Who we are

Café Sør is not just a place. It is a feeling.

Right in the beating heart of Oslo, Café Sør has lived, breathed, and evolved alongside the city itself. By day, a café and lunch spot. By night, a cocktail bar. But in truth, it has always been something far greater: a living meeting point where people from every background come together to celebrate the diversity, creativity, and humanity of Oslo.

For countless guests and employees, Café Sør has been a chapter of life. The walls carry stories — first dates, last dances, deep conversations, tears, laughter, and dreams. Some have loved the place so deeply they’ve tattooed our logo onto their skin. Others have chosen our bar as the place to say “yes” to a lifetime together. Not because we chased trends or tried to be the coolest place in town — but because Café Sør is, and has always been, a community. An inclusive space where everyone is welcomed with warmth, dignity, and respect.

Café Sør was born as an inclusive arena long before diversity became a buzzword. The ambition was never to serve the most cocktails or chase maximum profit. The ambition was simple — and radical: to create good vibes, positive energy, and a place where people feel safe being exactly who they are. More than 20 years later, that philosophy still stands strong. And that is why, after decades in Torggata, Café Sør remains a natural meeting point for young people and old souls alike.

Right in the middle of Torggata, our venue is part of a space that has seen many come and go. But the ones who stayed chose collaboration over competition. In 2015, the Strøget Association was founded to bring life, culture, and connection to this overlooked gem of Oslo.

Founder and owner Laurent Vacarisas has been a driving force in this renewal — through new start-ups, long-term commitment, and unwavering support for emerging artists. Café Sør was among the very first venues in Oslo to host DJs every single night, helping shape the city’s nightlife scene. Over the years, countless DJs have spun their first records on our floor — and many went on to define Oslo’s sound.

And to everyone who has ever walked through our doors —
whether you came for a coffee, a cocktail, a salsa dance, a concert, a business meeting, or simply a place to belong —

you are Café Sør.