Maaemo is a three-Michelin-star Norwegian fine dining restaurant at Dronning Eufemias gate 23 in Bjørvika, Oslo‘s waterfront district beside the Opera House. Opened in 2010 by chef Esben Holmboe Bang and restaurateur Åsmund Ove, it was the first Norwegian restaurant to earn three Michelin stars (2019), and it is known for a seasonal tasting menu built on Norwegian produce, much of it organic or biodynamic, paired with an extensive wine programme.
What to Expect at Maaemo
The name comes from the Finnish word for Mother Earth, and the kitchen’s philosophy follows it. The restaurant’s own words are that its focus is on a complete experience, highlighting the relationship between the raw produce and the finished product. The evening is a single multi-course tasting menu that changes with the Norwegian seasons, drawing on farmers, fishers and foragers across the country. Dishes lean on dairy, grains, fermented and cured preparations, and cold-water seafood, with the kitchen prepared close to the dining room so the pacing feels like a performance rather than a procession.
The room is a deliberately minimalist, Scandinavian space with warm wood, soft lighting and a calm, hushed tone. Service is choreographed but unstuffy, and staff walk guests through each course, often describing the farm or producer behind it. Plan for a long, unhurried evening; this is a dinner to settle into rather than a quick reservation between other plans.
- Seasonal tasting menu: A multi-course Norwegian menu that shifts through the year, built around produce from named farms, fisheries and wild foragers.
- Wine pairing: A sommelier-led pairing runs alongside the menu, with a premium option for guests who want rarer bottles.
- Non-alcoholic pairing: Juices, infusions and ferments are offered for guests who skip alcohol, designed as a course-by-course companion.
- Minimalist Nordic dining room: A quiet, restrained interior that keeps attention on the plate and the conversation.
- Three Michelin stars: The first Norwegian restaurant to hold the top rating, which places it among a small group of the world’s most decorated kitchens.
Maaemo at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Dronning Eufemias gate 23, 0194 Oslo, Norway |
| Neighborhood / Area | Bjørvika, Oslo waterfront |
| Operating Hours | Tuesday to Saturday, 6 PM to 12 AM; closed Sunday and Monday |
| Admission / Price Range | $$$$ (fixed tasting menu; wine and non-alcoholic pairings priced separately) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 3.5 to 4.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Oslo S (Central Station) is a short walk; tram and bus stops in Bjørvika; paid underground parking nearby |
| Official Website & Phone | maaemo.no | +47 22 17 99 69 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Tables are released in advance and fill quickly, so book through the restaurant’s official reservation page as early as possible, and use the contact page on maaemo.no to flag allergies and dietary needs before the evening. Doors open at 6 PM, and arriving on time matters because the menu is paced as a single sequence. Bjørvika is easiest to reach by train, tram or bus to Oslo S, followed by a walk of roughly ten minutes through the Barcode district; taxis can drop off at the door. Confirm step-free access and seating needs with the restaurant when booking.
Make an afternoon of the neighbourhood. The Oslo Opera House, with its sloping white marble roof that visitors can walk up for harbour views, is about five minutes away on foot. The Munch museum, a short walk along the waterfront, and the Barcode high-rise district are also close, so a sunset stroll before dinner fits naturally ahead of a 6 PM seating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Maaemo’s opening hours and the best time to visit?
Maaemo serves dinner from 6 PM to midnight, Tuesday through Saturday, and is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Evenings in late spring through early autumn pair well with a waterfront walk before service, while winter seatings suit the room’s warm, quiet atmosphere.
How much does dinner at Maaemo cost and do I need a reservation?
Maaemo sits at the $$$$ tier, with a fixed tasting menu plus optional wine or non-alcoholic pairings billed separately; check current pricing on the official site. Reservations are essential and made through the restaurant’s online booking page, as walk-in tables are not offered.
How long does a meal at Maaemo take?
Budget roughly 3.5 to 4.5 hours for the full tasting menu with pairings. It is paced as a continuous experience, so avoid scheduling anything tight after your seating.
Is Maaemo suitable for dietary restrictions, children or a dress code?
The kitchen accommodates many dietary needs when notified in advance at booking, though a fixed menu limits improvisation on the night. There is no formal dress code, but smart, neat attire suits the occasion, and the long, quiet format is best for adults and older teenagers.
When planning your Oslo travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and fine dining restaurant in Oslo, pair this stop with standout local spots including Statholdergaarden, Karl Johan Hotel, Frognerparken, and Clarion Hotel Oslo (nearby).
