Restaurants and nightlife in Oslo

We're off to Oslo for a weekend trip next weekend. Flights and hotel were reasonably priced, but the prospect of €8 has me a little freightened. We will spend most of the day cross-country skiing, and our hotel is up on the hill in the middle of the ski trails. So mostly I'm looking evening activities and nightlife: food and drink. Does anyone have any tips on how not to spend a fortune?

Don't drink. That's it. Scandinavia is NOTORIOUS for incredibly high-priced alcohol as a result of a failed attempt to reduce alcohol consumption. Instead of reducing it they managed to build themselves societies of binge drinkers who save their money, get half-drunk at home (only slightly cheaper) and then go out and get totally shitfaced, something considerably less healthy than the more moderate, regular drinking found in other countries. Despite the clear failure of the policy they refuse to remove the tax although Sweden finally started considering doing so last year.

The Norwegians go to Sweden for cheaper alcohol. The Swedes go to Denmark, and the Danes go to Germany.

woof.

Something like this, perhaps?

As BD says, it's basically the alcohol that's expensive, although eating out will also be pricey. Just accept that you're going to be nursing your beers as opposed to getting drunk.

There are already several threads on Oslo, so have a quick search and you'll find more info.