Jimmy’s: Spend an evening at Jimmy’s for Tartar and Tunes

Grünerløkka in Oslo is home to a broad variety of people, restaurants, bars and spaces, and over the last few years, a brand-new player has entered the scene. With a winning atmosphere, excellent food, and enough wine to please Bacchus himself, Jimmy’s might be the city’s new favourite hangout.

Should you ever find yourself walking down Oslo’s Leirfallsgate, make sure to pause and take in the hum of conversation and warm lights spilling from local bars and cafés. This part of the Norwegian capital has an atmosphere unlike any other, but it all comes to a peak at Jimmy’s.

Perhaps it’s the gold sign and warm lights that lure you in, but once you’re through those doors, the wine-bar-turned-restaurant hits you with an energy that feels as alive as the city itself. Music pulses through the space – not too loud, but just enough – and the flavours hang in the air. Somewhere between a cosy dinner and a late-night hangout, a visit to Jimmy’s is a unique experience in itself.

“There is so much good food around Oslo, many excellent and fun restaurants, but one thing we felt like our area was missing was a place like this, where the food is great and the atmosphere is even better,” says General Manager Lars Jimmy Örnewald

“While the food obviously also has to be good, we wanted to create something that wasn’t just about food or drink. It’s about having a great time.”

Fun and fresh flavours

When Jimmy’s first opened its doors in May 2023, it started out as a wine bar with a small, carefully curated food menu. However, it didn’t take long before the demand for food grew so strong that they expanded.

“When people started ordering the entire menu, we realized that we probably had to start making some changes, which turned us from what was primarily a wine bar into what we are now, both a wine bar and a restaurant.”

The menu is now a mix of plates designed for sharing, with flavours that range from classic to creative, yet always unpretentious.

Örnewald, who founded Jimmy’s, was born and grew up in Gothenburg in Sweden, where his proximity and connection to the sea became important to him. Though he’s 30 years in the industry, he’s a boat captain by education and trade, and diners at Jimmy’s can definitely feel the ocean’s influence on the flavours.

A fan favourite includes some of the best calamari you’ll find in Oslo, made from fresh, locally sourced Norwegian squid.

“We do focus on seasonal flavours, so the calamari is only available in the summer, but other staples here at Jimmy’s include a rich and savoury bone marrow tartar,” says Örnewald.

“We don’t focus on fussy, over-the-top dishes, but we do value quality and stay committed to using local and seasonal ingredients where we can.”

Each dish reflects the best that’s currently available, but at Jimmy’s, they like to stick to what works for their customers. Whether it’s a plate of burrata with nduja and pistachio, a rich charcuterie introduction to the main meal, or a luxurious truffle pasta, you can expect food that’s simple, but always satisfying.

If there’s one thing that stands out as much as the food, it’s the wine list. Though it’s still relatively young, the list at Jimmy’s offers something for every palate – from natural wines that pair perfectly with their dishes, to bottles that take you on a journey across different regions and styles. It’s a carefully chosen selection that complements the food, and more importantly, the vibe.

A hit with the locals

The relaxed approach to wining and dining makes Jimmy’s the perfect spot to enjoy a glass or two with friends, but it’s also a place where you can discover something new. With a focus on accessibility, the wine list is full of surprises – there’s always something to excite even the most discerning wine lovers.

What really makes Jimmy’s stand out in Oslo’s vibrant restaurant scene is its sense of community. It’s a place where you can go for a casual drink or a full dinner, but no matter what, you’ll feel like you belong. Örnewald and his team have created a welcoming space that’s inclusive, laid-back, and fun.

“We want people to feel like they’re part of something when they walk through our doors. It’s not just about the food – it’s about the whole experience,” he says.

And it’s working. Since opening, the restaurant has been packed almost every night. The energy is contagious, and it’s easy to see why it’s become such a hit with locals. It’s the kind of place that’s hard to leave – not because you’re stuck at the table, but because the atmosphere keeps you coming back.

Web: www.jimmysoslo.no
Facebook: Jimmy’s
Instagram: @jimmysoslo