Det Gamle Raadhus

Gamle Rådhus or the old Town Hall was built by chief municipal executive Lauritz Hansen in 1641, with the financial support of King Christian IV. It was originally built as Oslo’s first town hall but later housed a fire station, church, private residence, Supreme Court, prison, Freemasons’ lodge, restaurant and museum. It was also, at one point of its long history, the main meeting place for the citizens of Oslo.

The lockups from its time as a prison still remain on the ground floor.
In 1856, restaurateur Matheus Helseth took over the building and opened a restaurant on the ground floor.

The Theatrical Museum has occupied premises one storey above since 1980. The building was left in disrepair for a number of years until 1983, when it once again opened as a restaurant, Restaurant Det Gamle Raadhus, bringing new owners and a new décor.

Tragically, the building had to close after a fire on the ground floor in 1996. It remained closed for two years and required comprehensive restoration work before reopening in 1998 as a restaurant and with a new entrance area for the Theatrical Museum, from Christiania Torv square. Since then, the restaurant has developed a close partnership with Oslo Museum, with the aim of developing cultural and culinary experiences in this distinguished old building.

Type of cuisine
The cuisine is inspired by the classics and is run by the very talented chef, Eirik Strøm Lillebø together with former national competition chef and now restaurateur, Jørn Lie. The restaurant celebrates Norwegian food and is well known for its traditional dishes such as lutefisk (dried cod prepared in lye), cod, fish and game dishes.

Lauritz Ruus - Bar
The bar was recently refurbished and guests can enjoy lunch from 11.30-15.00.
From 16.00 and onwards, Lauritz Bar is a cosy spot with open fire –the perfect setting for an aperitif before your meal.

Raadhusgaarden – sit outdoors from 1 May to 1 September. A wonderful oasis where you can choose from a delicious lunch menu. From 17.00 and onwards, we serve a full à la carte menu or light dishes under the evening sky!

Christian IV room
Seats from 8 to 16 persons and is tastefully decorated. Adjoins the restaurant by a door which can be locked.

Vinkjelleren (the wine cellar)
A rustic backdrop for a delicious meal, for 10 to 18 persons. Start the evening with samples from our wine cellar before finding your table, or spend the entire evening here with a varied menu and impressive collection of wines to suit.

The porticos of the Theatrical Museum
A delightful room with stage where we can cater for up to 70 persons. The room can also be used for meetings or conferences, followed by dinner in the restaurant.

Opening hours

Lauritz Ruus Bar
Lunch Mon - Friday kl. 11.30 – kl. 15.00
Bar from kl. 16.00 – kl. 01.00

Restaurant:
Mon - Saturday kl. 16.00 – kl. 22.00 

Raadhusgaarden (1. mai til 1. september):
Mon - Fruday kl. 11.30 – kl. 23.30.
Saturday kl. 14.00 – kl. 23.30

Gamle Raadhus Restaurant

Nedre Slottsgate 1, Oslo
Tel: +47 22 42 01 07
Fax: + 47 22 42 04 90
www.gamle-raadhus.no
E-mail: gamle.raadhus@gamle-raadhus.no