Tabuno – A Filipino Fine Dining Experience in Bjørvika

First Impressions

Another restaurant has opened in Bjørvika—and to many, it’s a surprise. Are people really going here for dinner? Hidden on a side street and easy to miss, Tabuno is Oslo’s new Filipino fine dining restaurant, aiming at a price point that suggests Michelin ambitions.

We were seated and immediately offered a glass of champagne, a nice welcome gesture. Small details stood out right away:

Napkins folded each time you leave the table
Toilet paper folded after every visit
Staff placing your jacket back on for you

These are the kinds of touches you expect in fine dining, and Tabuno delivers them well.

The Menu

The set menu starts at 1,200 NOK. With drinks, we ended up at 1,755 NOK per person, including one glass of champagne and a bottle of white wine. At this price, expectations are naturally high.

Highlights from the meal:

Sabaw – Chicken & Coconut Broth
Light and balanced, a warm way to start.
Crab & King Crab Snacks
Good flavors with a slight spicy kick that lingered nicely.
Kinilaw – Hamachi with Rice Cake
Simple, fresh, and satisfying.
Inihaw – Two Skewers with Egg
Perhaps the most interesting dish of the evening. You pierce the egg for the sauce and dip—it’s playful and delicious.
Ensaymada – Bread & Butter
The bread itself was rich enough to stand alone. Adding toppings made it feel a bit too heavy.
Isda – Fish with Beans & Bread
My least favorite dish of the evening. Too heavy, and the bread didn’t need the extra flavors.
Ulam – Duck with Adobo Sauce
One of the best dishes. Juicy meat, crisp skin, and deeply flavorful sauce.
Tamis – Pandan Ice Cream with Strawberries
A sweet, light finish.

Overall Impression

Tabuno has a lot going for it:

A refined setting in Bjørvika
Attentive service with polished details
Beautiful presentation across the board

That said, some dishes felt a little too salty, and a few plates (like the fish with beans) leaned heavy. These are things that can be adjusted as the kitchen settles in.

💡 Pro tip: Ask for recommendations on wine. Their list includes bottles that pair well with the variety of flavors—from light broths to rich duck.

Final Thoughts

Tabuno is a strong addition to Oslo’s dining scene. The ambition is clear, and while some fine-tuning is needed, it already offers an experience worth trying. I’ll be curious to see how the menu evolves over the coming months.