In the heart of the Norwegian capital, Oslo, at Tordenskiolds gate 12, a venue has opened that defies simple description. About Contrasts is not just a bar or a café, but a well-thought-out, multi-layered concept built on the clash of worlds – whether geographical, gustatory, or cultural. Behind its creation is Adrián Michalčík, holder of the title World’s Best Bartender 2022, who has transformed his competitive precision into everyday hospitality here.
The main aim was to create a space that would function as a natural meeting place, while also establishing a new gastronomic venture. “We wanted to show that hospitality can be practised in high-quality, dignified conditions – not just for guests, but for the team too – and that a healthy balance can exist between the two,” says Adrián Michalčík.
A large part of the team came with him from his previous job. “They were people who believed in me and wanted to continue on this journey together. That’s also why I wanted to create a space that would be a new home for them. I believe in them not only professionally, but above all as people – that they are the right people with whom it makes sense to build a future,” says the well-known bartender.
His business partner also played a key role. “It was precisely through our joint discussions about how gastronomy should be done and where we want to take it that the whole idea emerged. At that moment, we realised that our skills complement each other well – and that we want to go all out,” he describes the creation of the new concept.
Day and night as two chapters of a single story
About Contrasts functions as a seamless transition between two worlds. During the day, it feels like a tranquil spot centred on speciality coffee, tea, and brunch, with signature sandwiches – inspired by Japanese shokupan and American breakfast classics – forming the backbone. The entire concept is built on the contrast between East and West, interpreted through Nordic aesthetics and an emphasis on detail.
This contrast is not merely culinary, but experiential. The atmosphere is underpinned by subtle musical curation, lighting design, and the presence of art, which shifts the space closer to a gallery than a traditional establishment. Three fundamental pillars – people, product, and atmosphere – define the entire operation: professional yet personable service; an emphasis on the quality of ingredients; and an environment designed to be interactive and memorable.
As evening falls, the venue naturally transforms. The lights dim, the music deepens, and cocktails, shared dishes, and a more vibrant energy take centre stage. About Contrasts is therefore not just a place to pop in for a drink — it is a space that evolves and changes throughout the day without losing its identity.
Cocktails as storytelling
Storytelling plays a fundamental role. The cocktail menu is not based solely on technique or ingredients, but on the stories each drink carries. The guest is not merely a consumer, but a participant – they are given context, explanations, and sometimes even an insight into the creation process itself. It is precisely this combination of education and experience that is one of the reasons why guests repeatedly mention ‘the stories behind every cocktail’ as a key part of their visit.
At the About Contrasts bar, cocktails are approached with an emphasis on balance. They strive to create drinks that are easy for the guest to understand, because they make them specifically for the guest – “there’s no egocentrism in it,” explains Adrián. They usually work with two or three flavours, which are clearly connected and layered so that you can actually taste what you read on the menu.
“It’s important to me that everyone understands the drink – even my mum. It doesn’t matter whether the guest has experience with gastronomy or not. I always try to create a complex cocktail that offers an experience across the senses – taste, smell, and visual appeal.
The story plays a crucial role in this. It’s often said that we forget exactly what was in the drink, but we’ll remember how we felt whilst drinking it. And it’s precisely that emotion we work with the most. Through stories, we try to connect with people, break down the barrier that often exists at the bar, and get as close to the guest as possible,” says the acclaimed bartender, describing his philosophy of drink creation.
“We want them to remember us, to truly experience that moment – and to come back to us precisely because of that,” he adds.
The flavour profile of the drinks reflects Michalčík’s signature style: precise balance, work with texture, and often unexpected combinations that never feel gratuitous. The cocktails aren’t flashy for the sake of it, but for a purpose – they’re meant to convey an idea, a mood, a contrast.
Food also plays an important role, complementing the whole concept of hospitality. The kitchen draws on international influences and acts as a natural partner to the bar programme. The result is an environment where the boundaries between gastronomy and mixology blur – both disciplines speak the same language here.
A space that comes alive beyond opening hours
However, About Contrasts does not stop at day-to-day operations. The concept also includes a creative and educational dimension – tastings, collaborations, events, and multisensory experiences that take the venue beyond the scope of a traditional bar. The entire space is designed as a living organism where guests, creators, and the team itself come together.
It is precisely this emphasis on community and the human dimension that recurs as a leitmotif within the venue. Guests often describe the atmosphere as exceptionally personal, natural, and informal, even though the standard of service remains top-notch.
About Contrasts does not come across as a concept created ‘for show’. It is a place that only makes sense once you experience it – in the flow of the day, in the changing light, in the dialogue between flavours and people. At a time when gastronomy often seeks to define trends, something different is emerging here: a space that absorbs trends, filters them, and transforms them into a personal statement.
