Oslo’s culinary scene is a hidden treasure, offering everything from innovative gourmet experiences to hearty traditional meals. What sets Oslo apart for lunch is not just the quality of its food but how these tours blend culture, history, and local flavors into an engaging experience. Our favorite is the Oslo Tour with a Michelin-Starred Chef & Lunch/Dinner. This exclusive journey combines sightseeing with insights from a top Norwegian chef, making it a perfect choice for foodies who want a taste of luxury along with their sightseeing. The tour offers a small-group experience, ensuring personalized attention that makes learning about Norwegian ingredients and culinary traditions all the more enjoyable.
If you prefer a more traditional city tour with a local guide and a classic Norwegian lunch, the Oslo: City Tour with Traditional Norwegian Lunch or Dinner strikes a nice balance between cultural insight and hearty regional fare. It includes visits to iconic sites like the Royal Palace and the Parliament, ending with a sit-down meal that’s perfect for those wanting to savor authentic Norwegian cuisine while soaking in the city’s atmosphere.
Finally, for those who enjoy exploring at a relaxed pace with a focus on both landmarks and lesser-known sights, the Oslo Highlights and Delights Tour with Salmon Tasting Lunch offers a casual, yet richly rewarding experience. It shines with standout features like salmon tasting and visits to key landmarks like the Oslo Opera House and Akerhus Fortress, all wrapped into a scenic walk that’s friendly for most fitness levels.
1. Oslo Tour with a Michelin-Starred Chef & Lunch/Dinner
At number one, this luxury experience introduces you to Oslo through a combination of cultural highlights, culinary storytelling, and the expertise of a Michelin-starred Norwegian chef. The tour lasts about 3 hours and costs $177 per person, making it one of the most premium and intimate options available. You’ll start at the Royal Palace before visiting key sites like Oslo Cathedral, the Norwegian Parliament, and the National Theater, all with insights from your chef guide. What makes this experience stand out is the chance to learn about Norwegian ingredients and food philosophy directly from a top chef, who shares tips and stories that deepen your understanding of local cuisine.
This tour is perfect for travelers who appreciate fine dining and want a behind-the-scenes look at Norway’s culinary scene. The small group size ensures a personal, high-end experience, and you even get to enjoy a meal or a tasting session as part of the journey. While it is the priciest option, the quality of storytelling, exclusive access, and culinary depth justify the cost.
Bottom Line: If gourmet food paired with the city’s sights sounds like your ideal day, this tour offers a memorable taste of Oslo’s refined side.
2. Oslo: City Tour with Traditional Norwegian Lunch or Dinner
At number two, this 3.5-hour guided city tour offers a comprehensive look at Oslo’s most iconic sites combined with a hearty Norwegian meal. Starting at Slottsplassen, your guide will lead you through several key landmarks, including the Oslo Stock Exchange, the National Theatre, City Hall, and the Royal Palace. Along the way, you’ll learn about the royal family, the city’s political history, and literary giants like Ibsen and Bjørnson.
The highlight is the inclusion of a regional Norwegian lunch at a local restaurant, which provides a genuine taste of traditional dishes. Reviewers particularly enjoy the balance of sightseeing and food, with one describing the experience as “fascinating insights into Norwegian culture and interesting facts about Oslo,” supplemented by a delicious meal at the end. The tour’s value lies in its mix of cultural education and regional cuisine, making it suited for those who want a well-rounded introduction to the city without sacrificing authentic local flavors.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for travelers who want a structured, informative day with the comfort of a regional meal to cap it off.
3. Oslo Highlights and Delights Tour with Salmon Tasting Lunch
Rounding out our list is the Oslo Highlights and Delights Tour, which earned a perfect 5-star rating and is designed for those who enjoy exploring city landmarks at a leisurely pace. This roughly 3 to 3.5-hour walking tour begins at Oslo Central Station and moves through significant sites like the Oslo Opera House, the National Library, and Akerhus Fortress, but with a focus on uncovering lesser-known cultural and historical spots. The highlight is the inclusion of a salmon tasting lunch, a true Norwegian delicacy, served at a carefully selected spot.
What makes this tour special is its combination of popular sights with hidden treasures, providing a more personal look at the city’s character. Guests mention how the tour balances sightseeing with tasting, making it a great option for food lovers who also want a relaxed, manageable pace. The single review emphasizes the high quality of the experience, noting, “the salmon was delicious, and the tour showed us parts of Oslo we wouldn’t have found on our own.”
Bottom Line: If your priority is a relaxed, food-focused exploration of Oslo that balances iconic sights with local flavors, this tour delivers.
$91.03 per person
How to Choose Your Ideal Lunch Tour in Oslo
When deciding which of these tours fits your style, consider your budget, interests, and schedule. The Michelin-starred chef experience is perfect if you’re after a luxury, in-depth culinary lesson combined with sightseeing. If you prefer a guided city tour with a traditional Norwegian meal, the City Tour with Lunch or Dinner offers a solid mix of culture and regional food at a more accessible price point. For a more casual and scenic experience that emphasizes both landmarks and local tastes, the Salmon Tasting Tour provides a relaxed, informal way to explore Oslo’s culinary and cultural scene.
Booking early is wise, especially during peak travel seasons, as these tours tend to fill quickly. Plus, check availability for specific times to match your itinerary, and consider whether you want a more intimate, gourmet, or relaxed experience. Each tour promises a unique slice of Oslo—choose the one that best matches your travel style and appetite for discovery.
Oslo’s lunch experiences range from luxurious culinary journeys to hearty city walks with regional tastings. For lovers of fine food, the Michelin-starred chef tour offers a one-of-a-kind tasting adventure. If culture paired with a traditional Norwegian meal suits your style, the city tour with lunch is a great fit. For a laid-back exploration with a focus on local flavors, the Salmon Tasting Tour hits the spot. Whichever you choose, early booking and a clear sense of your interests will ensure you enjoy the best of Oslo’s approachable gastronomy.