EatbyLe

Tranen – A Storied Oslo Landmark

Located at Waldemar Thranes gate 70, Tranen has been a community fixture since opening on October 27, 1921 as a “folk restaurant” for workers in the Ila neighbourhood. Over the decades, it evolved into a beloved “brun pub,” a music venue, and then a pizza and bakery café under Åpent Bakeri and Lofthus Samvirkelag

The building itself is a striking example of Nordic Neo-Baroque architecture, much of the original interior remains intact — including historic ironwork, rounded archways, and a central portico with a crane motif (“Trane”) in the entryway arkitekturhistorie.no.

A Hidden Gem in Oslo – A Cinematic Tasting Menu Experience

This might be the biggest surprise of the year. I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I arrived.

I waited at Tranen, then was quietly guided upstairs to a separate snacks room. The space was intimate, warm, and beautifully styled—an unexpected prelude to the main event. I wondered if I’d stay there all evening.

Then came the shift: I was escorted into the main dining room—and that’s where the magic unfolded. If you’ve seen In the Mood for Love, the ambiance will make sense: deep red wallpaper, soft lighting, and an aesthetic that felt cinematic in the best way.

The dishes continued that theme. Every course was thoughtfully presented. While some could stand out more than others, the level of presentation rivals many Michelin-star restaurants. This place doesn’t have a star yet, but it should be in the running.

Standout dishes included:

• Norway Lobster
• Reindeer Heart
• Black Garlic / Sea Buckthorn / Roasted Hay

Each bite felt intentional—creative, precise, and full of character.

💡 Pro tip: Arrive on time. The experience begins the moment you’re picked up at Tranen—and the snack room sets the tone for everything that follows.

I can’t wait to return when they reveal a new menu. This is more than a meal—it’s the kind of understated dining gem Oslo needs more of.