Nordic tastemakers
Where 16 of the most influential Nordic tastemakers go for a great meal
“For a great meal, I go to … ”
Where do the Nordics’ most influential entrepreneurs and creatives go when they’re after a genuinely good meal? We asked them to share the restaurants they return to time and again. Their picks range from island smokehouses and candlelit dining rooms in Copenhagen to backstreet counters only locals know. No gimmicks. No hype. Just honest food that lingers in your mind long after the last bite. Some are hard to get into. Others are hiding in plain sight. All are the kind of places you wish you’d found first.
Top photography courtesy of Koks
Adam Dahlberg: Bar Agrikultur in Stockholm, Sweden
“Bar Agrikultur is located in the Södermalm-district of Stockholm. The restaurant is a diminutive ‘hole in the wall’ but serves really good food. And the staff is lovely. Everything on the menu is delicious, but I never miss their pickled dills with smetana and honey.”
Read Stockholm chef Adam Dahlberg’s guide to the Nordics.
Photography courtesy of Misshumasshu and Bar Agrikultur
Alan Bates: Møntergade in Copenhagen, Denmark
“Møntergade is my favourite in the city by miles. I always have the herring and then maybe one or two other dishes depending on how hungry I am. The staff are amazing, many of whom are now friends, and they have a daily changing board of specials which is ace!”
Read Copenhagen chef Alan Bates’s guide to the Nordics.
Photography courtesy of Møntergade
Ali Gallefoss: Hrimnir in Oslo, Norway
“Hrimnir is a ramen restaurant that’s easily the best in Oslo. I love eating out, especially Chinese and Japanese food, and I always order the Spicy Miso.”
Read Oslo designer Ali Gallefoss’s guide to the Nordics.
Photography courtesy of Hrimnir and Fred Arthun
Andrea Tsang: Dashi in Stockholm, Sweden
“I love Asian food, especially Japanese cuisine. Dashi doesn’t focus on sushi – instead, they offer authentic Japanese dishes with a perfect balance of flavours, made from the freshest ingredients. Pairing your meal with sake is highly recommended.”
Read Stockholm ceramist Andrea Tsang’s guide to the Nordics.
Photography courtesy of Dashi and Louise Bahrton
Andreas Martin-Löf: Teatergrillen in Stockholm, Sweden
“Teatergrillen in Stockholm is a spot I enjoy returning to for both the food and the atmosphere.”
Read Stockholm architect Andreas Martin-Löf’s guide to the Nordics.
Photography courtesy of Teatergrillen
Anna Maria Øfstedal Eng: Smalhans in Oslo, Norway
“Smalhans focuses on natural ingredients and goes to great lengths to find the best of the best while also challenging traditional cooking. Their concept revolves around small dishes, and when dining here, you can choose between two set menus, Krøsus or Smalhans.”
Read Oslo designer Anna Maria Øfstedal Eng’s guide to the Nordics.
Photography courtesy of Johanne Nyborg and Smalhans
Charlotte Storm: Aarsdale Røgeri & Bistro in Bornholm, Denmark
“Aarsdale Røgeri & Bistro on Bornholm – without a doubt my top pick, run by Claus and Otto.”
Read Bornholm desigern Charlotte Storm’s guide to the Nordics.
Photography courtesy of Aarsdale Røgeri & Bistro
Dorte Bagge: Nögen in Aarhus, Denmark
“For a great meal, I go to a restaurant in Aarhus called Nögen. I eat less meat than I did earlier, and this place has become my favourite. They prepare food using ingredients that are close to their expiration date, reusing items that would otherwise be discarded.”
Read Aarhus conference founder Dorte Bagge’s guide to the Nordics.
Photography courtesy of Nögen and Klaus Nedergaard
Eva-Lotta Axelsson: Indio Kitchen in Stockholm, Sweden
“It’s an exceptional dining experience and located just around the corner from where we live in Södermalm. It’s a favourite spot for gathering with family and friends. The menu showcases a fantastic fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, known as Nikkei, offering a unique and flavourful experience.”
Read Stockholm architect and creator Eva-Lotta Axelsson’s guide to the Nordics.
Photography courtesy of Indio Kitchen
Ingrid Bredholt: Stallen in Oslo, Norway
“Stallen is a fantastic place for fine dining, with all food being seasonal and local. The restaurant is situated inside an old stable block where you can watch the chefs cook for you.”
Read Oslo artist Ingrid Bredholt’s guide to the Nordics.
Photography courtesy of Stallen
Jonna Dagliden Hunt: Bap Kitchen in Stockholm, Sweden
“It’s a small space, but the food delivers fantastic Korean flavours. The Buldak Dup-bap, with pan-fried spicy chicken and multi-grain rice, is delicious. I’ve never been to Korea, but I imagine the food tastes just like this.”
Read Stockholm journalist Jonna Dagliden Hunt’s guide to the Nordics.
Photography courtesy of Christopher Hunt and Bap Kitchen
Lilja Birgisdóttir: Óx in Rekjavík, Iceland
“Óx is a can’t-miss in Iceland. Every detail is so well thought out and it feels very personal, not overly fancy. The restaurant seats just 17 guests, making it an intimate experience. The chef, Þráinn Freyr Vigfússon, draws inspiration from his grandmother’s kitchen in northern Iceland, and they even recreated her kitchen at Óx. The bar, open to everyone, is modeled after her living room. It’s a beautiful homage to old Icelandic life.”
Read Reykjavík artist Lilja Birgisdóttir’s guide to the Nordics.
Photography courtesy of Óx
Pella Hedeby: Matateljén in Stockholm, Sweden
“Matateljén – I adore the menu and the cosy atmosphere of this intimate spot.”
Read Stockholm interior designer and stylist Pella Hedeby’s guide to the Nordics.
Photography courtesy of Matateljén and Tobias Lundqvist
Pontus Frithiof: Aamanns 1921 in Copenhagen, Denmark
“I go to Aamanns 1921 in Copenhagen for their ‘smørrebrød’ – genuine, beautifully updated and stylishly Scandinavian. They’re absolutely to die for yet still feel fresh and light.”
Read Stockholm chef and restaurateur Pontus Frithiof’s guide to the Nordics.
Photography courtesy of Aamanns 1921
Richard Lindvall: Koks on the Faroe Islands, Denmark
“The experience at Koks was incredible. We had everything from langoustine brains to whale heart and mahogany clams – truly adventurous and exciting cuisine. The setting was intimate, with just two rooms, each seating eight people, making it a very exclusive experience.”
Read Stockholm interior designer Richard Lindvall’s guide to the Nordics.
Photography courtesy of Koks and Mikael Lundblad
Rosanna Julie Svensson: Bottega Barlie in Copenhagen, Denmark
“I go to Bottega Barlie at Fredericiagade in Copenhagen. I would highly recommend their oysters served with fermented hot sauce, paired with a refreshing glass of white wine.”
Read Bornholm artist Rosanna Julie Svensson’s guide to the Nordics.
Photography courtesy of Bottega Barlie
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