Perched on the top of Tøyen hill, Lille Tøyen Kolonial is definitely a hidden spot off the beaten track in Oslo.
The best thing to do is walk there. Most probably from any direction you’ll have to walk through some lovely residential spots and get a taste for what it’s like to live in Oslo. From the centre, you’ll walk by Tøyen Park and pass by some older, more traditional Norwegian residential houses and also some of the newest builds in the city.
When you reach Lille Tøyen Kolonial you’re not on any Main Street, but tucked away in a courtyard where you can sit outside and soak up some summer sun, or grab a hot chocolate in the winter and cosy up with some games inside.
They serve pizza from 3pm, which is quite good, but you can also sit and enjoy delicious coffee and sample some really fantastic local Oslo produce. I love their soft sofas to fall into on lazy afternoons, but there are plenty of rigid tables and bar stools better for sitting with your company! It’s definitely a “local” eatery, which does a lot for the community besides selling hot chocolate and pizza. It’s got a major social and community vibe to it and it’s perfect spot to watch local people come and go.
I love the outside area here – if it’s sunny outside, I highly recommend a visit!