Mathallen Food Hall
Where Oslo chefs shop on their days off
Overview
Mathallen opened in 2012 inside a converted industrial building at Vulkan, a former factory district along the Akerselva river. The concept was straightforward: bring Norway’s best small food producers under one roof. It worked. Today, over 30 vendors sell everything from aged Norwegian cheeses to Arctic char, from fresh-baked sourdough to single-origin coffee.
The ground floor is the main market — counters selling fresh fish, cured meats, spices, and baked goods. The upper level houses sit-down restaurants, a wine bar, and a microbrewery. On Saturdays, the outdoor market along the riverside brings in farmers from Østlandet with seasonal produce.
This is not a tourist food court. The prices reflect Norwegian reality — lunch runs 150–250 NOK. But the quality is genuine. The reindeer bresaola at Strøm-Larsen, the brown cheese selection at Brunost-disken, the coffee at Supreme Roastworks — these are the same products served in Oslo’s best restaurants.
Highlights
Norwegian Cheese
Brunost (brown cheese), Jarlsberg, Nidelven Blue, and small-batch goat cheese from mountain dairies. The brunost is boiled whey, not caramelised sugar — the common mistranslation.
Craft Beer
Oslo’s craft beer scene exploded after 2010. Mathallen has a dedicated beer bar with rotating taps from Norwegian microbreweries — Lervig, Nøgne Ø, and Lindheim among them.
Fresh Seafood
Whole Arctic char, smoked salmon, cured stockfish, and shrimp straight from the Oslofjord boats. The fish counter at Vulkanfisk is where restaurant chefs place their orders.
Saturday Market
The outdoor weekend market runs along the Akerselva. Farmers from the surrounding counties sell seasonal vegetables, berries, honey, and freshly pressed apple juice from Hardanger.
Practical information
Getting there
Walk from Grünerløkka (10 min) or Storgata (12 min). Tram 11, 12, 13 to Schøyen gate. No dedicated parking — use the Vulkan garage (65 NOK/hour).
Opening hours
Tuesday–Saturday 10:00–20:00. Sunday 11:00–18:00. Closed Mondays. Individual restaurants may stay open later.
What to eat
Start with the reindeer bresaola at Strøm-Larsen. Try the brunost tasting at the cheese counter. Coffee from Supreme Roastworks. Lunch at Hitchhiker for pan-Asian or Smalhans deli for Nordic.
Budget
Coffee: 50–65 NOK. Lunch: 150–250 NOK. Cheese/charcuterie board: 180–280 NOK. Saturday market produce: 40–120 NOK per item.
Plan your Oslo trip
Oslo has more to offer. Explore the full city guide or browse other Norwegian cities.