Villa Paradiso: A Slice of Italy in Oslo and Bergen

By Celina Tran | Photos: Villa Paradiso

When we think of Norway’s culinary scene, authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizza and Italian cuisine might not be the first things that come to mind. So how has Villa Paradiso become a beloved staple in Oslo’s—and later Bergen’s—restaurant scene?

When you walk through the doors of Villa Paradiso, the first thing that hits you is a rustic, buzzing atmosphere, clinking glasses, and of course, the irresistible scent of wood-fired pizza. Now a go-to eatery in both Oslo and Bergen, there is no doubt the restaurant’s authentic Italian food has been a hit in Norway.

A family business, Villa Paradiso first opened its doors on Grünerløkka in Oslo in 2004 after its founders, Trond and Jan, had returned from Italy with a pizza oven and pizzaiolo the year before.

“The dream was to make homemade pizzas with the best Italian ingredients, with loads of passion and zero compromises,” says Mikaela Solberg, marketing manager at Concept Restaurants, which runs Villa Paradiso. “Villa Paradiso was to be a place for people who love life and all the good food, drinks, and joy it has to offer.”

Villa Paradiso: A Slice of Italy in Oslo and Bergen

At the time, there were no wood-fired, authentic pizzas in Norway, let alone pizzas made after the Neapolitan tradition, so the restaurant quickly became a success. Today, Villa Paradiso has restaurants in Frogner, Majorstua, Lilleborg and Munch Brygge in Oslo, as well as at Ole Bulls Plass in Bergen.

While its six locations now make the restaurant a chain, there’s a local, neighbourly feeling to each of the individual restaurants, all of which have their own style, charm and, importantly, menu.

“The menu varies a little from location to location, and we change it two to three times a year, following the seasons. But at all of our restaurants, you can expect a mixture of snacks, antipasti, pasta, a main course, and of course, pizzas,” says Solberg.

Whether you’re out to enjoy a meal as friends, as a couple, or as a family, Villa Paradiso offers the opportunity to sit down, relax, and savour a hearty dish with authentic Italian flavours.

Villa Paradiso: A Slice of Italy in Oslo and Bergen

Top 50 Italian pizza.

A Norwegian dream with Neapolitan character

At the time of opening its first location in 2004, Villa Paradiso was one of the first places in Norway to bake pizzas in a wood-fired oven following traditional Neapolitan methods. While a number of new dishes have continued to draw in guests over the years, the pizza is still, without a doubt, the star of the show.

Made with carefully selected Tipo 00 flour, long-fermented dough (aged for up to three days), and topped with the finest Italian cheeses, meats, and vegetables, each pizza is an expression of craft and authenticity. And the wood-fired oven? It’s an essential part of the magic, imparting that unmistakable smoky flavour to every bite.

“Our most important principles from the very beginning have been quality, authenticity and good vibes. We value great culinary experiences and are unwilling to compromise when it comes to high-quality ingredients and how we prepare them,” says Solberg.

To maintain this commitment, Villa Paradiso operates its own import company to bring in the best ingredients Italy has to offer, from cheeses like mozzarella di Bufala to cured meats and wine. This ensures that every meal meets the high standards that have made Villa Paradiso a culinary icon.

The restaurant’s authentic flavours have earned it recognition in the culinary world as well. In 2024, Villa Paradiso ranked 39th in the 50 Top Pizza guide’s list of the world’s best artisan pizza chains – a significant leap from the previous year. And in Bergen, Villa Paradiso’s pizza at Ole Bull Plass has been voted the best in the city in the Wolt Awards, cementing its reputation as a true master of Neapolitan pizza. The restaurant also boasts an AVPN certification, an honour awarded only to a select few restaurants worldwide that preserve the authentic Neapolitan pizza tradition.

Along with quality, the team behind Villa Paradiso is equally dedicated to sustainable practices. From sourcing ingredients to minimising environmental impact at every level possible, the restaurant strives to be a responsible player in the food industry.

“We follow a strict set of ethical guidelines, ensuring that all our suppliers operate sustainably and responsibly. We also report annually on our environmental footprint and aim to reduce it wherever possible,” explains Solberg.

And as for the atmosphere, you’ll feel it as soon as you walk through the door at Villa Paradiso. Amidst the vibrant buzz and excited chatter, guests cannot help but feel a home away from home.

So, whether you’re craving a classic Margherita pizza, a seasonal pasta dish, or just a spot to soak in the ambience and enjoy a glass of Italian wine, Villa Paradiso promises an authentic slice of Italy that keeps diners coming back for more.