The 23 best spots in Stockholm’s SoFo neighbourhood

Alba, located on the uberhot Nytorget square, is a gem for natural wine enthusiasts. Co-created by Artur Amoghli and Melvin Carrere, Alba quickly established itself as a hotspot, especially among nature wine aficionados and champagne lovers. The venue’s wine list, refreshed weekly, complements a rustic menu blending French and Italian cuisines. Alba’s cosy space belies its capacity to attract a bustling crowd, with staff ensuring every guest enjoys a unique wine experience. Even the Spanish salted chips taste exceptionally good here, adding to the charm of this vibrant bar and restaurant, which has become a quintessential part of the lively Södermalm scene.

Crowds gather quickly around this corner of Södermalm. Just off Nytorget, one of Stockholm’s most social squares, Bar Agrikultur runs at a permanently high pulse. The room is small, noisy and constantly in motion, with people moving between pavement tables and the packed bar inside. Service is fast and sharp, keeping pace with a young, thirsty crowd. Food is built for drinking but taken seriously: potato crisps piled with rich toppings, chicken skewers glazed with oyster sauce and burnt cream, and the cult cucumber with smetana and honey, often chased with shots of Skåne-made vodka. Drinks include house gin infused in stainless tanks and a tight wine list. As the informal sibling of Krog Agrikultur, it shares the same ingredient-driven thinking, just dialled louder and looser.

In the heart of Södermalm, Bar Ninja emerges as a culinary rebel, a creation of Wine Trade’s visionary, Niklas Jakobson. This former office space now thrives as a dynamic wine bar, where simplicity in dishes belies their sophistication. The menu, curated by a chef with a flair for the eclectic, features standout dishes like zesty citrus-infused salmon tartare and rich, slow-cooked beef ribs. The decor, a brainchild of a local avant-garde designer, juxtaposes raw, industrial elements with warm, Scandinavian minimalism, creating an atmosphere that’s both edgy and inviting.

On Kocksgatan in Stockholm’s Södermalm, Bistro Monello does classic bistro energy with a clean, modern hand. The room is tight and warm: bottle-green panelling, cream walls, brass lighting, red banquettes and white cloths under small lamps. It is built for lingering over a second glass. Start with Chironfils No.3 oysters with shallots, lemon and tabasco, or croquettes with gruyère and jambon. Bruschetta comes with garlic and cured tomato, topped with stracciatella, or boquerones if salt is the point. Add jambon noir de Bigorre, nocellara olives and sourdough with homemade butter. Finish with pistachio tiramisu or madeleines, then a Monello truffle. Cocktails and a dedicated wine list keep the pace steady.

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.

Duvan, a quintessential neighbourhood pub in Södermalm, is the brainchild of seasoned restaurateur Micke Ljungberg. Far from your typical pub, Duvan elevates classic pub fare with a touch of finesse and love. The menu boasts staples like fish & chips and bangers & mash, but each dish is crafted with a noticeable attention to detail, drawing crowds for its quality. Beyond the expertly poured beers, Duvan surprises with its food, which stands a notch above the usual pub grub.

Dinner at Indio Kitchen is rooted in Nikkei cuisine, the meeting point between Japanese technique and Peruvian ingredients. The restaurant sits on Kocksgatan in Södermalm, the densely packed island south of central Stockholm where restaurants blur into residential streets. Nikkei cooking grew out of Japanese migration to Peru in the early 20th century, and here it shows up as ceviche sharpened with citrus and chilli, sashimi dressed with leche de tigre, and sushi rolls carrying Peruvian heat. Raw and cooked dishes move easily across the menu, supported by sake, pisco and wine.

Founded in 2014, Katarina Ölkafé on Katarina Bangata has rapidly become a must-visit for beer aficionados in Stockholm. With a commitment to highlighting the best of Stockholm County’s craft beer offerings, their selection is a testament to Swedish brewing finesse. Five dynamic taps offer a rotating selection from local microbreweries, while an extensive collection of global bottled beers can be found lining the shelves. The venue exudes a New York-style cafe ambience, attracting a trendy crowd and maintaining a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you choose to sit inside amidst its distinctive decor or outside in the cosy heated area, you’re guaranteed prompt, friendly service, making it a favoured local retreat.

Stockholm has plenty of places serving meatballs, but this Södermalm address goes fully in. Meatballs for the People is Sweden’s first meatball-focused restaurant, with handmade organic versions using locally sourced meat and fish. The menu moves from classic beef and pork to moose, reindeer and salmon, served in a rustic room of wooden tables, checked details and proper neighbourhood energy. Order the traditional version first if you want the benchmark, then branch out. The bar is useful, the take-away works and the shop sells enough meatball-related gear to make the whole thing feel strangely committed.

Pelikan is located in Stockholm’s Södermalm district and has been serving traditional Swedish cuisine since 1904. The restaurant’s interior features high ceilings and impressive arched windows, creating a spacious and inviting atmosphere in keeping with the neighbourhood’s beer halls of yesteryear. The menu includes classic dishes such as hand-rolled meatballs, herring, veal liver and pork leg with root mash. Pelikan’s appeal lies in its authentic atmosphere, and that certain vibe, so typical of Södermalm.

At first glance, Ponti could pass for just another polished newcomer near Nytorget – but that would miss the point entirely. This Italian-American bistro from the French Express group (Schmaltz, Tengu and Babette) trades nostalgia for attitude, pulling more from L.A. than Liguria. The menu plays it straight – crudo with tomato and lovage, confit duck with pancetta and pearl onions – but with just enough swagger to keep things interesting. The pizzas are sharp-edged and well-balanced (see: ’nduja, gorgonzola, fennel and honey), the zeppole land exactly where you want them, and the small bar begs for a negroni before or after.

Robin Delselius, an award-winning family-run bakery chain in Stockholm, offers a delightful array of handcrafted pastries and breads. Led by Robin Delselius, a third-generation baker, the bakery is famous for its delicious buns, cookies and pastries. The bakery of today has expanded to include several locations around town and is a beloved spot for both locals and visitors. The bakery prides itself on using top-quality, natural ingredients, ensuring every bite reflects its baking heritage. The stylishly renovated Södermalm branch, designed by Mari Strenghielm, is our personal favourite and offers a classic yet modern café environment.

Sofia Common in Södermalm is a melting pot of American and Mexican cuisines with an edgy twist. Opened in spring 2023 by a trio including Austin Davis from Katarina Ölkafé, Niklas from Bar Ninja and owner Tony Wittgren, this locale is a haven for those seeking the unusual in both food and drink. The decor, featuring muted colours and brass details, complements the eclectic menu, offering dishes like enchiladas, nachos, and tortillas alongside a brunch spread. Their wine list, constantly updated with rare finds, especially American vintages, speaks of their deep passion for viticulture. Downstairs, the Common Culture Club buzzes with cultural events, offering a space for private parties.

Is three the magic number for restaurateur Robert “Boban” Rudinski? In 2025, he opened Tripletta, his third restaurant at the very same address. Lo Scudetto arrived in 1998, La Vecchia Signora followed, then a new chapter that leans into warmth, colour and food that feels like home. The interiors are by Mari Strenghielm, a set stylist and interior designer, who also designed the wall sconces, tables and shelves. Tripletta, Italian for hat trick, nods to the return. The menu stretches across Italy with a southward pull and North African spice notes. Rudinski, also co-owner of Bar Central with Kim Choukri, knows how to keep a room alive.