The founder of the oldest and most famous cafe in Oslo worked as a waiter in another restaurant, but, being a progressive man, sensed that theater was becoming increasingly fashionable in Norway. He then borrowed a little money and in 1859 opened his own cafe, located next to the theater.
Thanks to its successful interior design and refined Norwegian cuisine, the cafe became extremely popular, and its visitors provided free publicity for the establishment – renowned figures of the arts such as Edvard Grieg, Edvard Munch, Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, Henrik Ibsen, and other representatives of the Norwegian bohemia. Nowadays, there is even a monument at the entrance to the cafe depicting one of its regular patrons – the actor Johan Brun.
After a fire destroyed the building of the old theater, Oslo's theatrical life moved to the National Theatre, while the cafe remained in its original place without losing any of its uniqueness or character. Now modern buildings, banks, and other business institutions tower around it, while inside the cafe the same warm atmosphere of the 19th century still reigns. Comfortable antique furniture, paintings on the walls, statues, and other interior details create the perfect setting for a pleasant time; moreover, the cuisine here is excellent and the service is always of the highest standard.
