Dining at Norway’s NO.1 Restaurant (€389) - Maaemo

Welcome to Norway. Our restaurant for today is Maaemo. It's located in Oslo and the head chef is Esben Holmboe Bang.
The restaurant works in the New Nordic Cuisine genre, and focuses on local food and only uses organic, biodynamic, or wild produce..
The restaurant was one of the first Nordic restaurant to be awarded 2 stars in the Michelin guide in February 2016. In December 2019, the restaurant closed to move to another location. This resulted in the loss of all of its three Michelin stars in February 2020. In September 2021 Maaemo won back the three stars.
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Follow my journey on instagram: / alexandertheguest
My name is Alexander. I’m the co-owner of a ONE Michelin star restaurant, and I’m on a mission - to find inspiration in gastronomy. I love fine dining, good wine and sharing what I know with other people.
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Check out my restaurant:
/ 42restaurant
YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME HERE:
Instagram - / alexandertheguest
Email - [e-mail]
dining, norway, maaemo, restaurant, no1 restaurant, Esben Holmboe Bang, nordic cuisine, michelin star, michelin guide, fine dining, 3 michelin star, best restaurant in norway, three michelin stars, oslo, local food,

[@somewriter6260]

The fact that you ordered such an amazing bottle of champagne in honor of the sommelier‘s birthday and invited her to a glass is just awesome. That one really moved me. If I owned a star restaurant (or any kind of restaurant, for that matter), I would love to have you as a guest, Alexander.

[@joelmarvin3206]

12:21

[@trololololol1111]

Cheapskate only gave her a glass rather than the entire bottle.

[@daniel96jg]

@@trololololol1111 mf that bottle costs 4000 € and thats if you don't buy it in a restaurant. Not even considering the fact that you don't drink a whole bottle of that stuff.

[@danielheidt3240]

@@daniel96jg dang you put him into his place

[@BigBrotherWebb]

@@daniel96jg No dont feed it!

[@alwaysask]

Thank you for allowing most of us, which by definition are "regular" people, to at least have an idea of what it may feel to be in such spectacular places, enjoying such exquisite tastes and feelings. These high-end restaurants seem like a whole other world inside our shared planet.

[@pandoe]

I reckon that is exactly the main reasons he created this channel and all of these videos for us to enjoy, really respect him a lot 👏

[@corvscorner6208]

No literally I have the exact same thought. I'm like these people are eating like this relatively frequently and I'll maybe get to experience it once or twice in my life time, if that. Totally mindblowing!

[@markmower6507]

Yep, but I am like when the food costs an extra 200$ more than it normally would At a normal restaurant Why do they have to make the food look like something from the first Alien Movie?! I never understood that?!

[@ruud24k]

@@markmower6507 Haha this cracked me up. I love the first alien movie! I also love fine dining. I luckily have not once had a dish that looked like something from that movie ;-). For reference, I dine at a 1 or 2 start michelin star restaurant 1 or 2 times a year. You do have to truly appreciate food and be a bit of a nutcase to spend that much on "just" food. I understand how for many people, it wouldn't be worth it. But what this level of dining is about, goes far beyond food. It's the sum of all things that makes it so unique. To me, it's a night that makes me feel special. Surprises me with new flavors and new experiences. It is an experience so far outside of my "normal" that it is well worth the price.

[@MUFC1933]

Only the desserts there interest me

[@ReshomPlays]

Your videos are such a breath of fresh air in KZbin. Your style, videography and knowledge are incredible. Thank your for creating content! ♥

[@SuchPlaneWeather]

You always show such respect, kindness, and appreciation, to all the wonderful, hard-working staff who make these restaurants so magnificent. This time you truly outdid yourself, and it was so rhapsodic it may have brought a tear or two to my eyes, ordering such a great bottle of champagne and toasting the sommelier who works so hard and considers it the best place to be on her birthday. You are a great man. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@zes3813]

wrgg

[@joshuafoster1772]

Wow! This may be my favorite looking restaurant you’ve done yet. Even amongst other 3 star restaurants, Maaemo seems to be a step above them.

[@Strelok473]

To see my country on this channel not one, but TWO times brings joy to my heart.

[@diomedes8791]

#Metoo 😂

[@MrChrisdude99]

With danish chefs though;)

[@meisrerboot]

@@MrChrisdude99 Same people/ethnicity/history/culture though, so it's more than acceptable. Scandinavians gotta stick together

[@markmower6507]

If only we could get Humanity to stick together...

[@bobwoolerOriGinal]

@@meisrerboot The main produces are Norwegian though

[@chosenone5417]

Thank you again Alexander. for another great video. soo sweet of you to include the sommelier and toast on her birthdays. I got abit emotional.

[@alexanderi9]

Seriously, I've been waiting for a video about maaemo. My wife and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary here. It was our first experience of fine dining. Absolutely magical experience.

[@offtheice]

I passed by the restaurant while visiting Oslo, and will definitely try it when I go back in the near future. The calm atmosphere and the lovely people working there craetes an amazing experience and a worthwhile representation of this beautiful Nordic country.

[@Toshko18]

Great vibes and Good man yourself Alexander for getting such a rare wine for celebration of Sommeliers birthday :)

[@blutstwitch5788]

They way you not only honor the food, nor the chefs alone, but also the sommelier's is such a pleasent surprise every single time and it brings me so much joy to see you do so. What a delicious looking menue, amazing atmosphere and wonderfull people. Again, more than well done episode and thank you for sharing your experiences with us!

[@icjaminternational]

Rapidly becoming my favourite channel. Our host’s commitment to excellence, love of creativity and rejection of pretension, all delivered with clarity, wit and charm is a revelation!

[@jazATTACK]

appreciate all the comments about the details in the plates and utensils! plus the fun fact about the types of oysters really helps!

[@racapinang]

Oh wow, truly a kindhearted you are Mister! It warms my heart for what you did to the Sommelier! Definitely my favorite episode so far!

[@JonasCraftUltimate]

Still only like 4x the price of mall nachos in Norway lmao

[@BadulTheGuru]

How much is it bruh

[@JonasCraftUltimate]

@@BadulTheGuru I paid $35 for nachos recently and you had to pay extra for guac, salsa and sour cream individually, so easily $50

[@yezki8]

​@@JonasCraftUltimateChrist... meanwhile here in Indonesia, 7 dollar can get you 2 long strip grilled short rib + rice and lemon tea

[@JonasCraftUltimate]

@@yezki8 7 dollars here would get you 6 chicken nuggets lol

[@racapinang]

​@@JonasCraftUltimatehow is the taste tho, does it worth the mone?

[@ionutmoldoveanu2976]

Amazing content as always. One BIG upgrade I have noticed and deeply appreciate is the quality of the on-site videos of the food and place. Makes my experience of the video that much more enjoyable and immersive. The way these videos keep improving, I might as well start calling you Alexander the Best! ;)

[@Nyquil5]

While I enjoy wines, I am very interested in what looked like the juice pairings your companion was having. Perhaps in a future review you could share with us what juices were served and paired with the foods. Thank you!

[@demontlake]

Great idea!

[@davidauer4142]

He already did that in a video, not sure in wich one though

[@StCreed]

I would really like that. My son doesn't drink alcohol, sometimes I don't want to drink so much either. We tried alternative 0% wines last time in a Michelin 1-star restaurant next to our normal wine pairing and though they were good compared to other alternatives, it wasn't a great fit for someone who doesn't drink wine at all like my son. He just drank water after that one. So juice pairings or tea pairings would be very interesting, I think.

[@uninadia.]

​@@StCreedoh, I would love to see tea pairings, never knew that was a thing tho! It would be amazing to find a place that would treat tea similar to wines and actually get the break down on the leaves and brews used, as well as the taste profiles

[@markmower6507]

Gin and Juice...

[@AbdelBaraka]

I absolutely love the fancy tools made out of glass they use to pour the wine into your glass. The different shapes used for every single wine are simply works of art and fit the restaurants style in an excellent way. Truly Amazing!

[@alexhousakos]

This was an epic episode Alex! Loved the ending with the sommelier, it really blew my mind. Shows you’re not only a great businessman but also a great person. Keep it up! Hope to see you one day in Greece!

[@jakerio8]

Just wow. Seeing how these amazing artists from one Michelin rated resto to the next create different levels of Perfection is extremely awe inspiring.

[@jst2384]

I love how these videos are progressing, we're getting to see so much more of the experience with you giving more detailed descriptions of the full experience. Keep up the great work

[@mastertechwriter]

I was waiting for your next video since Monday! And it did not disappoint! Thank you for your insightful, informative, and always balanced comments!

[@maguro008]

Please continue to show us the bill at the end of each dinner. It is always is amazing to see the overall cost for 3* dining. Those wines were great but 875 for a few glasses, a young Barolo and d'Yqeum is mind blowing. And I cannot even imagine what the 96 Krug cost. But I am a great fan and if you need a dining partner, happy to drop by.

[@StCreed]

Join the queue :)

[@Bragglord]

Agreed, the wine cost is very steep and I wasn't impressed by the selection chosen at that price. But, this place still looks lovely.

[@maguro008]

It's Scandanavia, the taxes are exorbitant on wine 🍷

[@Bragglord]

@@maguro008 hence why I'd never choose a wine pairing there.

[@bojannikolic7762]

@@Bragglord well can't blame it solely on the restaurants there.

[@terrainbeast9154]

This is the best food channel on youtube! I am addicted, look forward to every single release now. You have inspired me to travel and experience some of these amazing places. I ate at my first 3 Star Michelin restaurant last year in Paris (Le Cinq) , my first time ever eating at a Michelin restaurant and it was unbelievable. I did not know food could taste that good... it was a lot of money for me and something I could not do often, but it was worth every penny for the once in a life time experience. Your videos have got me saving for my next food trip!

[@saviobatista9619]

Amazing, you transmit the experience in such a pleasant way that I almost feel being in the dinner. Thanks for sharing those experiences!

[@adamwegner2520]

I’m really happy to see how fast the channel has grown. Your content is very professional, informative and entertaining. Each time I see a new video uploaded I know I’m in for a treat.

[@bonaface]

you're poor right?

[@adamwegner2520]

@@bonaface go away, your comments are pathetic.

[@markmower6507]

Says the person that probably works at McDonald's... Hahahahahahahaha 😂!!!

[@dinoavdic8709]

As working in Norway on one of the higher stars* hotels/restaurants - this was truly amazing. Love to see your reviews and I hope you had a great stay in Norway.

[@dnldart5776]

Great content! So amazing to see a fellow country man working hard, reaching his goals! Mar tervben van az ettermed meglatogatasa!

[@jordnijhuis2918]

Amazing video, once again Alexander. Love to see the personal aspect of the chef and the staff shine through in this one. Chapeau!

[@rikraes88]

Your video quality keeps amazing me, straight to the point high quality informative and entertaining videos. 💯

[@Touchmyspaget]

Dude casually orders a +4000 euro bottle of champagne to share with people he met that day hahah what a baller move

[@kristian21]

Your enthusiasm is beyond any imaginable limit. Thank you for showing us the art of dining in these types of restaurants.

[@floydvl9999]

Great to see your channel growing, you're such a good presenter, would be interesting to see some Short videos of local Street food in your travels as well.

[@BasenjiAdventures]

Your videos just keep getting better and better. What an amazing experience you had there! Thank you for sharing it with us. Some of the vessels they were serving the wine from in this video were quite unique. I especially love that one with the really long neck so she didn’t have to lean across the table. Lol

[@keithdavidmcgowan3768]

Already liked before I watched the video because Alexander knows what he’s talking about 🔥

[@TheHarryb]

Man oh Man, what a great reviews you do. Every time I see one, I think this must be your best! But then comes another, and another! Love it.

[@eugenekoh6249]

Thank you boss for the quick and educational introduction of different types of oysters. My curiosity of the world of fine dining is sated by your videos and I learn how to truly critique food

[@Aom.9]

Everytime you talk about the wine pairings the restaurant is offering I can always see by the smile on your face that you will pick the expensive option before you say it 😄 keep up these videos 👏

[@AnnaNudist]

Maaemo is great, the staff there is very polite. Will visit again when i'm at norway.

[@hungryrefrigerator5784]

Alexander really knows how to take us on a journey.

[@derdavidh]

The wine pairing sounds like a steal for the quality and exclusivity you get 😲

[@retrogamedreamer8761]

Yet another wonderful video. Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@alexslimov5725]

Обожаю ваши видео :) работаю в ресторане, конечно не мишлен, но все же, такие видео доставляют эстетическое удовольствие!

[@biofan45]

Such a good video, we can really feel the passion you have for all of this.

[@freestylepunk]

Love the new section on giving general information where you had a quick rundown on the different types of oysters. Keep it up!

[@markmower6507]

I have studied Serv Safe, I Used To eat Raw Oysters I Do Not eat them Now...

[@michaelfoley906]

For anyone interested, series 9 episide 20 of UK Masterchef professionals had the three final chefs working in this restaurant. It was on Netflix in the UK but seems to have been removed. It was fascinating to watch though. As you'd expect, the standards were unbelievably high.

[@bmillz007]

Your channel is the best. Simply, the best. Looking forward to all that’s to come!

[@laurikivikoski5008]

Wow! What a great visit! As a Finn, I have never even heard the word ”Maaemo” before but after a quick research, it seems like a real thing. Such an instructive and entertaining video as always, thank you Alexander!

[@TheAlex29494]

well it's just two words "maa" and "emo" put together both of which should be familiar to you

[@anesidora3084]

I have to assume you are then very young because it is certainly a thing

[@TuntematonX]

@@TheAlex29494 And a poem: Laulaja ja maa-emo Laulaja: Tuhat kertaa rikkonut oon sua vastaan, tuhat kertaa maailma murteli lastaan, tuhat kertaa tehnyt oon tihua työtä. Nyt nukkua tahtoisin tuhat tuonelan yötä. Maa-emo: Tuhat kertaa sulle ma anteeksi annoin, tuhat kertaa tuskasi, vaivasi kannoin, tuhat kertaa soinnutin soittosi kielet. Nyt tietää jo tahtoisin tuhat-äänien mielet. Laulaja: Rikki on soitto, on eessäsi mieletön miesi, järki on mennyt ja tummunut tuntehen liesi, toisin ma toivoin, taistelin, käynyt on toisin. Kuinka siis kertoa, Maa, sydän-syntysi voisin? Maa-emo: Kirposi kipuna taivaan korkean maista, kirkkaammin ei kuu, päivä, ei kointähti paista, virtenä vieri ja lauluna laaksojen yli. Tummua tuhkan auki on Maa-emon syli. Eino Leino, 1908

[@schneestern3022]

I wish you would talk more about if, and if yes, how the different wine pairings compliment the dishes. Nice and honest review :)

[@GotamaRB]

I love your videos. In this one, you giave a great overview of the different types of oysters. I will definitely use the knowledge when ordering and eating oysters in the future.

[@michaelkeshmiri8618]

Hands down one of your best videos. Keep them coming!

[@Detvanliga]

Absolutely fantastic review and restaurant and menu! Thanks! :) .

[@kjw1389]

Amazing review of an amazing restaurant! And what a great gesture at the end, heartwarming!

[@robdielemans9189]

That lamb dish looks outrageous. As do the cinnamon buns. Well, whenever I'm in Norway I know which restaurant to book a reservation at. Also seems to be fairly (feel free to encapsulate with quotation marks) reasonably priced for what you're getting.

[@mzukisiloliwe477]

Great Video as always I'm happy to say I was a fan early on I'm happy to see how the channel has grown in the last few months

[@nxscythelynz]

boy, the closing was heartwarming always a nice upload

[@HossinFW]

Thank you, Sir! I enjoy your post so much.

[@ymarmash]

Definitely my favorite episode. Thank you

[@scarlett8782]

I always love to see Chateau D'Yquem on a tasting menu, and a dessert course pairing is perfect. The Sommelier has great taste, and 2016 is a good year as well. I also love that Alexander appreciates Champagne! my favorite. what a lovely surprise for the Sommelier to taste an excellent Krug on her birthday as well. great episode.

[@bgpolak]

Fantastic work again Alex. Love the channel

[@carlchristianstorvold4719]

Had to wait to see this one after my visit on friday. Magical experience, Fantastic video 🥳

[@LazyGibbon]

Looks like an incredible experience, great video!

[@nicklim9299]

Nice touch there by honouring the sommelier on her birthday..love your humanistic approach to your video. Love love love it. Great intro with slight humour ( haha..Hell). Great editing. Focus on the food , chef and the support staff..amazing. look forward to more awesome videos by u and your team. Keep it up! szép munka!!!  Verified Sea

[@Zippy262]

Not sure if it is an upcoming video or if you went, but Trondheim is an upcoming culinary city in Norway and Speilsalen at Hotel Britania is gunning for their second star and their food does not disappoint. If you have not been their yet, I would love to see you review Speilsalen!

[@HolgerHettinger]

An atmospheric, precise, descriptive report on an exceptional restaurant - "Alexander the Guets" is surely the best channel for qualified introductions to fine dining restaurants on KZbin. Very good mix of details about the individual dishes and atmospheric aspects of the experience. You can't do better than this - thank you, Alexander! One small note (not a criticism): the pronunciation of the individual wines and wineries could be a little more precise - even though I know that French wine producers and German producers can be real tongue twisters (Georg Breuer -> "Ghee-ork Broy-ah")

[@jxxfl6738]

Top notch video as always. Thanks a lot Alexander

[@aonutsihasnouith]

Your fine dining videos are so good and your enthusiasm is infectious.

[@ShaileshRajbhandari]

Hey Chef Alexander thanking you for presenting the utensils too, would like to hear more on the ceramic design that paired with each dishes.

[@shadowfilm7980]

I loved how your experience there turned into a nice gathering. The server who’s birthday it was! Plus some of your fans! You all looked like you had a great time! You just never know do you? I loved the design and the lighting inside. That’s really important. The lighting too. How is the restaurant lit. Creating that special mood. Ambience. The food looked interesting and good. I also loved the tableware. Especially those really cool wine decanters! The design was so great! I know design is very important in Finland. Scandinavia region. They have a great sense of design. Simplistic yet powerful.

[@Bragglord]

Of all the places you've featured, I think this would be in my top 5 of ones I'd like to try. Seems truly special.

[@mrtnmbm]

This channel deserves a couple million subs. Top notch content!

[@intraligi]

Great review as always!

[@chefmarkkalix]

Your very knowledgeable of food, wine and service. I appreciate that you don't let even small mistakes slip by your watchful eye (still water vs sparkling).

[@pastrop2003]

Great video and it is such a classy gesture to order a great bottle of champagne to celebrate the sommelier's birthday with the restaurant staff!

[@septianikaprasetya8856]

Truly a gentleman! Keep up Alex. For input, I wish I can have the close up video of the food all little bit more and a little more details of the restaurants exterior and interior looks thanks

[@gatobue]

Regarding the ambience, I think this is the best restaurant shown on this channel. Also, the food looks very tasty. To Sir Alexander: what's your opinion on tipping? Do you do it? If yes, in every occasion, regardless the (lack of) quality of the food and/or service, or only when justified? What would you say to someone who does not tip because he believes it is a bad practice that perpetuates underpayment of the staff (mainly servers)? Thank you for the content!

[@ericfamilyname9152]

Great video again, nice ending. Thank you!

[@philippeavila652]

Amazing. Your videos are the best. Thanks for share this with us Alexander. Greeting from Brazil.

[@jeffchen6517]

Love your videos. would love to see your take on some more asian restaurants. more specifically, I'd like to see your take on the Japanese michelin starred restaurants (because im planning to go there next year haha).

[@TimvanHelsdingen]

Haha damn, I looked up the krug and the price of that is 3 times that of the entire wine pairing. Love to see that you’re sharing it with the sommelier!

[@afrog2666]

Never seen pinecone jelly before, sounds very interesting with regards to texture vs flavor. Actually the entire selection sounds absolutely delicious..

[@Jawzh1]

this video freaked me out, amazing! thank you for all these videos

[@craigcarter9859]

Excellent...what eating and enjoyment is all about. From Australia we enjoy this immensely. Thank you.

[@lukasf.3569]

Maeemo is truly a special restaurant and was one of my Scandinavia highlights. For anyone going, try and head over to Stockholm as well to go to Frantzen.

[@ManuuRondan]

This community must be one of the most positive I've ever seen, all the comments are just too cute. Speaks volumes about the kind of people you're videos attract, Another banger as always Alexander, thanks for the excellent content!

[@jzwadlo]

Wonderful as always!

[@Elderflowerpunch]

Alexander: fine dining Me: watching while I eat 2 min noodles

[@williambrenner541]

Another great video! Keep it up!!

[@alanrobertson3172]

Another brilliant video. Love the content.

[@lauj888]

That was a lovely moment buying the champagne for you to share with the sommelier’s for her birthday!❤️👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@christopheboucher4016]

My dream restaurant !! Thanks so much for the review

[@ChefBardo]

i have been watching this restaurants evolution since it opened and it never ceases to amaze me how beautiful their work is. it is just stunning really. another great episode Al. Thank You!

[@petercowling6769]

Great, great restaurant. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@adammcevoy8063]

A true and perfect guest, so glad I found this channel.

[@ericwantsbbd]

Those decanters were awesome! Would love to hear more about those!

[@kurooitami]

My cousin is head chef here, So proud!

[@rafidhassanoney4007]

Dude I wait every week for your videos !

[@svetlanathehammer1984]

Alexander I know you focus on food and these videos are amazing . Still waiting on a video on men's fashion cause boy your suit game is immaculate. Thanks for sharing your experiences and I look forward to try out your restaurant next time I am in Hungary.

[@redandinata4568]

Great review as always just wanted to say the music here is particularly good

[@bankofwerner4206]

Hi Alex, love your content! It would be amazing if you could add a list of the wine pairing in the description.