Elias mat & sånt is a neighborhood restaurant and café at Kristian Augusts gate 14 in Oslo‘s Sentrum district, a few minutes’ walk from the Royal Palace Park and the National Theatre. Its tagline, “direkte fra havet og hagen til matbordet” (from the sea and the garden to the table), sums up the idea: seasonal Norwegian cooking built on fish and vegetables, served in a calm dining room at sensible prices. With a 4.4 rating from more than 1,100 reviews, it is a reliable choice for travelers who want local food away from the tourist strip.
What to Expect at Elias mat & sånt
The restaurant positions itself as an oasis in the middle of the city, and guest reviews on the official site repeat the same themes: a quiet room, honest food, and a place that does not try to be more than it is. The kitchen leans on Scandinavian traditions, with fish and seafood at the center, and applies modern technique to familiar dishes rather than reinventing them. Because the menu follows the garden and the catch, specific dishes change through the year, so check the current list on the official website before you go.
The setting works for several kinds of meal. Couples tend to book an evening table for a slow dinner, while afternoon visitors treat it as a café stop between museums. The room is relaxed rather than formal, and the 12:30 start every day makes it handy for a late lunch after a morning of sightseeing.
- Sea-to-table cooking: Fish and seafood anchor the menu, in line with the restaurant’s “fra havet” philosophy.
- Garden produce: Seasonal vegetables and greens shape the side dishes and vegetarian options.
- Modern takes on Norwegian classics: Traditional Scandinavian flavors are plated with contemporary technique.
- Quiet, cozy dining room: Reviewers describe a calm retreat from central Oslo’s traffic and crowds.
- Fair pricing: Reviews and the $$ price tier point to good value for central Oslo, where meal costs run high.
Elias mat & sånt at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Kristian Augusts gate 14, 0164 Oslo, Norway |
| Neighborhood / Area | Sentrum, near Frogner and the Royal Palace Park |
| Operating Hours | Daily 12:30 to 23:00, kitchen closes at 22:00 (per the restaurant’s website); some listings show a 4 PM opening on Mondays and Sundays, so confirm before visiting |
| Admission / Price Range | No entry fee; $$ price tier |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Walkable from Nationaltheatret station (trains and T-bane) and nearby tram and bus stops; limited street parking and paid garages in the center |
| Official Website & Phone | cafeelias.no, +47 22 20 22 21 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve ahead for evenings and weekends through the online booking page or by emailing [email protected]. Walk-ins are easier in the early afternoon. Kitchen service ends at 22:00, so arrive by 21:00 if you want a full meal. Getting here is simple: Nationaltheatret station is a short walk away and serves regional trains, the T-bane and the Flytoget airport express. Driving is less convenient, as central Oslo has a toll ring and parking is mostly paid and limited. The entrance is a ground-floor street-front address, but call ahead to confirm step-free access and restroom layout.
Pair a meal here with a walk through the Royal Palace Park (Slottsparken), a 5 to 10 minute stroll away, or the National Theatre and Karl Johans gate for shopping and people-watching. The Nobel Peace Center and Aker Brygge waterfront are roughly 15 minutes on foot, which makes an easy post-dinner walk along the harbor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Elias mat & sånt’s opening hours?
The restaurant’s website lists daily hours of 12:30 to 23:00, with the kitchen closing at 22:00. Some third-party listings show Monday and Sunday opening at 4 PM, so confirm by phone at +47 22 20 22 21 before a weekend or Monday visit. Late afternoon to early evening is the best window for a quieter table.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are recommended for dinner and weekends and can be made on the official booking page or by email. Weekday afternoons are usually easier for walk-ins. Groups should always book ahead.
How much time should I plan for a meal?
Allow 1 to 2 hours for lunch or a relaxed dinner. If you only want coffee and a light bite in the café setting, 45 minutes is enough.
How expensive is it, and is it good for families or couples?
It sits in the $$ tier, which is moderate by Oslo standards. The calm atmosphere suits couples and small groups, and the relaxed room is comfortable for families with older children. Contact the restaurant about step-free access and dietary requests.
When planning your Oslo travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and norwegian restaurant in Oslo, pair this stop with standout local spots including San Francisco Bread Bowl, Maaemo, Nordisk Bibelmuseum, and Restaurant EiK (nearby).
