The iconic building on Henrik Ibsens gate in Oslo is an architectural masterpiece. The former United States Embassy, designed by Eero Saarinen, is now a protected landmark that has been fully renovated into the modern Ambassaden venue.
Today, Ambassaden is a hub of high-end gastronomy and experiences. Across its different floors, it hosts several concepts, including Frances, a lively coffee and wine bar; Vinland, an elegant brasserie; and Eero, a rooftop cocktail bar and lounge with panoramic views. The diverse restaurant offerings and demanding events require reliable back-of-house systems to ensure consistently high quality in every detail.
Food safety and technical monitoring in the restaurants run discreetly but with complete certainty. Exactly as they should in a top-tier kitchen. The chosen solution was SmartKitchen’s automated self-monitoring system, which makes everyday operations smooth and dependable.
“With SmartKitchen, we know that all temperatures are under control. It simplifies our routines and gives us more time to focus on what we do best: creating memorable experiences for our guests.”
Photos: Einar Aslaksen
Operational efficiency and technical peace of mind
The Ambassaden team was looking for a solution that would eliminate manual work and human error. SmartKitchen meets this need by combining two key capabilities:
- Automated storage temperature monitoring: The system monitors temperature-controlled equipment and critical control points 24/7. Any deviations are detected immediately, preventing costly ingredient loss.
- Digital task management and logging: Ensuring food safety requires regular cleaning, inspections, and other routine tasks. The system reminds staff to complete tasks and automatically archives all records and deviations.
Smilefjes inspections made easy
In the Nordic countries, restaurant self-monitoring is based on the common HACCP framework, but enforcement practices vary by country. In Norway, food safety inspections are carried out by Mattilsynet, and the results are published as the public “Smilefjes” rating.
Inspections require clear, up-to-date, and transparent documentation, especially for temperature control. If records are scattered or maintained manually, inspections can easily become a burden for staff.
SmartKitchen makes this simple. Automated temperature monitoring and digital historical data make reports instantly available. At Ambassaden, documentation is always up to date, and there is no need for separate inspection preparation.
“When inspections happen, we don’t need any extra preparation. All documentation is ready and easy to present, which gives confidence to both the kitchen and management.”
If needed, inspectors can also be granted limited access to the system, allowing them to review the data remotely. This reduces administrative work and strengthens trust in cooperation with the authorities.
For Ambassaden, this means above all peace of mind: the kitchen can focus on operations knowing that the documentation also meets inspection requirements.
Read more about Ambassaden and its offerings:
Vinland Brasserie (numerous awards for best wine lists) →
Eero: Restaurant – Bar – Rooftop (Michelin 2025) →
Frances wine and coffee bar (Michelin 2025) →
Case Ambassaden:
RESULTS AND BENEFITS
- Automated regulatory compliance: Complete and tamper-proof documentation for authorities without manual report compilation.
- Precise temperature control throughout the process: Automated monitoring ensures quality from storage to service.
- Time savings for staff: Automation eliminates unnecessary paperwork, freeing up time for the customer experience.
- Scalable solution: SmartKitchen adapts flexibly to strict national regulations and demanding premium-level environments.
Historic views of the Eero Saarinen designed building during its time as the United States Embassy.
