Olson’s Delicatessen on Pico Blvd
Continuing to eat our way thru the United Nations of 90019. This time? Scandinavian. I’d been casually on the lookout for some tasty Scandinavian food, but after having these tasty bites at a Danish friend’s Christmas party I started obsessing.
Homemade Smørrebrød (open-faced sandwich)
There’s probably a million versions of these tasty little sandwiches on thin sliced, buttered rugbrød (dense, dark rye & grain bread). My friend’s was ham w/mayo, sour cream, lemon, scallions, capers, peas, radish. It looked a little odd & drippy and I almost passed. 
Obsessed!
Frikadeller (danish meatballs)
(internet photo) Again with the “No thank you… Well, okay, just one.” 
Very similar to Swedish meatballs except made with pork (danes love their pork) instead of a combination of meats. And idk if it’s just my friend’s version but they seem to have more breadcrumbs, making them cakier than meatballs, in a good way. The pork does make them oilier, but lighter & fluffier.
It ain’t Christmas in Scandinavia without a sighting of the mischievous, little Nisse…
Okay, onto the present. Olson’s…
Nisse bearing godis (candy)
Double Espresso 2 Scoops of Foam
It arrived prettier than this. How was it? “Pretty good!”
Olson’s Cardamom Latte
Very good, strong enough to hold up to the ice. I’m asking for more cardamom next time.
Shrimp Skagen - Greenland Shrimp, Golden Caviar, Crème Fraiche, Dill, Shallots, Mayo, Brioche Bun
Very happy.
Swedish Meatball Sandwich - Pickled Beet Salad, Crispy Onions, Brioche Bun
I only had a bite, but these also seemed a little more cake-y than meatballs I’m used too. Maybe my observations are because they’re not in sauce. Anyway, I like it. They’re not dense, very rich, a tad salty, but quite tasty.
The food is quite hearty and rich. Both dishes were on the salty side, but not overwhelming and probably not salty at all to most. But they’re so receptive I feel I could mention it next time. I 
their Pickled Cucumbers! Definitely buying some for home next time.
The deli case is stocked with European delicacies.
Godis
They’re such sweet people. If I inquired about anything they immediately gave me a taste. We bought this Remoulade - no ingredient list, but I tasted mayo, sour cream or crème fraîche, curry, ground mustard, capers, maybe dill, no tarragon (thankfully). 
Made Chicken Cheese Burgers w/Egg, Grilled Onions & Remoulade. It’s delicious on Salmon Croquettes too.
Although it seems like an odd place for a Scandinavian deli, Olsen’s has been open since 1948 when there was a tight-knit, little Scandinavian community in the neighborhood. A lot of the vintage appliances are from the original shop and the new owners worked hard at restoring it to the delightfully, retro spot you see today. Such a fun & tasty little spot!