Oslo locals often debate whether Alex Sushi or Hanami serves better Japanese cuisine, but the thing to consider when picking between the two is whether you would like a simple culinary experience or a hip, stylish scene. Hanami provides the latter, with a sleek waterfront location in the trendy Tjuvholmen area, modern interior décor and a scene that includes some of Oslo’s most beautiful citizens lazily sipping wine on the alfresco terrace (the best spot to dine). Billed as a modern Japanese restaurant, Hanami offers the standard menu one might expect at a Nobu (with such items as miso black cod, et al.) alongside a series of more elevated choices including roasted sweet potatoes with yuzu-tofu dressing and lobster with sea urchin and foie gras butter. The safest bet is to ask your waiter to take the reins—while it is not listed, the tasting menu is the way to go at Hanami.

When the days begin to get long and the sun is shining on the harbor, locals flock to this seasonal, waterfront restaurant for the extensive raw bar and wine list. Located on the quayside just below the Akershus Fortress, Solsiden is a favorite for post-touring drinks, which can be enjoyed in the nautical-themed dining room or on the alfresco terrace, both of which offer stunning views of the fjord. The menu rotates, but one staple is the seafood platter, which includes oysters, coquille St. Jacques, crab, mussels, prawns, Norwegian crayfish, lobster and red king crab.