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The Nordic Nomad

The Nordics

The Nordic hot list
May 2025

The Nordics • Insider guides • The Nordic hot list May 2025

What we’re loving in May 2025 (and you will too)

Stay informed and stay inspired! The Nordic hot list is your monthly dossier of what’s shaping the cultural and creative landscape across the Nordics. From smart new openings and design-forward projects to events worth pencilling into your diary, we spotlight the ideas and initiatives that matter. Whether you’re a local with a keen eye on your surroundings or a traveller seeking authentic inspiration, this is your curated guide to the things that are getting our attention (and deserve your’s, too).

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Top photography courtesy of Pontus Frithiof at Bro Hof

Epicurus: jazz and fine dining in Copenhagen

A hushed buzz surrounds the opening of Epicurus, Copenhagen’s most anticipated new address for jazz, fine dining and cocktails. Designed by Gam Fratesi, the interiors weave Nordic restraint with sculptural Italian elegance, which all work to form a lovely backdrop. Chef-led plates celebrate a refined Nordic-French dialogue – think langoustine tartare with sea herbs or aged duck lacquered in honey and elderflower. Behind the bar, cocktails are as carefully composed as the dishes, with infusions and rare spirits setting the tone.

Epicurus
Rosenborggade 15
Copenhagen
Denmark

Photography courtesy of Epicurus

Misshumasshu: Michelin Asian fusion in historic Stockholm venue

Misshumasshu reclaims Stockholm’s historic Birger Jarlspassagen with Michelin-starred duo Adam Dahlberg and Albin Wessman. Architect Maja Bernvill’s rostrous palette of deep reds and natural textures folds New York energy into Tokyo edge, shaping a warm yet dynamic dining arena anchored by a showstopping central bar. The entire 800-square-metre passage has been restored by Yllw, and signature plates impress. Think chewy Korean tteokbokki ablaze with spice or buttery tuna tartare sparked by yuzu kosho. As day shifts to night, Misshumasshu’s spirited atmosphere encourages lingering over smoky yakitori and lively cocktails well into the evening.

Misshumasshu
Smålandsgatan 10
Stockholm
Sweden

Photography courtesy of Misshumasshu

Saunaravintola Kaihu: South Sarvo’s new floating restaurant and sauna

Floating serenely on the waters of Lake Saimaa, Saunaravintola Kaihu in Mikkeli redefines the Nordic dining ritual. Designed and executed by Panko Concept, this is Finland’s first fully floating sauna-restaurant of its size class. The architecture blends minimalist timber interiors with expansive lake views, creating a tranquil atmosphere. The central bar and dining area are framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing guests to dine with the lake as their backdrop. Signature dishes include crisp flatbreads adorned with seasonal vegetables and herbs. Post dining, you can unwind in the sauna or take a refreshing dip in the lake for a holistic experience where food, design and nature converge.

Saunaravintola Kaihu
Pursialankatu 5,
Mikkeli
Finland

Photography courtesy of Panko Concept

Miss Miso: Gothenburg’s new izakaya

Miss Miso, the latest venture from Michelin-starred duo Anna and Cameron Irving of Project, brings a welcome addition to Gothenburg’s dining scene. This contemporary Asian restaurant offers a relaxed yet refined atmosphere and the menu features an array of sharing plates and larger dishes, with notable offerings like the much-anticipated Korean fried chicken – a dish that gained a devoted following during its time as a takeaway option at Project. The interior maintains the intimate charm of the former izakaya, enhanced by thoughtful design elements that reflect the restaurant’s Asian roots.

Miss Miso
Aschebergsgatan 26
Göteborg
Sweden

Photography courtesy of Miss Miso

Season Hotel: family run boutique escape in Stockholm

Season Hotel brings a new rhythm to Stockholm’s boutique scene. Just 15 minutes from the city by RIB boat, this family-owned retreat draws on Cape Cod’s coastal charm and pared-back Scandinavian minimalism. Designed for unhurried indulgence, the hotel houses 37 rooms, a spa with twin heated pools and a rooftop bar overlooking Lake Mälaren. Brasserie Season champions local ingredients in vibrant, seasonal plates, while a neighbouring microbrewery offers fresh pours and guided tastings. Notably, Season will debut underwater art exhibitions, where contemporary works shift and shimmer with the movement of the lake.

Season Hotel
Ankarslingan 2
Ekerö
Sweden

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Photography courtesy of Christian Azu and Season Hotel

A Retro Tale: luxe vintage shopping in Stocholm

A Retro Tale, the H&M-backed vintage boutique at Mood Stockholm, is redefining the world of pre-loved luxury. It has firmly positioned itself as a leading name in curated second-hand fashion. Inside, you will find an exquisite edit of vintage treasures – from Chanel’s classic Wallet on Chain to Hermès Birkin 35s and iconic Rolex and Cartier timepieces. By blending a refined in-store experience with a strong digital platform, A Retro Tale is inspiring a new wave of conscious consumers who value craftsmanship as much as sustainability.

A Retro Tale
Regeringsgatan 48
Stockholm
Sweden

Photography courtesy of Navet and A Retro Tale

Sagene Folkebad: historial bathhouse revitalised in Oslo

Sagene Folkebad, Oslo’s historic 1900 bathhouse, has been revitalised as a contemporary wellness sanctuary. Under the stewardship of Oslo Badstuforening, the venue now features two saunas accommodating up to 42 guests. The restored interiors honour the building’s heritage, blending original architectural elements with modern amenities. A highlight of the current offerings is the yoga and sauna sessions, held every Monday and Thursday. It combines physical activity with thermal therapy. Sagene Folkebad is one of several examples of Oslo’s commitment to preserving its historical landmarks while adapting them for contemporary communal use.

Sagene Folkebad
Sandakerveien 3
Oslo
Norway

Photography courtesy of Sagene Folkebad

Bar Nordic: local artisanal cocktails in Stockholm

Bar Nordic brings a fresh pulse to Stockholm’s bar scene. The venue champions wines and cocktails crafted from wild local produce, offering flavours rarely seen outside the region. Inside, Scandinavian minimalism meets cosy warmth, setting the stage for curated tastings and seasonal cocktails made with blueberries, lingonberries and sea buckthorn. The bar also collaborates with Nordic artisans, reinforcing a commitment to authenticity and innovation. Bar Nordic captures a distinctly northern spirit while pushing the boundaries of what a wine and cocktail bar can be.

Bar Nordic
Vasagatan 52
Stockholm
Sweden

Photography courtesy of Colegate Photography

Pontus Frithiof at Bro Hof: Uppland’s new culinary destination

Pontus Frithiof at Bro Hof transforms the grand Bro Hof Slott into a year-round culinary and event destination. Chef Frithiof’s signature style – elegant yet approachable – shines through a menu rooted in Swedish flavours with global accents, crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant will also serve as a summer outpost for his acclaimed La Tour, bringing fine dining to the castle’s lush grounds. Wine director Mario E. Moroni curates a cellar that balances Old World classics with bold New World selections.

Pontus Frithiof at Bro Hof
Bro
Sweden

Photography courtesy of Pontus Fritihiof at Bro Hof

Balmuir Suites at Hotel Haven: minimalist elegance in Helsinki

Hotel Haven in Helsinki has unveiled its new Balmuir Suites, a collaboration with Finnish lifestyle brand Balmuir. Designed by Niina Ahonen, the suites are as minimalist Scandinavian as they are luxurious and comfortable, featuring natural materials and harmonious colour schemes in smoke and camel hues. Each suite offers a sensory experience, from the tactile pleasure of high-quality linens to the visual appeal of art posters by Taru Moilanen. Situated near Helsinki’s Market Square, the Balmuir Suites provide a tranquil retreat in the city centre.