Oslo Court London Review: Retro Dining in St John’s Wood

If you are looking for an old-school dining experience in London, Oslo Court in St John’s Wood is one of those places that feels like it has barely changed in decades. In this Oslo Court London review, we share what it is really like to visit this much-talked-about restaurant, from the pink napkins and retro interiors to the generous portions and classic menu.

Oslo Court has built a reputation for serving traditional food in a dining room that feels gloriously out of step with modern London restaurant trends. If you love a bit of time travel with your lunch or dinner, this is the kind of place that stays in your mind long after you leave. For more ideas on where to eat in the capital, have a look at our London restaurant and travel guides.

Where is Oslo Court in London?

Oslo Court Restaurant is located on Chambers Street in St John’s Wood, London, NW8 7EN. It is a short walk from St John’s Wood Underground station on the Jubilee line, making it easy to reach if you are exploring this part of London.

What is Oslo Court known for?

Oslo Court is known for its old-school charm, big portions, traditional service and a menu that feels like a throwback to another era. This is not the place to visit if you want small plates, stripped-back interiors and modern minimalism. It is the sort of restaurant where classic dishes, formal service and a slightly theatrical dining room are all part of the appeal.

From the moment we arrived, it felt like stepping into another world. The 1930s building, the pink details and the sense that time has stood still all add to the fun. Dining here is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the food.

The atmosphere at Oslo Court

There is something wonderfully eccentric about Oslo Court. It has the feel of a restaurant that knows exactly what it is and has no interest in changing to suit trends. That is part of its charm.

The whole place feels a bit like stepping into an episode of Fawlty Towers, with a little old-school glamour thrown in for good measure. If you enjoy places with personality, then Oslo Court delivers in bucketloads. For a more modern London dining experience, see our reviews of Ayllu in London and Skewd in Leicester Square.

The menu at Oslo Court

The menu at Oslo Court is packed with classic dishes and retro favourites. This is the kind of place where you expect to see dishes that have disappeared from many modern menus, and that is exactly why people come here.

Before the meal properly began, out came a big plate of crudités with curled butter and melba toast. It looked retro and fitted in perfectly with the surroundings.

Starters at Oslo Court

To start, we tried the scallops wrapped in bacon. These were properly cooked, with the bacon just slightly burnt, adding lots of salty, savoury flavour.

We also ordered the crab à la Rochelle, which remains something of a mystery. It appeared to be crab and mushroom in a creamy sauce, surrounded by pastry. It was a little odd, a little nostalgic and entirely in keeping with the spirit of Oslo Court.

Main courses at Oslo Court

For main course, we chose the crispy roast duck with cherry sauce. This was one of the standout dishes of the meal. The duck had perfectly cooked, crisp skin and came with generous portions of potatoes and vegetables. It was hearty, satisfying and exactly the sort of no-nonsense cooking that suits a place like this.

We also had the veal schnitzel Holstein, served with fried egg, anchovy and capers, plus yet more vegetables. You certainly do not leave Oslo Court hungry. This is a restaurant that believes in feeding people properly.

Desserts at Oslo Court

Even after all that food, dessert somehow still happened. Oslo Court is famous for its desserts, and while the legendary trolley was not in action when we visited, the pudding menu still had plenty to tempt us.

The fruit pavlova was fresh and light, served with ice cream, and was a good choice after such a filling meal.

We also tried the apple strudel, which arrived as a huge slab with crisp pastry and sweet fruit filling.

Alongside tea and petit fours, it was a fittingly over-the-top ending to the meal.

Service at Oslo Court

The service is all part of the experience here. It feels from another era, and that suits the restaurant perfectly. If you enjoy warm, traditional hospitality with a bit of character, you will likely leave smiling.

Is Oslo Court worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you enjoy classic restaurants with a strong sense of identity. Oslo Court is not trying to be fashionable, and that is exactly why it stands out. If you love homemade food, big portions, traditional service and a restaurant that feels unlike anywhere else in London, this is well worth a visit.

We visited for lunch and later returned for dinner, and it remained every bit as memorable. The menu may feel rooted in the past, but that is exactly the point. Oslo Court offers a dining experience that feels rare in London today.

If you are planning a wider food trip, browse more of our London posts here for more restaurant reviews, food finds and travel ideas.

Foodie Explorers verdict

Oslo Court is astounding in its own unique way. It is retro, theatrical, generous and full of charm. If you want polished modern dining, look elsewhere. If you want a meal that feels like time travel with pink napkins, classic dishes and portions that just keep coming, Oslo Court is a London restaurant you should try at least once.

Oslo Court contact details

Oslo Court Restaurant
Charlbert Street / Chambers Street area
St John’s Wood
London
NW8 7EN

Nearest Tube: St John’s Wood Underground Station

Reservations: Book via the Oslo Court contact page

Telephone: 020 7722 8795
Email: oslorestaurant@gmail.com

Opening hours

Monday to Saturday: 12:30pm to 2:30pm, 7:00pm to 11:00pm
Sunday: Closed

More London restaurant reviews

• Review of Ayllu, Affordable Fine Dining in London
• Dining at Skewd, Leicester Square, London
• More London restaurant and travel guides