Stockholm, Sweden

Tysta Mari

The Nordics • Eat & drink • Tysta Mari in Stockholm, Sweden

What’s the restaurant in a nutshell?

The 1888 Östermalm Saluhall indoor market hall is one of Stockholm’s main food Meccas, with stalls packed with fresh fish, meat, sweets, and traditional delicacies, as well as several popular restaurants. One of them is Tysta Mari, a two-storey all-day bistro, bar and food purveyor that was founded in 1834. In 2022, Tysta Mari was given a slightly quirky and endearing makeover by Stockholm design firm Note Design Studio.

What are the signature dishes?

Tysta Mari is part of Melander’s, a restaurant group that focuses on Swedish cuisine at its various spots around town. Head here for Swedish classics such as homemade meatballs (not at all like those found at IKEA), fried herring with browned butter and ‘kroppkaka’, a traditional Swedish boiled potato dumpling.

Drinks, anyone?

Swedish cuisine is characterized by sweetness, sourness and saltiness. From tart, bitter lingonberries to Swedish sweet strong mustard: many of our traditional flavours aren’t wine-friendly. To match the distinct flavours, a light or dark lager beer with moderate bitterness is a good choice. Accompanied by a schnapps, of course.

What’s the neighbourhood like?

Östermalm has long been stuck with a reputation of being Stockholm’s poshest yet most lacklustre neighbourhood. Although it is true that the neighbourhood still is quite sleepy in some of its parts, Östermalm boasts many smart bars, restaurants and boutiques – you just have to know where to look. The neighbourhood is home to the must-visit Östermalm Saluhall food hall, the Bergius botanic garden, the Royal Dramatic Theatre and the lush Humlegården park.