Stockholm - Eating
Search & Book Stockholm
In recent years, Stockholm has been much publicized in global media as one of Europe’s—and the world’s—most exciting and creative gastronomic hubs. The selection is impressive, whether your taste is international fine dining, traditional Swedish dishes, ethnic fare from around the globe or competitively priced and updated bistro classics. The selection of modern gourmet restaurants in Stockholm is staggering. Last year, the city had no less than nine Michelin-starred restaurants. If you’re up for some truly innovative dining adventures, many more are well worth a visit.
Esperanto
Esperanto describes its approach as ”romantic, surrealist, with touches of natural elements.” In the 2009 edition of the White Guide, a respected Swedish restaurant guide, Esperanto shared the award as one of Sweden’s best restaurants. As the name suggests, it finds inspiration in food cultures worldwide. One reviewer writes: ”Spectacular entertainment with dashes of humor and decadence.”
Fredsgatan 12 (F12)
A modern classic among Stockholm’s top restaurants, located by the water and the Government headquarters and ministries. The guests are an invigorating blend of people from politics, finance, culture and, of course, peppered with foodies. The focus is on innovative international cuisine with unusual flavor combinations guaranteed to surprise any epicurean diner.
Lux Stockholm
Lux Stockholm is Sweden’s top restaurant and considered the total experience, according to White Guide 2009. Lux Stockholm serves up contemporary Swedish and international cuisine with locally produced ingredients. The venue is exquisite, especially in summer when the doors facing Lake Mälaren are opened.
Mathias Dahlgren
In 2007, one of Sweden’s most celebrated chefs opened his new restaurant in a magnificent location inside the Grand Hôtel, complete with views across to the Royal Palace. Mathias Dahlgren has been awarded three Michelin stars, two for Matsalen (The Dining Room) and one for Matbaren (The food bar). The restaurant was voted Sweden’s best restaurant in 2009. Dahlgren’s kitchen takes Swedish ingredients and culinary culture to new peaks. Superbly entertaining, both on the plate and in the dining room itself. Matched with the towering flavors, it can’t be beat.
Leijontornet
Elegant basement restaurant in the Old Town, resting on a 13th-century fortification (Leijontornet, or the Lion Tower). The kitchen’s ambitious goal is to develop a new Swedish cuisine based on reinterpretations of classical themes, combined with more or less familiar flavors from the Swedish natural world. The menu also has medieval touches executed in hyper-contemporary, sometimes extreme fashion.
Operakällaren
A classic. Sweden’s most famous dining room, in the same building as the Royal Swedish Opera. A magnificent setting with views across the water to the Royal Palace from the terrace bar. Dine on first-class international delicacies presented with bold, contemporary flair. The legendary Nobis wine cellar is a wine lover’s magic cave!
Frantzén/Lindeberg
Frantzén/Lindeberg, the miniature restaurant in Gamla Stan (Old Town) is one of this year’s trendiest, most hyped, and also Sweden’s best restaurant from the gastronomic experience, according to White Guide 2009. What do you say about escargots and caviar d’escargot, surrounded on the plate by a music box, circus of aromas, cat grass, violets, pollen and rapeseed? Yes, you say.
Hjerta
On Skeppsholmen by the quay next to Moderna Museet. The restaurant serves everything from waffles to food with Swedish and French flavours. Hjerta has a stone oven in the bar where most of their dishes such as bread and stews are made. There is also a smoke oven where you can enjoy freshly smoked sausages and fish.
Pontus!
Modern, sophisticated food palace and social scene, ranging over several levels in a spectacular setting near Stureplan in central Stockholm. Featuring an oyster bar, an Asian-themed bar with dim-sum and a sushi counter. International and Swedish delicacies prepared with style.
Caffè Nero
Italian restaurant serving generous portions, cooked with love in a modern, minimalist space. Run by Italians, which is evident in the quality and the passion. First-rate ingredients and excellent pasta dishes.
SystrarnaLundberg
Very popular restaurant and bar on Rörstrandsgatan, a shopping street in the Vasastan district. Generous servings and pleasant (nice) prices. No reservations, so get there early.
Kvarnen
Legendary restaurant, bar and waterhole with a century’s history in the old blue-collar district of Södermalm. Enjoy well-made, classic Swedish fare in a beautiful setting with high ceilings and plenty of patina.
Blå Porten
A classic destination for Stockholmers on a weekend walk or a visit to the museums of Djurgården island. Beautiful old interior, and relaxed bohemian garden. Tempting pastries and lunch dishes with a Mediterranean touch.
BlåDörren
Serves food from the Swedish cuisine. Located in a landmark venue, caracterized with a high ceilings, arches and a familiar spirit.
Den Gyldene Freden
In a medieval basement in the Old Town you’ll find this classic restaurant. Owned by the Swedish Academy, which selects the Nobel Prize for literature. Legend has it that many Nobel prizes have been decided at the Academy’s regular table here. The menu offers big names in classic Swedish cooking, nowadays with interesting contemporary touches.
Restaurang 1900
Traditional Swedish flavors and ingredients in new interpretations with international influences. Beautiful country-style interior, located right downtown. The very popular bar is famed for its delectable, good-looking cocktails.
Grill
With inspiration from five continents, vast array of ingredients and a huge number of barbecue techniques, Grill likes to go big. The interior is playful and imaginative with nine different styles, spanning from hunting lodge to Versailles.
Sturehof
Classic brasserie and social stage at Stureplan in the center of Stockholm’s entertainment precinct. Swedish cuisine with international influences. Several bars. In summer, the alfresco section is the place to see and be seen.
B.A.R
The Blasieholmen area has recently undergone a renaissance, with numerous exciting new establishments opening their doors. Most recently, B.A.R.—the new seafood grill where customers choose fish and shellfish directly from the fish tank.
Östermalms saluhall
Gorgeous food hall from the 1880s, with counters and shelves packed with the best of the finest. There are also numerous restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy traditional Swedish delicacies, with an emphasis on seafood and the classic Swedish fare we call ’husmanskost’. Open lunch and afternoons only. A great place to people-watch!
Mälarpaviljongen
A verdant oasis with a restaurant, bar and alfresco section, located on the pier, waterfront and a barge at Norr Mälarstrand. Stunning views across the waters of Riddarfjärden. Atmospheric, cozy local restaurant and high-spirited bar with great music. Open during the summer season only. Gayfriendly.
Roxy
Intimate, enjoyable meeting place with a restaurant and bar in the chic-bohemian Nytorget Square on Södermalm. Run by three female restaurateurs. Attracts an especially—but by no means exclusively—lesbian crowd.
