Maaemo

Oh wow, wow and WOW again! When even the highest expectations are exceeded! That’s exactly what Esben Holmboe Bang’s team at Maaemo achieved yesterday. Every course the kitchen team conjured up on the table – and in some cases presented in person with great charm – was absolutely world-class in terms of flavour, presentation and the overall sense of well-being. This was accompanied by equally sensational drinks, both wine and non-alcoholic. Add to that wonderful service and, to top it all off, a tour of the kitchen before we headed down to the sous-terrain to round off the evening (many thanks, Jonas). We were absolutely thrilled 😍😍😍

My last dinner before flying back home to Bangkok was at Maaemo, the only 3 Michelin star restaurant in Norway, and overall it was a very memorable experience. The interior design and materials used throughout the restaurant were outstanding. Everything felt carefully considered and luxurious without trying too hard. The staff were warm, attentive, professional, and genuinely friendly to every guest. The level of service absolutely felt worthy of 3 Michelin stars. The main dining room was slightly darker than I personally prefer, but after sitting there for a while I actually started to enjoy it because it created a very unique atmosphere. The open kitchen is directly in front of the guests, and it felt much closer and more intimate than many other 3-star restaurants I’ve visited before. At one point I realized the experience reminded me of watching a Broadway show. The dining area is dimly lit while the kitchen is bright like a stage, and the chefs become the performers preparing each dish right in front of you. It made the dinner feel exciting from beginning to end. The presentation of the dishes was beautiful and the quality of ingredients was excellent. I especially appreciated how refined and clean the flavors were throughout the meal. My only small comment would be about the portion sizes of some seafood and meat courses. Even with the bread and desserts included, I still felt surprisingly hungry after returning to my hotel. This is not a major complaint because I truly enjoyed the experience overall, but I think adding one additional seafood or meat course with a slightly larger portion would make the menu feel even more complete. At the end of the evening, guests were invited into the kitchen and then served final sweets at the bar downstairs area before leaving, which was a very nice finishing touch. Overall, this was a unique and impressive dining experience that I’m very happy I had before leaving Norway.

This is the best restaurant in Norway and quite frankly amazing. The food tastes like something outside of the human daily experience. It is REALLY pricey for non-Norwegian standards so brace yourselves.

My partner and I had dinner at Maaemo during our visit to Oslo, and it was truly one of the most memorable meals we’ve ever had. The whole experience felt special from the moment we arrived. The tasting menu was beautifully presented and every course showcased incredible attention to detail. The flavors were unique yet balanced, highlighting high-quality Nordic ingredients in very creative ways. Each dish felt like a small piece of art. The service was exceptional as well. Professional, knowledgeable, and very welcoming without feeling overly formal. The staff explained each course and made the evening feel relaxed and enjoyable. It’s definitely a special-occasion restaurant, but if you enjoy fine dining, Maaemo is absolutely worth the experience.