Olsen is one of Buenos Aires’ ethnic restaurants, serving up loads of Scandinavian cuisine, which, if you are like this Gringo, means almost nothing. (I didn’t even realize there was such a thing as Scandinavian cuisine, nor did I expect to find a restaurant 
serving it in Buenos Aires!) What I know now is this: Scandinavian cuisine is delicious and in Olsen in the Palmero district it is fairly cheap.
Olsen is a nice restaurant with open-air seating in the dining room and reclining chairs in the garden out front. It is built in what was once a warehouse, with a mezzanine and several tables overlooking the main dining room. Overall Olsen has a good vibe, and reminds me of the little niche places you can find in New York, but at half the price!
The garden seating area is blocked off from the street by an 8 foot tall wooden fence. The garden only has a couple of tables, and they aren’t the best for eating on (low tables, and they sink into the ground a bit… hey, I’m a big Gringo!) but the atmosphere outside is pretty nice. I would sit out there if I were only going to be enjoying a starter and a couple of drinks. For dinner, put me in the dining room and sit me at a table.
For appetizers the menu has a number of options which are meant for the sharing: bagels, smoked herring and salmon, caviar, cheeses and butter. Entrees are generally fish based. Brunch at Olsen seems to be the thing to do on Sundays. All brunch combos include a little vegetable salad, eggs (scrambled, an omelet, over-easy… it’s basically your choice), a carb dish like hash browns or potato pancakes (yum), and either meat or fish.
Many are attracted to Olsen due to its extensive bar. Vodka is King, and Absolut seems to be the most common… although this Gringo has no idea why! Absolut?!?! Well, there are other drinks to choose from…
Olsen is popular among locals and foreigners, meaning it can get pretty busy. Reservations are recommended, especially if you are going on a Sunday morning for brunch. Many staff members speak English, but if not, there 
is always the point at the menu trick of what you want… or the point at the table next to you with that look on your face that says, “I’ll have what he’s having…”
Olsen is located on Gorriti 5870 at Carranza, Palmero. It is open Tues-Thurs from 12:00 pm to 1 am, Friday and Saturday 12:30 pm – 2:30 am and Sundays from 10 am to 1 am. It is closed on Monday.
To make reservations call 11/4776–7677 or email restaurantolsen@netizon.com.ar (ask for a confirmation if you email a reservation).
Major credit cards are accepted. Meals run from about USD $7–$15, and that amount of food will leave you stuffed!
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Well, I love Olsen, but I wouldn’t say they serve “loads of Scandinavian cuisine,” as the portions are very very small. It’s a super duper place for lunch with the girls, but the Argentine men I know would leave starving!
(The best thing is the cocktails!)
Another Scandinavian place is Club Danes up high in the Edificio Danes in Retiro. (There’s a review on my blog.)