring, which is great when it's cold. -Beds are comfortable and clean, but the pillows were too soft for my liking. -Everyone working at the hotel was very kind and pleasant. Overall, I loved this hotel. I highly recommend staying here if you are in Oslo.

I don'y usually leave negative reviews, but it had to be done. I wanted to do a load of laundry and was quoted a price of 2,165 NOK, or $206 USD. Note that this is not dry cleaning, but a single load of machine-washed clothes with no special treatment

Was in Oslo for 3 days & afternoon tea at the Grand Hotel was definitely top 3 highlights of my visit. Mad props to our hostess Natalia whose service & knowledge enhanced our dining experience.

I have a tradition of having Afternoon Tea in every new country I visit. To this day, I have had over 20 Afternoon Tea. The Afternoon Tea at the Grand Hotel has made it to my TOP 2. This pastry chef has created an experience that even my Macho man's man melted over. The butter and pear jams were light, delicate, and balanced. The pastrami and caramelized onions were an experience along with the shrimp. The desserts were a travel experience through so many flavors and blanced. We chose the black Tea with citrus flavors, which was excellent. We also appreciated the menu flexibility since my fiance does not eat red meat. His tower was just as good. Then you add our wonderful server, Natalia, who was very knowledgeable of all of the options. It was truly an amazing experience, and I definitely recommend it for all Afternoon Tea lovers!!!!

Attentive staff, beautiful public rooms, but it stops there. The rooms are badly outdated, the beds broken down. There is no attempt at anesthetics, the hhospital white walls are bare and the whole room-vibe is depressing. This is at best a three star hotel. The cafe is good but the restaurant itself, though situated in a lovely room, has a strange and limited menu. I had the pork which was dry and tasteless. Centrally located but there are better options.

Not a wide selection of teas, few in fact, but afternoon tea time is lovely when considering the environment and the service isn't sophisticated but the attention to detail exists. One of the few highly accessible locations for tea in the mosh of tourism and indeed a worthy stop to get out of the fray. Its adventurous in terms of palate compared to most teas I've had due to the general population being inclined to be so as well - duck liver, smoked halibut, and berry gellies for instance. The clotted cream was divine, most like a vanilla whipped than thick and immovable. I'd say go, try, and enjoy, especially if in the area shopping or strolling already.

Our goal when coming to Oslo was to treat ourselves to a world class hotel and the Grand Hotel did not disappoint. The exterior promises greatness and the interior delivers. The ornate lobby and lobby bar are complete with Viking decor and the staff is extremely friendly. Our room was immaculate yet cozy. We were very satisfied with our stay and would recommend it to anyone spending a night in Oslo.

This review is only for the FOOD!!!! And glorious food it is, indeed. We were a bit pooped and popped in (this review is really off to a hilarious start eh?) to grab a bite to eat. They close between lunch and dinner but we were lucky and they were happy to serve us with 10 minutes to spare. I ordered off the small plates- salmon starter. It was the best salmon ever! And so beautiful! It was so tender and melted in my mouth and had this nice sauce on it with cucumber and roe and some carrot and... shoot! Delightful. My dad has some sort of noodle dish which had a really interesting and tasty flavour. My moms salad was also fantastic - it was grilled romain and the dressing was quite unique but very good. They were very kind, and dealt politely with my parents asking multiple times how tipping works and if they can add it and how much they should do and blah blah bla (hahahaha kinda awkward). All in all, delightfully beautiful and delicious place.

This is my favorite hotel in Oslo. Excellent facility and amenities and the service is definitely 5-star and always done with a smile. Catering and events team are pros and the food is tasty and presented beautifully. I can't recommend this place enough.

We arrived at the Grand Hotel to a welcoming, patient staff which were quite knowledgeable. Our room was ready upon arrival at 10:30am when checkin time is 3pm. We were prepared to browse the city anticipating a room not ready. Our room was extremely clean, tastefully appointed and welcoming with a lovely message for us on the screen. We tried several times to book the "Norway in a Nutshell" tour from the states. We were thoroughly confused. Upon delivering our luggage to the room we quickly went down to the concierge to secure this tour with some Parameters as my husband is quite tall and we needed a guarantee of extra space. The concierge was at lunch but front desk staff handled the request by jotting down the particulars. We waited no more than 5 Minutes and the wonderful concierge "Henrietta" ? Greeted us and indicated she would check availability and everything would be left at the desk for our decision. We went to corner to take in a tour- on the bus - Henrietta runs across the street and a meters down to Collect us with current timely information. Needless to say- awesome customer service. We secured the tour. Breathtaking views and a long day- but soooo worth it. Thank you Grand Hotel, staff and very special Henrietta Went to the bar late evening- simply amazing to all patrons!!!

Not bad, not bad.. Beautiful old hotel but not my style! Rooms are somewhat small though and I paid ca. 186 EUR, not sure how this compares to other hotels in Oslo but limited value for money. Breakfast was really good with extensive choice and located in the Grand Cafe. Unfortunately there was a big gala going which made the hotel a bit noisy during the night but this was probably just bad luck.

Disappointed. Had a terrible check in process with the receptionist telling me I made a mistake and booked the wrong dates. Then when showing her my email communication with my correct dates she then has me waiting 30min while she try's to reach the booking Dept. Why would I need to be put out for their errors? After given our rooms, 1 family suite and and 1 king room (king room has a queen bed) we find in terrible condition. The price for the rooms are five star but the accommodations are far less. The service far less. The 1 positive was the email communication was pleasant. Would not stay here again nor recommend it. Five star Grand Hotel does not meet my five star past experiences at other hotels.

The hotel is undergoing construction right now. But they didn't notify until three days before our checkin. During the stay, the construction even happens around 11- night. When I notify the front desk, nothing was being done. This is very disappointing for a highly rated hotel.

Great experience at the hotel. Got a standard room at a great deal. Even came with a chandelier. Hotel staff was very helpful in all aspects. Our luggage was taken out of our vehicle and taken to our room for us. Parking is valet which must be reserved or self parking. We parked in a parking garage there is currently a good deal of construction so navigation was a bit difficult. Pool and sauna access is available as an amenity with your room. If you want breakfast you must book your room "with breakfast" the buffet here is absolutely delicious. We were also given complimentary bathrobes and slippers. The man at the front desk with the handle bar mustache was friendly and helped us find our way to the bus stop in order for us to get to the bus stop. Best decorations in Norway. Beautiful hotel.

This hotel is the tale of two cities. First the positives. It is in a great location, good restaurant with outdoor street level seating, nice rooftop bar, nice decor, nicely decorated and comfortable rooms. The bad, while the staff is very nice they aren't the most competent. I have stayed here twice. The first time I was given my keys to check into my room and when I went to my room somebody was already in the room. The person who checked me in accidentally gave me the wrong room (right room wrong floor). On second stay arrived very late after midnight. My wife went to get ready for bed and use the bathroom and the was no toilet paper. How does that happen in a hotel when you have daily maid service. Closets are ridiculous. Very small with no bar to hang clothes just a hook with six clothes hangers on it. Totally worthless and disfunctional, no drawers or place to put clothes, poor outlets. If you want to make a cup of tea you have to plug pot in on floor under desk or on nightstand next to bed. Again, ridiculous. Lastly I had requested the hotel help with a dinner reservation and they said they would do that and leave a message. Nobody ever got back to me. I am a frequent traveler and have high standards and this hotel just didn't meet the mark in service. This is a very expensive hotel and you shouldn't have to encounter these negatives. Not sure I would stay a third time if back in Oslo.

A beautiful historic hotel in the center of downtown Oslo! You feel luxury the moment you see the building and the lobby, particularly the drop-dead gorgeous restaurant where you can sit for meals. The rooms are being renovated and therefore a mix of old and new, lacking that perfect "old" aesthetic. However, it is still a treat - the room service is great and it's been a lovely place to come "home" to in Oslo.

Grand and amazing hotel. The location is perfect. Staff was so helpful. This is the place to stay in Oslo.

I really hate giving the Grand 3 stars because it really is a beautiful hotel and Nuri who checked me in did an outstanding job. The rooms were clean BUT CONS: so noisy. We had window opened because it was warm yesterday and last night. Very noisy on street so really hardly slept. The worse .... called last night to get a wake up call because needed to leave hotel at 7am to catch an early plane. No one ever called and when I checked out I said something to the man who checked me out... he looked in a book and said whomever we talked to never wrote it down. Never apologized and took care of next person checking out. I guess I'm happy the room was noisy and I couldn't sleep.... otherwise I wouldn't be looking out on a beautiful beach in Dubrovnik. Grand hotel is beautiful but not to have a wake up call is horrible when you want to make a plane!

Such a beautiful hotel! We stayed one night here, and wish it could have been more! Beautifully decorated, plush carpet in the rooms.. loccitane soaps, lotions, etc.. amazing, friendly and helpful service... best part to top it was the breakfast buffet. An extraordinary selection of delicious pickings. Have been all over Europe and have not seen a spread quite like that! An amazing full gym and spa as well!

A beautiful old hotel in the city centre of Oslo. Much like the city the Grand hotel has warmth and charm and you feel special being inside. The roomes are well equipped but quite small. The breakfast buffet is legendary and must be sampled if you are staying there. My stay was only one night but i loved the hotel and I loved Oslo so do yourself a favour and go there.

Classical grand hotel, worth every penny. Extraordinary location, near everything. Excellent spa & gym on top floor, with views. Unfortunately most rooms facing blind walls, but well, it is located in the middle of town.

A place with a much needed harbor for those who live in Oslo. Traditional, grandiose and elegant. Usually good service, though the occasional ditzy receptionist. Great rooftop bar. The spa is my regular spot. They used to only charge 299.- for a half hour massage and all day long use of the facilities. Was one of my favourite Oslo hacks, but recently it's gotten more pricey.

Grand by name and location, but definitely not in terms of staff. For a luxury hotel the Concierge staff would have to be the rudest,most disinterested and incompetent I have seen. Their only interest is to tell you anything to get rid of you. Day 1 give my wife and me at checkin the keys to someone else's room. Inside before we realised something wrong! Day2 wanted directions to the tourist bureau. They're obviously not aware that the TB had relocated from where they sent us in -2 degrees and on the other side of town. With so limited daylight hours we basically blew a day. Day 2 not feeling well, asked for simple restaurant close to the hotel. Interrupt a different guys conversation with his porter mate, noone else around. His task is basically to find a CLOSE pizza joint for a sick guest. He thinks and thinks - how hard can it be? He finally googles it (l know I know, but that's supposedly why you pay to be lazy), and writes San Lorenzo on the map and marks the location. In full snow storm I walk exactly to where it isn't. I am good with maps and it's not there. I relent and turn on my roaming and Google can't find it. It's actually San Leandra a Tapas joint and closed. In the snow, after I asked him to call But he wasn't interested, it wasn't necessary. As I say, if you don't want to work in hospitality, get out and let someone else who does.

Grand old hotel. Extremely helpful concierge. Let them make your dinner reservations. Great choices. Rooms very clean w everything you need. Perfect location.

The mattress in my room wasn't a mattress. It was a 3" very flimsy excuse for a mattress. Room temperature was hard to control. Poor service, too. Lukewarm water on one day. (Another guest had no hot water.) Getting into the shower required stepping into a tub approx.4' high. I couldn't wait to leave. There was nothing grand about the Grand Hotel. I wish I had stayed at The Thief.

This IS a grand hotel in a central and beautiful location. Every staff member was very helpful and friendly. I recommend the Othilia bar in the lobby. Ask Marcos or Daniel to make you a special cocktail. They are great bartenders and most genial hosts.

Worst hotel ever! If you don't want to get any sleep this is the place for you. The hotel says they have air conditioning; **but not in the rooms!!!**. Therefore you need to keep your window wide open just to get air. Problem is that the rooms are surrounding courtyards that echo like nothing you've ever experienced. Both nights we were at the hotel people in other rooms were having parties and playing music which echoed into our window and sounded like a rock concert. Both nights this lasted until 4:00am and the hotel would do nothing about it. Horrible