Hendrix Isben has set up shop in the eco-friendly district of Vulkan, Oslo’s former industrial sector that now houses art spaces, restaurants, music venues and the city’s biggest food market, Mathallen. Pay this place a visit before exploring the renovated warehouses along the thriving Akerselva River.

Top of the list and top of the city, this four-seat shop takes its coffee seriously. The award-winning coffee shop has a small menu of revolving bean varieties, roasted in their Avengers-style machine, which stands proudly in the middle of the room. Prop yourself at the bar and ask for the staff’s recommendations. Try the silky, frothy, cooling cappuccino al freddo, which came in a martini glass and is arguably the best coffee in Oslo.

Whether it’s Americanos or screwdrivers you’re drinking, the wood-clad, masculine, retro air of this establishment (which was opened in 1963) will have your inner Don Draper suited up and ready to go in no time. Fuglen, which means ‘bird’ in Norwegian, has a branch in Tokyo.

Nestled in the gentrified district of Grünerløkka, Supreme Roastworks is a nest of brickwork, dangling filament light bulbs, chalkboards and some very stylish graphic design. Pick up a rich, nutty espresso and wander the area’s streets, or sit at a window seat and order some of their home-baked banana bread to dip into a frothy flat white.

This bustling café brims with kitschy objects, serving delicious lunch dishes like gazpacho and fresh salads. And of course, the coffee is fantastic. Freelancers tap at their computers, while friends huddle on the swinging sofa and visitors settle in for the afternoon with a window seat and a glass of red. There’s something about the combo of the 40s music and incredibly friendly staff that will have you nestled in here for hours.

Choose some high-grade beans from the rainbow of varieties lining the walls of this Grünerløkka shop. There’s an Italian air to this place, with its orange tiled floors and gold trimmed bar tables. It is located on the corner of the park, with a rich perfume that will have you coming back again and again.

This casual Tøyen corner spot serves up top-notch Nordic food with natural wine. Dimly lit, surroundings are a cavalcade of cable-hung lanterns, bench tables, neon signage and contemporary art. Staff, uniformed in black metal-style Brutus T-shirts, are friendly and more than happy to seat guests hoping to grab just a snack and glass of wine. The open-plan kitchen, which serves up dishes incorporating pan-Nordic influences, might change your mind.

Situated in Tøyen, a neighbourhood which has been up and coming for the last couple of years, you’ll find this cosy offering. Perfect for lunch or cocktails, the menu is healthy and wholesome – tuck into breads and dips while you await the main event. Hearty portions are served up on a mismatch of crockery, with a relaxed vibe that seamlessly goes from daytime café to a hip bar perfect for after-work drinks.

Nord&Natt’s feasts are well-known by locals and with good reason. Seasonal ingredients are locally sourced – at Ringeide Farm in Hobøl and Nord&Natt grow their own vegetables. The food, spread across a spacious counter, is top quality and with free coffee refills available all day, it’s tempting to set up camp here.

Located in Grunerløkka (Oslo’s version of Shoreditch), Vespa & Humla is suitably chill.A rotisserie and micro-brewery, this local haunt is predominantly frequented by creative types. Interiors created a cosy vibe, with Italian marble tables, locally designed butcher tiles, heavy wood and an intricate chandelier made of beer glasses hanging overhead. Stay for the handcrafted beer and some spot-on Italian delicacies.

For dinner in Grunerløkka, Bass is your go-to. Grab a seat at the bar or in the dining room, and choose from a broad selection of small Nordic-style dishes to sample over drinks. Serving up modern bistro dishes on rustic handmade plates, Bass does relaxed gourmet right. Ty the raw scallop with mango or salsify with Gruyère cheese.