TimeSavour

Stockholm

BY: Fredrik Jensen

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February 8, 2024

An archipelago of savoury eateries

Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, represents the country’s strong tradition in cooking., seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary innovation. This vibrant city, nestled between the Baltic Sea and Lake Mälaren, has long been a meeting point for cultures and cuisines, laying the groundwork for its diverse and dynamic food scene. Today, Stockholm boasts over a thousand restaurants, showcasing not only traditional Swedish dishes but also flavours from around the globe, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.

Historically, Stockholm’s culinary scene has been influenced by its access to fresh seafood, game, and locally grown produce, leading to the development of dishes that are both hearty and refined. Classics such as herring, meatballs, and lingonberries have been staples of Swedish cuisine for centuries. In recent years, Stockholm has experienced a culinary revolution, with a surge in restaurants emphasizing local ingredients, sustainability, and innovation. This movement has been propelled by a new generation of chefs who are redefining Swedish cuisine, gaining international acclaim and Michelin stars in the process.

The dining scene in Stockholm is as diverse as it is expansive, ranging from historic establishments like Den Gyldene Freden, operating since 1722 and offering classic Swedish fare, to modern gastronomic temples such as Frantzén, which boasts three Michelin stars for its innovative Nordic cuisine. Casual dining and street food are also integral parts of the city’s food culture, with vibrant food halls and outdoor markets providing a plethora of options for every palate and budget. The city’s culinary landscape is continually evolving, with new concepts and dining experiences emerging regularly. From the cozy cafés of Södermalm to the cutting-edge eateries in Norrmalm, each district of Stockholm offers its unique flavor and atmosphere.

As Stockholm cements its position on the global culinary map, it invites food lovers to embark on a gastronomic journey through its historic streets and waterfronts. Here, you’ll be able to experience the forefront of Nordic gastronomy and to help you make sure you hit the right spots, we’re handing you Stockholm’s best restaurants on a platter, skål!

Our best restaurants in Stockholm

Lilla Ego

Place: Restaurant
Style:
Price range: $$$

Lilla Ego, nestled in Stockholm’s Vasastan, offers a unique blend of Swedish culinary tradition and innovation. Run by two award-winning chefs, this neighborhood gem serves up luxurious yet affordable dishes in a cozy, informal setting. Its popularity is evident, with a lively atmosphere and a chance to watch the magic happen from counter seats overlooking the kitchen. The menu, concise but full of flavor, modernizes Swedish classics, ensuring a memorable dining experience. Because of its popularity, reservations need to be made well in advance.

Lilla Ego
Photo credit: Lilla Ego

Hantverket

Place: Restaurant, Bar
Style:
Price range: $$$

Hantverket, located in Stockholm’s Östermalm, is a testament to culinary artistry, combining modern Swedish and European flavours with meticulous craftsmanship. The venue is not only a restaurant, it also boasts an exceptional cocktail bar, offering a curated cocktail menu designed to perfectly complement the meal. Don’t miss out on their staple dishes “Hasselback” potatoes with vendace roe and the cold green tomato soup.

hantverket
Photo credit: Hantverket

Leijontornet

Place: Restaurant
Price range: $$$

This classy restaurant and wine bar prides itself on a vast wine cellar with over 3,000 bottles and a menu that celebrates classic southern European flavors. Nestled in Gamla Stan (Old town), it offers a rich dining experience with a focus on wine and seasonal ingredients, recommended for those with a deep appreciation for gastronomy and wine culture. This culinary haven is the culmination of nearly two decades of passionate dedication to the art of dining, making it a cherished destination for anyone seeking to indulge in the pleasures of fine food and wine

leijontornet
Photo credit: Leijontornet

Tennstopet

Place: Restaurant
Style:
Price range: $$

One of Stockholm’s oldest culinary institutions, a testament to classic Swedish cuisine. Renowned for its wild game, traditional dishes, and notably exceptional meatballs. This historic spot serves as both a restaurant and a pub, offering a diverse dining experience with a lot of locals. Emphasizing seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, Tennstopet provides a menu that both captures the essence of Swedish “husmanskost” (traditional cooking) as well as some classic French influences.

Tennstopet
Photo credit: Tennstopet

800 grader slice shop

Place: Restaurant
Style:
Price range: $

Located on Södermalm, this hole in the wall serves up one of the city’s best pizza. It is described as the “baby brother” of the larger 800 Grader restaurant located on the other side of the city in Vasastan. Despite its smaller size, the Slice Shop offers no less of an exceptional experience. It’s renowned for serving delicious new york style slices where the success lies in the dough, which is crafted to perfection. Additionally, 800 grader Slice Shop boasts a minimalistic but carefully curated wine list that is perfectly suited for pizza pairing.

800grader
Photo credit: 800 grader

AG

Place: Restaurant
Style:
Price range: $$$

AG is arguably the best steakhouse in Stockholm, where meat is more than food, it’s a craft. In a converted warehouse on Kungsholmen, AG showcases an open grill, focusing on delivering the best possible meat experience. Here, you’ll not only find the best meat from Sweden but also the finest selections from around the globe. AG pairs its meats with an extensive wine selection, ensuring a dining experience that’s both refined and memorable. The restaurant also hosts a great tapas bar where you can enjoy a gin & tonic together with some small plates before beginning your meat feast.

ag
Photo credit: AG/Instagram

Tjoget

Place: Restaurant, Bar
Price range: $$

Tjoget is a modern neighborhood restaurant and world-class bar located in the trendy Hornstull area. The concept of Tjoget is deeply rooted in the Mediterranean region, drawing heavy inspiration from southern Europe, northern Africa, and the Middle East. This establishment offers a unique combination of a restaurant, wine bar, cocktail bar & beer café, creating a relaxed atmosphere and a vibrant bar scene that has quickly gained popularity among locals and tourists. It is renowned for its perfectly composed cocktails, carefully selected beers, and wines, earning it a place among the best bars in the world on multiple occasions.

Tjoget
Photo credit: Tjoget

Punk royale

Place: Restaurant
Price range: $$$$

This is probably one of Stockholm’s most unique and unforgettable dining experience that defies conventional expectations. Known for its bizarre, playful, and ambitious approach, the restaurant offers a tasting menu filled with decadent, globally-inspired small plates. The ambiance contrasts sharply with the fine dining experience, featuring graffiti walls, a smoke machine and a playlist you rarely find in a fine dining situation. It’s a place where the dining norms are turned upside down, without compromising the food.

punk royale
Photo credit: Punk Royale

Brasserie Astoria

Place: Restaurant
Price range: $$$

Brasserie Astoria is a vibrant nod to the classic European brasserie experience, brought to life by Michelin-starred chef Björn Frantzén. Located in a beautifully restored former cinema dating back to the 1870s, Astoria combines the opulence of old-world glamour with the appeal of modern brasserie classics. The venue itself boasts 200 seats across two floors and 1,200 square meters, featuring a large dining room, an ambitious cocktail bar, a private dining area known as “Lilla a” with its own entrance and bar, and a lobby bar surrounded by greenery.

Astoria
Photo credit: Brasserie Astoria

Östermalmshallen

Place: Food market
Style:
Price range: $$$

Established in 1888, Östermalms Saluhall in Stockholm is a historic food hall renowned for its quality and diversity, once ranked as the world’s 7th best food hall by Bon Appétit magazine. Following a renovation that revived its original architecture, it continues to be a key destination for both locals and tourists. With multiple traders offering everything from fresh produce to gourmet specialties it also acts as a culinary destination, featuring top-notch eateries like Lisa Elmqvist.

ostermalmshallen
Photo credit: Östermalmshallen

Frantzén

Place: Restaurant
Style:
Price range: $$$$

Renowned for becoming Sweden’s first restaurant to be awarded three Michelin stars, offers an unparalleled dining experience in Stockholm. Chef Björn Frantzén has masterfully crafted a space within a 19th-century townhouse, where guests embark on a culinary journey, moving through different rooms and floors, each presenting a distinct part of an exquisite fixed menu. This exclusive setting, designed for just 23 guests, ensures an intimate and immersive encounter with Scandinavian cuisine at its most luxurious. Securing a reservation at Frantzén requires patience, with guests often waiting a considerable time to experience its world-renowned cuisine.

frantzen
Photo credit: Frantzén

Stigbergets fot

Place: Restaurant, Pub
Price range: $

Stigbergets Fot is a modern beer bar that stands at the crossroads of craft beer innovation and great street food. Situated in the bustling Södermalm district, it provides a space where experimental craft beers from Stigbergets Bryggeri, along with selections from local and international breweries, are showcased across 24 taps. This establishment, which opened its doors in February 2020, is the result of a collaboration with Barrels Burgers & Beers, combining their burger expertise with Stigbergets’ brewing mastery.

Stigbergets fot
Photo credit: Stigbergets fot

Chez Jolie

Place: Restaurant
Style:
Price range: $$$

With a menu that pays homage to classic French favorites alongside a wine cellar brimming with exquisite selections, this restaurant invites diners to indulge in the essence of France. The cuisine draws inspiration from both the rustic charm of the French countryside and the refined elegance of metropolitan bistros, ensuring a diverse and delightful dining experience. Located at a historically gastronomic address on Ingmar Bergmans Gata, Chez Jolie has quickly become a cherished spot for both locals and visitors seeking an authentic French affair in the heart of Stockholm.

Chez Jolie
Photo credit: Chez Jolie

Sushi Sho

Place: Restaurant
Style:
Price range: $$$

Sushi Sho is a small and cozy place that offers more than meets the eye, an authentic omakase experience that brings the essence of Japanese culinary craftsmanship to Stockholm. Here, the daily-changing menu highlights the exceptional quality of local seafood, transforming simple ingredients into exquisite sushi creations. Each diner is served simultaneously, omakase style, allowing for a shared journey through Japan’s culinary traditions, with standout moments like the signature soy-cured egg and the optional add-on of luxurious tuna belly. They also serve a great sake tasting menu.

Sushi sho
Photo credit: Sushi Sho

Freyja + Söder

Place: Restaurant, Bar
Price range: $$$

Freyja occupies a prime top-floor location overlooking the beautiful Stockholm skyline. Blending local culinary traditions with modern innovation. This restaurant has a sophisticated, yet approachable menu, with a big focus on local and seasonal produce. The atmosphere buzzes with energy which can probably be credited to their rooftop bar “Söder”. The rooftop bar offers a seamless continuation of the dining experience, where guests can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails with panoramic city views and great vibes.

Freyja
Photo credit: Freyja

Rolfs kök

Place: Restaurant
Price range: $$$

This establishment was founded with the vision of an open kitchen to foster interaction between the chefs and guests, it has become a modern classic in the city’s dining scene. The restaurant prides itself on serving well-prepared dishes crafted from fine ingredients, offering guests an immersive dining experience. With a focus on quality and simplicity, the menu, curated by restaurateur Johan Jureskog and head chef Magnus Johansson, showcases the best of the season’s flavors. The extensive wine selection further elevates the dining experience at Rolfs Kök

Rolfs kök
Photo credit: Rolfs kök

A Bar Called Gemma

Place: Bar
Price range: $$

A Bar Called Gemma is a hidden gem that transforms from an unassuming exterior to a cocktail paradise once inside. Celebrated for its highly skilled bartenders and creative cocktails mixed with unexpected ingredients, this award-winning bar is a must-visit for those seeking a unique drinking experience in Stockholm.

A bar called Gemma
Photo credit: A bar called Gemma

Hötorgshallen

Place: Food market
Style:
Price range: $$

Hötorgshallen in Stockholm is a bustling marketplace renowned for its wide array of global delicacies. Situated in the heart of the city, it offers a diverse selection of foods from around the world, including fresh seafood, specialty meats, and unique cheeses. With its mix of restaurants, delis, and bakeries, Hötorgshallen is a culinary haven for food enthusiasts looking to explore international flavors. Its vibrant atmosphere and central location makes it a popular spot for both locals and tourist.

Hötorgshallen
Photo credit: Hötorgshallen

Agnes

Place: Restaurant
Style:
Price range: $$

At the heart of Kungsholmen, Agnes brings an exciting culinary flair to a once quiet backstreet. Thanks to its open kitchen layout, a chef’s table for ten, and extensive bar seating, Agnes delivers a vibrant and engaging dining atmosphere. The diverse menu captivates with its mix of small and large plates, rich in mediterranean and asian influence. Among the must-try dishes is the shared plate of suckling pig, perfectly paired with a pinot noir from their well curated wine list.

agnes
Photo credit: Agnes/Instagram

Skeppsbro bageri

Place: Café
Style:
Price range: $

Skeppsbro Bageri, an organic artisan bakery and café, offers a picturesque waterfront “fika” experience. Opened in a former customs house in 2018, it’s managed by Håkan Johansson Frost, Sweden’s sole world champion baker. The bakery specializes in sourdough bread baked in stone ovens and grinds its own wholemeal flour, using only organic ingredients. It’s a popular spot for enjoying everything from cinnamon buns to sandwiches, especially during the summer months with outdoor seating available.

Skeppsbro bageri
Photo credit: Skeppsbro bageri

L’avventura

Place: Restaurant, Bar
Style:
Price range: $$$

L’Avventura, set in a majestic former cinema, brings the grandeur of Italian dining to Stockholm. This restaurant, with its six-metre-high ceilings adorned with stucco mouldings and wall paintings, offers a heartful Italian culinary experience. The venue is celebrated for its large portions meant to be shared, homemade delicacies, and ingredients like truffles and ‘Nduja imported directly from Italy. The venue also features two bars serving up both classic and modern cocktails.

lavventura
Photo credit: L’Avventura

Animo

Place: Restaurant
Price range: $$$

This restaurant and cocktail bar, praised for its mix between European and Nordic cuisine, offers a cozy, plant-filled ambiance with seating that allows diners to watch chefs at work. The menu, rich with creative flair, features standout dishes like beef tartare with crispy waffles and fresh oysters, complemented by a selection of unique cocktails. Animo’s approachable yet sophisticated atmosphere, combined with its commitment to flavor and quality, secures its status as a must-visit food destination.

animo
Photo credit: Animo

Miyakodori

Place: Restaurant
Style:
Price range: $$

Miyakodori is a Japanese izakaya located in Stockholm, known for its cozy and vibrant atmosphere. It specializes in grilled skewers, small dishes, and a selection of cocktails and cold Asian drinks. The restaurant is the brainchild of chefs with experience from notable Stockholm establishments, aiming to offer an authentic izakaya experience, which they certainly do.

Miyakodori
Photo credit: Miyakodori

Copine

Place: Restaurant
Price range: $$$

Copine, French for “girlfriend,” serves as a sophisticated companion to the renowned restaurant, Jim & Jacob, located on the same street. This elegant venue combines French culinary finesse with the vibrant flavours of Southern Europe and the Mediterranean. It’s known for its impeccable dishes and outstanding ambiance, Copine extends a warm welcome to all, perfect for both casual lunches and romantic dinners. Guests can revel in the chic, minimalist decor and savour a menu that spotlights the best of seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, all paired with an expertly curated wine list.

copine
Photo credit: Copine

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