Delicatessen Tapasbar is my favourite tapas spot in Oslo. Fried chorizo, Pimientos de Padron, oozing oven-baked chevre, tortilla de patatas, creamy aioli – I can’t even look at that picture without getting hungry! While they do the tapas ‘basics’ well, there’s always a couple of weekly specials that are usually more innovative, and that’s where Delicatessen really comes into its own.
There are three restaurants: the original Delicatessen in Grünerløkka, a posher place in Majorstuen, and a slick venue in Aker Brygge. I like the Grünerløkka tapas bar best: it’s a little smaller than the others, and while still funky it’s got more of a neighbourhood vibe. They take bookings for lunch Monday to Friday; all other times it’s walk-ins only (it’s often busy on Friday and Saturday evenings but the wait time for a table is usually pretty reasonable). It’s a perfect opportunity to order a cava sangria, find a spot on the benches or steps spilling out into the street, and settling in for some people-watching in a leafy riverside area while you wait for your table.
