Hanami

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.