Theatercaféen is one of Oslo’s classic restaurants, located in Hotel Continental opposite the National Theatre. Opened in 1900, the restaurant has long been associated with Norwegian theatre, literature, journalism and cultural life. Its Art Nouveau-inspired interior, portrait-covered walls and central position beside Stortingsgata make it one of the capital’s most recognisable meeting places.
The restaurant appears in Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole (2026), the Netflix series based mainly on Jo Nesbø’s “The Devil’s Star”. The series uses several real Oslo locations to build its darker version of the city, and Theatercaféen fits naturally into that world as an old, established Oslo institution close to the National Theatre, Hotel Continental and the city’s political and cultural centre.
In Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole (2026), Theatercaféen is connected to a lunch that becomes relevant to Harry Hole’s investigation. The location works well because it brings a very recognisable Oslo setting into the series without needing to disguise it heavily. The elegant restaurant, with its long cultural history and slightly old-world atmosphere, contrasts with the darker criminal plot around Harry, giving the scene a distinctly Oslo-specific character rather than a generic restaurant setting.
Jo Nesbo’s Detective Hole
Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole is very closely tied to Oslo, and the city appears to have been used as a real dramatic environment rather than just a generic Scandinavian backdrop.
Ferner Jacobsen
In Grand Hotel, Ferner Jacobsen appears in a scene where Axel Farstad’s attempt to present himself with some dignity despite his chaotic personal situation.
Oslo City Hall
Oslo City Hall (Rådhuset) is the administrative headquarters of the city council and municipal government in Oslo, Norway, inaugurated in 1950.
Grand Hotel Oslo
Grand Hotel is most directly connected to the Norwegian film Grand Hotel (2016), directed by Arild Fröhlich and starring Atle Antonsen, and Håkon Gomez Bøhmer.
Akershus Fortress
Akershus Fortress has been used in Norwegian film as both a historical setting and a dramatic Oslo landmark. It appears in About Tilla and in Max Manus.
Ministry of Defence
The Royal Norwegian Ministry of Defence in Oslo is the government ministry responsible for developing and implementing Norwegian security and defense policy.
Lorry
Restaurant Lorry appears in Sentimental Value (2025). The restaurant is used as one of the film’s Oslo locations and forms part of its city setting.
Tjuvholmen
The 2020 Christopher Nolan film Tenet filmed key action scenes at Tjuvholmen, specifically around Olav Selvaags Plass and near the Thief Hotel.
Cemetery of Our Saviour
Cemetery of Our Saviour appears in Sentimental Value, where it is used as a recognisable Oslo location.
Damstredet
Damstredet appears in Lasse & Geir (1976), The Snowman (2017), and The Worst Person in the World (2021).
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