Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm’s 15 best restaurants (and must-try dishes)
The guide to Stockholm’s top restaurants
Looking for the best eats in Stockholm? Look no further – we’ve done the hard work for you (i.e. the eating) and have compiled a list of the ten essential restaurants in the city. From classic Swedish dishes such as pickled herring and meatballs to innovative vegetarian dishes, these restaurants have got something for every palate. And don’t worry, we’ve tried a lot of the menu items so you don’t have to – just sit back and enjoy our picks for the must-try dishes at each spot. So grab a fork and let us guide you through Stockholm’s culinary scene. Smaklig måltid!
01
Mathias Dahlgren Matbaren
Mathias Dahlgren Matbaren is a popular Ilse Crawford-designed gastropub in Stockholm known for its well-crafted small plates, designed to be shared and enjoyed with friends over a glass (or several) of delicious wine. Some classic dishes that may be offered at the restaurant include the pumpkin and broccoli dish, made with creamy pumpkin and broccoli seasoned with truffle and served with watercress and almonds; the steamed beef bun, featuring grilled beef brisket and chipotle mayonnaise in a steamed bun, with pickled peppers on the side; and the Scandinavian sashimi, a unique twist on the classic Japanese dish made with the freshest salmon and reindeer, soy and horseradish.
Mathias Dahlgren Matbaren
Södra Blasieholmshamnen 6
Stockholm
Sweden
Photography courtesy of Mathias Dahlgren Matbaren
02
Brasserie Astoria
Looking for a taste of glamour and sophistication? Look no further than Brasserie Astoria, run by Björn Frantzén, one of Sweden’s leading culinary figures. This historic cinema was once the go-to place for urban Stockholmers looking to escape the hardships of war and depression in the 1920s and 1930s. Today, Brasserie Astoria aims to recreate that elegant and international experience, complete with warm, knowledgeable service and dishes that are presented on serving carts. Whether you’re in the mood for lunch or dinner, you can choose from a wide range of options on the a la carte menu or opt for the plat du jour during lunch. One of the signature dishes at Frantzén is the cognac-flambéed fillet of beef, which is prepared tableside – a real spectacle – and served with a creamy pepper cream sauce and thyme-roasted potatoes with Fourme d’Ambert blue cheese.
Brasserie Astoria
Nybrogatan 15
Stockholm
Sweden
Photography courtesy of Brasserie Astoria
03
Café Nizza
Café Nizza, after the Italian name for Nice, is an excellent neighbourhood restaurant located in the Södermalm district. The atmosphere of the restaurant is laid-back and welcoming, and the semi-open kitchen’s creations are emphasised for their skill and seasoning. The menu features a range of dishes that draw from both French and Italian cuisine, including a delicious cacio e pepe, a kind of vegetarian variant of pasta carbonara. In addition to its main dining area, Café Nizza also has an outdoor seating area that is perfect for enjoying a meal during the warmer months. With its relaxed atmosphere, great food and reasonable prices, Café Nizza is a must-visit restaurant in Stockholm.
Café Nizza
Åsögatan 171
Stockholm
Sweden
Photography courtesy of Café Nizza
04
Persona
Tucked away in Östermalm, Persona emerges as a gem of gastronomy. With Chef Louis Cespedes at the helm, expect a dance of flavours from dishes like black Angus beef with sweet-sour glaze to tempura-fried shiso. The ambience, crafted by designer Erik Bratsberg, offers a homely yet elusive charm, with a lounge adorned by a tile stove and low armchairs. Here, exclusivity and quality aren’t just promised, they’re delivered in every detail, making Persona an intimate culinary narrative waiting to unfold. You won’t be disappointed.
Persona
Torstenssonsgatan 11
Stockholm
Sweden
Photography courtesy of Persona
05
Ett Hem
In the heart of Stockholm, Ett Hem unravels a dining experience woven with intimacy and innovation. Chef Leo Frodell spins local, seasonal produce into culinary tales, each dish a chapter of bold simplicity. With just 30 seats, the space, curated by Ilse Crawford, whispers homely luxury, inviting you into a world where cuisine and comfort intertwine seamlessly. Savour the grilled pike perch, its flavours enriched by the earthy embrace of yellow beets and the zesty punch of pickled elderflower. Here, under the watchful eye of head sommelier Niklas Ödman, each sip from the 4,000-strong wine collection narrates its own story, making Ett Hem a memory deeply etched into our brains.
Read the article on Ett Hem.
Ett Hem
Sköldungagatan 2
Stockholm
Sweden
Photography courtesy of Magnus Mårding and Ett Hem
06
Lilla Ego
Lilla Ego, a Michelin-recognized gem in Stockholm, serves as a canvas for Chefs Tom Sjöstedt and Daniel Räms’s culinary artistry. The atmosphere is a deliberate contrast: a laid-back, almost informal vibe sets the stage for sophisticated dishes that draw from traditional Swedish fare with innovative twists. Amidst brick walls and handwritten menus, diners are treated to a front-row seat in the open kitchen. Signature offerings like a deconstructed pickled herring sandwich and pork tartare showcase a blend of rustic charm and gastronomic refinement.
Lilla Ego
Västmannagatan 69
Stockholm
Sweden
Photography courtesy of Lilla Ego
07
Gondolen
Perched above Stockholm, Gondolen dazzles anew post-renovation, its menu blending the elegance of fine dining with the warmth of comfort food like ratatouille and fish gratin. Known as “a glass case under the sky” since 1935, its panoramic views of Saltsjön, Gamla Stan and Djurgården remain unmatched. Under Svenska Brasserier’s stewardship, Gondolen has undergone a culinary revival, pairing classic dishes with playful twists. The venue, a beloved cultural and creative hub, continues to offer diverse experiences, from a casual beer to a full evening of celebration, embodying its legacy as a cherished rendezvous for both locals and travellers
Gondolen
Stadsgården 6
Stockholm
Sweden
Photography courtesy of Gondolen
08
Tak
Tak is the ultimate gold-clad spot for modern power dining in Stockholm, where successful young professionals come to toast to deals and gig economy triumphs over Asian-infused Nordic bites and drinks. Skip the fried oysters and opt for some fresh specimens with cucumber and ponzu, or go for the updated “Toast Skagen” with a sour kick from Japanese yuzu kosho. The grill dishes here are all about precision and top-notch ingredients, like the miso-glazed lamb and the flavorful tomato salad with tofu, mint, ponzu, shiso and bonito. Frida Ronge is the boss lady of this uber-stylish rooftop of the city’s hotel quarter – it’s smart, it’s chic and it’s a little more continental than the rest of Stockholm.
Tak
Brunkebergstorg 2-4
Stockholm
Sweden
Photography courtesy of Tak
09
Sturehof
With over half a century of experience, Sturehof is a true institution in the heart of Stockholm. Located in the bustling city centre, this popular spot is known for its outdoor patio with great people-watching. But Sturehof is more than just a place to be seen – it’s also a place for foodies to indulge. The menu includes classic Swedish dishes like meatballs with lingonberry sauce and entrecote, as well as a variety of seafood options like shrimp, oysters and lobsters. Don’t forget to try the pickled herring, a staple of Swedish cuisine served alongside a wide selection of schnapps. When it’s time to raise a glass, Sturehof’s extensive wine cellar has you covered, with both regular and exclusive options available to sample by the glass or in small tasting portions.
Sturehof
Stureplan 2
Stockholm
Sweden
Photography courtesy of Sturehof
10
800 Grader
If you’re a pizza lover in Stockholm, you’re in luck – there’s no shortage of options to choose from. One of the best is 800 Grader, a popular spot for a quick bite with friends. Its cosy atmosphere is reminiscent of a small canteen with shared tables and the menu displayed on the wall. You can choose from four rotating pizza options, we love the spicy Nduja served with refreshing mint. For something more traditional, try the Margherita with smooth buffalo mozzarella and a crisp black blistered edge. Pair your pizza with a glass of natural wine, a golden apple cider or a craft beer.
800 Grader
Sigtunagatan 17
Stockholm
Sweden
Photography courtesy of 800 Grader
11
Portal
Portal is a cosy restaurant located at Sankt Eriksplan 1, which has been a well-known dining address since the early 1960s. It was taken over by chef Klas Lindberg in July 2015 and after extensive renovations, opened its doors in August 2016. The restaurant is known for its attention to detail and care for its guests, and serves uncomplicated food with clear flavours and good ingredients, with the common theme that the food should be combined and enhanced with good drinks in a simple way. The menu at Portal offers a diverse range of options, including hand-cut beef tartare, vegetarian carpaccio and an extensive wine list featuring classic European regions as well as the new world.
Portal
Sankt Eriksplan 1
Stockholm
Sweden
Photography courtesy of Portal
12
Taverna Brillo
Centrally located Taverna Brillo lures the city’s trendy and artistic patrons. Designed by Jonas Bohlin, this bustling eatery has in 2023 joined hands with celebrated chefs Danyel Couet and Sebastian Thureson. While its vibrant aura is a draw for long lunches accompanied by drinks, it’s the Mediterranean-inspired menu that beckons. Amidst this tantalising array, the classic whitefish roe pizza – topped with creme fraiche, dill and aged Swedish cheese – retains its iconic status.
Taverna Brillo
Sturegatan 6
Stockholm
Sweden
Photography courtesy of Taverna Brillo
13
Restaurang Hantverket
Chef Stefan Ekengren of Restaurang Hantverket is passionate about Swedish food culture. A celebrated classics on the menu at the restaurant is a take on the famous Hasselback potato, which is a testament to the chef’s obsession with potatoes. This dish, made with fried potatoes and served with bleak roe and sour cream, is a beloved childhood favourite that has been given a modern twist through the chef’s elegant and refined cooking style. Overall, Ekengren’s kitchen crafts familiar dishes, highlights their best qualities and adds something exciting to reach new, tasty heights.
Restaurang Hantverket
Sturegatan 15A
Stockholm
Sweden
Photography courtesy of Restaurang Hantverket
14
Omaka
Located in the ground floor of what some may call Stockholm’s ugliest building, Omaka is a beacon of hope in a sea of brutalist concrete. Inside, the warm glow of wood interiors and designer furniture is only outshined by the gleaming beer taps. This beer-filled oasis on fashionable Östermalm serves up craft brews with playful names from the brewery towering behind the bar. While the open kitchen whips up small plates using seasonal Nordic ingredients with influences from all over, the focus is on pairing the flavors in your glass with the flavors on your plate. Wash down mushroom and truffle toast with a refreshing lager, spice up your gazpacho with a pepper-infused lager, or go global with a British-inspired IPA and fried steam bun. Wine lovers, don’t fret – there are options for you too, like a heavily oaked chardonnay from Napa Valley and a sweet wine from the South of France. Just be prepared to love burnt tones in both your glass and on your plate. Whether you’re a beer or wine person, Omaka’s got you covered.
Omaka
Uggelviksgatan 2C
Stockholm
Sweden
Photography courtesy of Omaka
15
Woodstockholm
In the vibrant heart of Södermalm, Woodstockholm stands out as an innovative culinary haven. Since 2015, it’s where nature meets nurture, with a menu ever-evolving like the seasons. Here, radishes in kimchi mayo with almond ’dirt’ share the stage with miso roasted eggplant or poached haddock for two. The brainchild of furniture designers, its ambiance is uniquely crafted, making every seat not just a dining spot but a part of the story. Under the guidance of its creators, each visit is a fresh narrative in taste, offering an intimate encounter with Stockholm’s most imaginative and organically inspired gastronomy
Woodstockholm
Mosebacke Torg 9
Stockholm
Sweden
Photography courtesy of Woodstockholm
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