Stallen — Restaurant in Oslo

During our European sojourn from America, serendipity led us to the enchanting city of Oslo, where an unassuming gem named Stallen beckoned us for an impromptu dinner. Unbeknownst to us at the time, this unpretentious facade concealed the splendors of a Michelin-starred establishment, a revelation that only manifested as we stepped into its elegant embrace.

We had no prior reservation, but our spirits were quickly lifted as the gracious staff, after a brief consultation, graciously welcomed us into their culinary haven. The seamless orchestration that followed, involving the swift arrangement of a table, the relieving retrieval of our coats, and the gracious seating, underscored the establishment's commitment to hospitality.

Stallen's ambiance is an ode to sophistication, an intimate tableau of culinary refinement that unfolds in a cozy space adorned with artful, and simplistic subtlety. As our senses eagerly awaited the journey ahead, the arrival of each meticulously crafted dish on the pristine canvas of white transformed the table into a gallery of edible art. A feast for the eyes was swiftly followed by an orchestra of flavors that danced on the palate, creating an unforgettable symphony of taste.

The genius of Stallen was not limited to its culinary artistry but extended to the sommelier's prowess in pairing wines that elevated the dining experience to celestial heights. Each sip was a harmonious companion to the nuanced flavors, a testament to the thoughtful curation that permeated every facet of our meal.

A culinary odyssey unfolded before us, comprising 14 courses that transcended mere sustenance. It was an expedition into delight, a journey of excitement, and a cascade of mouthgasms, seamlessly complemented by wines that served as liquid poetry, hitting every note of my senses with precision.

While the calendar pages have turned since that memorable evening, the imprint of Stallen's excellence remains indelibly etched in my culinary memories. The allure of the experience has lingered, prompting me to reflect upon it with a sense of nostalgia that compelled me to pen this fervent review.

Without hesitation, I extend my wholehearted recommendation to Stallen, a culinary sanctuary where each moment is crafted with finesse, destined to linger in the hearts and palates of those fortunate enough to partake in its offerings. For anyone seeking a night to be etched into the tapestry of their memories, Stallen is not just a restaurant; it is an ode to the human senses.

I tip my hat to Stallen - your star is...

Visiting this restaurant from overseas felt a bit like signing up for a mystery dinner—except the only surprise was how deeply our wallets were picked. The food itself was ambitious with occasional flashes of creativity and a clever play with flavours, like the dashi courgette and miso redcurrant chanterelles. Other dishes, like the peas with lovage and the carrots ‘lier,’ looked like carefully crafted art but tasted like a polite shrug. Dessert was a bland berry and honey concoction that left us wondering what ingredients were missing — and still wanting dessert. We pre-ordered the vegetarian menu, but it came with a hidden plant-based luxury tax of 350 NOK slapped onto our almost 8,000 NOK bill (around 800USD). The website mentions allergy surcharges, which a staff member brought up after I emailed to ask about the extra charge. Last time I checked, choosing plants over meat isn’t an allergy—it’s a lifestyle or ethical decision, not an affliction. None of this secret vegetarian surcharge nonsense is disclosed upfront when booking. Imposing a hidden surcharge for eating vegetarian is not only bizarre but borders on offensive, especially from a place championing sustainability. This is the first time we had ever encountered this at any restaurant. A truly head-scratching experience that left us less satisfied than our dishes. Nice enough, but definitely not worth the hassle or the hefty...

Fab taster menu, wine pairing and alcohol free pairing.

We love a taster menu, and are we have tried many. The food here is more than deserving of its Michelin Star. We have been to multi-star places that wouldn’t compete.

Despite what some may describe as high brow food this is a very casual restaurant that makes you feel very welcome. The food prep area is on show so you really feel part of the proceedings.

The service is very friendly and knowledgeable. You were given the usual description of each dish and wine - pretty typical of Michelin/taster menus - but the were also able to answer your additional questions because most of the dishes were served by people from the kitchen.

The wine pairing was very good and the sommelier was super helpful. However… NOT TO BE MISSED FOR NON DRINKERS… there is also a non-alcoholic pairing for non-drinkers. Apparently this is becoming more common in Oslo but i have never come across it. I was lucky enough to be given a little taste of the juices. They are absolutely incredible. Many were home made. The rest were local.

On the way home we mused about why just the one star. All we could think it might be was the building. There’s only one loo so there’s often a queue and the decor is a tad rustic. For food and service, this was as good as any multi star restaurant we have...