Babbo Collective Frogner — Restaurant in Oslo

Introduction

Located in the heart of Oslo, Alex presents itself as a casual dining spot with a menu that leans towards comfort food. My recent visit, however, left much to be desired. While expectations for dining out in Oslo come with a certain price acceptance, quality and execution should still justify the expense.

Ambiance & Service

The experience began with an unfortunate misstep, dirty glasses that needed replacing, setting a poor first impression regarding cleanliness. While service was prompt, the pacing of the meal was not well thought out, as the sourdough bread arrived alongside the main dishes rather than as a proper starter. The atmosphere was overwhelmingly loud, making it difficult to converse. Given that it was a Saturday, this was somewhat expected, but it still affected the overall experience.

Food & Presentation

Starter

Sourdough bread with salted butter: The bread had a pleasant texture and nice flavour, while the butter boasted a smooth, well-balanced texture. However, serving it alongside the main dishes instead of beforehand disrupted the rhythm of the dining experience.

Main Course

Fried Spicy Chicken with Ranch Sauce (x2): The chicken was slightly undercooked, creating a misleading sense of tenderness rather than genuine succulence. The exterior, while crisp in appearance, was excessively greasy. The spiciness was mild and lacked depth. The ranch sauce was passable but uninspired.

Presentation Issue: A misstep in plating saw the lemon garnish submerged in the sauce, making it unusable. Serving it separately would have been a more practical approach.

Portion Size: The chicken portion was underwhelming, consisting of only three small pieces, closer in size to chicken wings rather than a substantial main course.

Side Dishes

French Fries with Béarnaise Sauce (x2): The fries were disappointingly limp and overly greasy, lacking the crisp texture expected. The béarnaise sauce, however, was well-crafted, delivering the expected richness and tang, serving as a minor redemption.

Portion Size: The fries were served in an acceptable portion, but overall, the meal did not feel complete.

Portions & Value

One of the most underwhelming aspects of the meal was portion size. The chicken portion was disappointingly small, consisting of only three pieces, while the fries and bread portions were reasonable. Overall, the meal felt incomplete, more like a collection of appetizers than a satisfying main course.

The total cost of 480 NOK aligns with Oslo’s notoriously high dining prices, but pricing alone does not justify a subpar dining experience. While expensive dining is a known reality in Norway, the quality and portioning here failed to meet even basic expectations.

Conclusion

A restaurant’s success is often built on the sum of its details such as service, pacing, and execution. All these factors matter, especially in a competitive dining landscape, and this experience did not reflect the standards one should expect at this price point. A wake-up call is needed to bring Alex up to par with even the most basic expectations for a...

Innovation, Creativity & Excellence are what come to mind after dining at Alex restaurant. The foods are delectable and beautiful. The presentation create the anticipation of the magical foods you are about to taste. The slathers of Whipped Butter are Heaven on their Freshly baked Sourdough ~ I have spent over three years in the last six years in Norway, I have never found food more creative and delicious than what Alex the chef brings to the table !! Love is the first vibration in the universe, and the first vibration when you take your first bite of the exquisite and delightful, foods at Alex restaurant is pure LOVE. This is not your ordinary Norwegian restaurant, this restaurant excels on all levels & competitive with the best in Europe. The minute you walk in to this restaurant, the vibration and decor are just the beginning of a fabulous dining experience. The service is outstanding, friendly and informative. Do not miss Dining Here, for breakfast lunch or dinner you will not be disappointed!! You will be planning your next trip back to Alex restaurant before you leave. Thank you, Alex I appreciate the Gorgeous foods you serve to us, and the magic that takes place in your...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Alex and it was an enjoyable experience. From the moment I stepped in, I was captivated by the charming atmosphere. With cozy lighting and stylish decor that set the perfect mood for a memorable evening.

What truly stood out, however, was the impeccable service provided by the staff. From the friendly greeting at the door to the attentive care throughout the meal, every interaction was warm and genuine. The staff went above and beyond to ensure that my dining experience was nothing short of exceptional.

And let's not forget about the food! Each dish was beautifully crafted with the finest ingredients. It was evident that the chefs put their heart and soul into every plate.

Overall, I cannot recommend Restaurant Alex highly enough. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner for two or a special celebration with friends, this is the place to go. Thank you to the entire team for a truly unforgettable...