Elias mat & sånt — Restaurant in Oslo

This is an absolute gem of a restaurant. It’s worth booking ahead, as it isn’t very big, but the size really isn’t a problem - if anything, it’s one of the attractions. The restaurant had a lovely cosy feel to it, while at the same time, managing to have just enough of a “buzz” that it’s not too quiet.

The food is absolutely excellent and the drinks are reasonably priced as well (bearing in mind this is Oslo, and drinks everywhere are more expensive if you’re not used to Scandinavian prices). I’d recommend the lingonberry mousse if it’s still on the menu - it’d be worth visiting for that alone.

As well as plenty of choice on the menu (for vegetarians as well as fish/meat eaters), there is a decent wine list and a good selection of local beers. This restaurant has been my favourite so far in the whole of Scandinavia, even better than a couple of Michelin starred places I’ve visited (and certainly cheaper than them too). It’s not the cheapest place in Oslo, but it’s not the most expensive either and the food is worth every single penny. My photos really don’t do the food justice at all.

There are a few steps up to the restaurant from street level, but I’m not sure if there is any specific disabled access. It may be worth checking direct with the restaurant if mobility is an issue. The staff were extremely helpful and attentive, but without being at all pushy.

I’d say it’s worth visiting Oslo, just to eat at Elias Mat & Sånt, that’s...

I did quite some research about Norwegian restaurant in the Oslo city and decided to try this one out because of the great reviews, photos, Thier interesting menu and their commitment to the nature and ingredients sourcing. The booking and reception was friendly however we were under the impression that the service is a bit under rush…still attentive though but the rushing feeling came through… we ordered the baked Chèvre and meat plate as starters, got the house made spinach bread to match with it which was tasty. The meat plate included tind ham, elk salami, lamb ham - this is from my view the must try! A mix of 3 very special sausages all worth a try and tasty! For the main we ordered the reindeer shank and the risotto with lamb and this is where I got bit disappointed…. The reindeer shank is for me not really thoroughly cooked so that the flavor did not go through into the meat and the meat itself still way to tough for cutting and for the feeling in mouth, and we did not receive a special better cutting knife for the shank which is usually the case in other restaurants. The lamb was fine but that’s also it, nothing so special. For dessert we got the panna cotta with cloudberry, that tasted awesome. All in all was a ok experience, just 3-4 Star, Never a 5 Star unfortunately. I would absolutely expect better main course and altogether...

Before coming here I saw a few negative reviews even though it was recommended in a lonely planet guide, so I was a little wary but everything was great. Let me address some of the negative things that were said:

1. the cost — a couple of people said it's expensive for what you get. I'm guessing they're not aware that Oslo is one of the most expensive cities in Europe. It is very moderately priced. I got a 3 course meal for 555 krone, which is about £52. It's not budget dining, but it's quite reasonable for Oslo.
2. the quantity — whoever said you'll leave hungry needs to look at their portion sizes and consider cutting down. I have quite an appetite but I definitely left satisfied.
3. the service — the staff were incredibly nice and helpful. Also, we didn't feel rushed at all even though it was quite busy.
4. the taste — somebody complained the food tasted bland. I had the elk carpaccio And the reindeer stew and they were not bland. The carpaccio had a delicate flavour bit that's not the same as bland. My husband had 'the king of the forest' for the main and that was incredibly rich, if you fancy something full of flavour. In summary it's a lovely place, at a reasonable price, with some very interesting and tasty food. Don't let the small number of negative reviews...