Olgas:

Olgas is a new neighborhood bistro in Trondheim, centered around inclusive dining experiences and a lively, informal atmosphere. Nonspace worked with the team to bring the restaurant to life conceptually and visually, in Olga’s way – with a spark in the eye.

Headed up by renowned local chef Reneé Fagerhøi, sommelier Lena Engtrø, and Nye Hjorten Teater, Olgas is a fresh addition to the city’s dining scene. Drawing inspiration from the legacy of Olga Topp, a cultural pioneer of Trondheim in the late 1800s, Olgas combines bold Art Deco and Art Nouveau influences with the unpretentious charm of Italian-American diners. The concept and visual identity is a celebration of warm hospitality, vibrant moments, and timeless flavors, all brought with a cheeky, energetic twist.

Creating a distinct visual identity for Olgas meant navigating a dual purpose: a cozy, welcoming neighborhood bistro and a bold, energetic dining destination. The brand needed to honor Olga Topp's legacy while standing out in Trondheim’s bustling culinary scene and connecting with both guests and staff. The identity also had to align with the artistic spirit of Nye Hjorten Teater, while remaining versatile enough to grow into its own brand—perhaps even expanding to other Norwegian cities.

Nonspace created the brand story and concept to shape the general direction of the restaurant. Followed by visual identity, illustration, motion graphics and animation, photography art direction, copywriting, web design, ux and ui design. Additionally we delivered a micro content strategy and social media kit.

The visual identity builds on the concept of “Med glimt i øyet” (“With a spark in the eye”), evoking a cheeky warmth and vibrant presence, representing the restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere, and relaxing approach with low key dishes made with high quality produce. As Reneé Fagerhøi says: “This is a place for absolutely everyone”.

The logo blends clean, modern typography with a geometric twist, complemented by an iconic eye symbol derived from the “O” in Olgas. Bold geometric illustrations of menu staples—Spaghetti, Salad, Soup, and Sandwich—further embody the approachable yet refined spirit of the bistro.

The vibrant colour palette draws from fresh local produce, whilst the photography brings the brand to life with its raw, unpolished style. Harsh lighting, bold shadows, and impromptu moments showcase the joy and energy of dining at Olgas. The typography ties it all together with its cheeky personality, perfectly reflecting Olgas’ bold yet welcoming identity.

The website and visual assets feature some fun elements to set the tone of the concept with playful animation principles and the movement of “Olga’s watchful eye” representing an alert eye for great service and attention to detail.

Olgas’ infectious energy caught on immediately. Even before opening, Olgas recorded 594 guest bookings on its launch day—four months ahead of opening—and surpassed 1,200 monthly guest bookings just a month later. By embracing bold design, authentic storytelling, and a nod to its historical roots, Olgas has firmly positioned itself as a must-visit destination for food lovers and experience seekers alike.

Photography: Even Blomsnes Solheim Website design: Nonspace Website code: Increo