Also known as the Venice of the north, Sweden’s capital Stockholm serves as a hub for art and culture. Not just for the locals, but for much of Scandinavia. The gastronomy scene is innovative and diverse – and enough reason to come here alone! No matter whether you’re looking for a cozy intimate spot, luxury, or that perfect vibe before heading out, you’ll find it here.
After having lived in the city for years, here are some of our favorite restaurants in Stockholm. We’ve even included a few extra tips from our never-ending to-try list.
All you have to do is to boka bord (Swedish for book a table) and experience them for yourself!
Content Overview
⦁ Södermalm
⦁ Vasastan
⦁ City / Östermalm
⦁ Gamla Stan / Old Town
Södermalm
Photo credit: Jens Cederskjold on Flickr
Stockholm’s most bohemian and alternative neighborhood, Södermalm, features a wide array of restaurants with varying cuisines and vibes. From eccentric pop-up stalls and elegance to classic Swedish haunts, Södermalm will spoil you with its personality and charm. It’s our favorite area in town and one of the reasons is all the great restaurants!
Have Tried
Liberdade
Photo credit: Liberdade’s Instagram
Situated among trendy shops and restaurants, Liberdade is named after the São Paulo city district famous for having the biggest Japanese community outside of Japan. With Brazilian cuisine at its heart, it takes us back to our time in the Land of the Carnaval. The caipirinhas and the churrasco (which you have to pre-order 24 hours before) are authentic and delicious. In Stockholm, this is as close to Brazil as it gets!
Pat’s Place
Photo credit: patsplace.se
With a Thai take on tapas, Pat’s Place is a small intimate space perfect for a date or one of those quality time catch-ups with your best friend. Enjoy this Southeast Asian spot that serves some underrated favorites – which means no Pad Thai and sweet cocktails – that is sure to leave you wanting more.
Hosteria Tre Santi
Photo credit: TripAdvisor (posted by management of the restaurant)
Feel at home at this elegant, yet cozy, Italian spot with food that tastes just like grandma made it. Hosteria Tre Santi serves great classics and pairs them with excellent wine.
Ri Cora Restaurang & Bar
Photo credit: ricora.se
One of our favorite buffets in Stockholm! With two locations in the city, this surprisingly affordable Asian-style buffet is a paradise for foodies. Their venue on Södermalm is a former theater. From spring rolls to sushi, wine and dine for hours (literally) in Ri Cora.
Shanti
Photo credit: Shanti’s Facebook
South Asian décor in a cozy space that makes you feel far away from Stockholm. Shanti, a chain of Indian restaurants, is famous for its authentic food. Our favorite is the branch on Södermalm. Apart from the classical Kingfisher, they recently introduced their own beer. From the naan to the Korma and Vindaloo, this is the place to satisfy your cravings for Indian food!
Indian Street Food
Photo credit: Indian Street Food’s Facebook
If Shanti pays close attention to tradition, then Indian Street Food & Co adds a modern flair to South Asian favorites. Thanks to a menu where everything tastes like heaven, they have quickly expanded from one to three restaurants in Stockholm. Try out classics like paneer and pana puri, it tastes just like in India!
Crêperie Rustique
Photo credit: creperierustique.se
Located in Årsta, one of Stockholm’s up-and-coming suburbs, walking distance from Avicii Arena, this unique little restaurant offers authentic crepes and great cocktails. Enjoy a brunch with a glass of wine, personal service, and let this charming creperie take you on a rustique ride.
MGL SUSHI
Photo credit: MGL Sushi’s Instagram
Regardless of the occasion, the amazingly good crab roll and lobster roll will be the only thing in your mind in this little sushi restaurant near Södermalm. Order a takeaway box of some of the best and crispiest sushi around and enjoy them by the water in Liljeholmen.
Brödernas
Photo credit: brodernas.nu
A few years ago hip, US-inspired burger places started to pop up everywhere in Stockholm, and we can’t complain! Brödernas is a lively, local favorite when you’re craving food as good as if you were road-tripping California. Try out their burger of the month along with a glass of home-brewed IPA, and finish it off with an ice cream burger. You might need rolling out of here, but it’s worth it!
Il Forno da Nova
Just next to all the sports bars at Gullmarsplan, known for its many regulars who might have had one too many beers, this little Italian spot offers some of the best pasta around. If you’re in the area, come here to escape the drunk crowd for a second and enjoy great food in a charming ambiance. Try the oxfilé pasta – trust us, you’ll be thinking about it sometimes!
Want To Try
Voisine
A fusion between Mediterranean and Swedish flavors, Voisine offers a rustic take on some of Europe’s best cuisines.
Nook
Another Michelin-starred hangout, Nook is a charming restaurant with a menu inspired by both street food and fine dining. Come here for a relaxing yet elegant night to enjoy fine gastronomy at a reasonable price.
Babajan Bar
One of the few Caribbean restaurants in Stockholm, Babajan Bar offers artisanal beers and exotic dishes in a lively and colorful setting.
Resturant Symbios
Come here for a symbiosis of French and Nordic cuisine. Modern, and apparently delicious, dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
Punk Royale
Looking for fine dining? This highly-rated Swedish spot is perfect for a special night out with friends and is so much more than a restaurant. It’s an experience. And a cool one. Think fire, random shots, and things you can and can’t imagine. While we haven’t tried it yet, many of our friends love it!
Blue Light Yokohama
A popular spot in the neighborhood, this authentic Japanese restaurant features luxury flavors, creative presentations, and a cheeky atmosphere
Woods Stockholm
More known as a neighborhood restaurant, this spot pushes the boundaries of Swedish cooking beyond tradition.
Vasastan
Located on the northern edge of Stockholm, Vasastan is a large residential area known for its parks, elegant architecture, and wide range of restaurants and bars of all kinds. It’s a popular spot for AW:s, date nights, as well as relaxed catch-ups with friends.
Have Tried
La Tonteria
Photo credit: Jens Cederskjold (posted by management of the restaurant)
Considered to be one of the best tapas spots in Stockholm, many stammisar (Swedish for regulars) will tell you that no other place beats La Tonteria. Enjoy your patata bravas and chorizo with some Rioja Baja wine, genuine service, and a cozy atmosphere.
Knut
Photo credit: restaurangknut.se
Introducing the best of Norrland (the iconic northern part of Sweden, where you’ll find mooses, northern light, and stuff) this cozy restaurant presents an exciting menu of traditional Swedish food with a modern twist. It’s clear that the team has thought about every detail, from the interior to the presentation of the dishes. Whether you come here for lunch or dinner, you’ll be happy! While they have options for vegetarians, meat is definitely in focus here.
Las Brasas
Photo credit: lasbrasas.se
While Las Brasas opened relatively recently, it’s already one of our favorite restaurants in Stockholm! Think tapas inspired by Latin and Nordic cuisine. The atmosphere is cozy yet stylish. The menu is innovative and ever-changing. We have tried most of it and could not stop saying Mmmm….
The wine list won’t disappoint, either. All you have to do is show up and enjoy, but you better book a table in advance. You will want to come back again and again!
L’avventura
Photo credit: lavventura.se
More on the high-end range, this elegant Italian restaurant and bar was once a theater. The high art and culture of its past now shine through in the food. As a true Italian, it spoils you with a great wine selection, a heavenly tiramisu, and a must-try truffle pasta.
Bar Nombre
Photo credit: barnombre.se
A Mediterranean escape in the heart of Stockholm, Bar Nombre will make you feel as if you’re in Spain – at least for tonight. Come here with friends and indulge in your favorite tapas to the sound of Latino rythms. They don’t have many tables, so book to be on the safe side. The service is personal and authentic.
Warung
Photo credit: Warung’s Instagram
One of our other favorites! Indonesian dishes with Nordic ingredients make this a truly unique spot. Think Bali in Stockholm. Cozy and perfect for bigger groups. Order a mixed plate or two and experience for yourself true foodie happiness. Everything we tried here was delicious!
Lilla Ego
Photo credit: liilaegokrog on instagram (taken from the Michelin guide’s website)
Among the top 1% of restaurants in Stockholm, this homey little spot serving Swedish classics is Michelin-starred for a reason. Often fully booked for months, you better plan in advance. If you’re lucky enough to get a table, you’ll be treated to some of the best food in town. The professional yet personal service will make you feel as if you’re visiting an old friend.
Blique by Nobis
Photo credit: bliquebynobis.se
Part of the stylish contemporary Nobis Hotel, Blique is one of the locals’ favorite rooftops. With Vietnamese tasting menus, pretty city views, and amazing wine as the norm, prepare yourself for everything a foodie can ask for. And a steep bill. But hey, it’s worth it!
Want to Try
Prospero
Set in an old café, this Scandinavian restaurant offers a seasonal tasting menu with great wines all set in a minimalist space.
Restaurang Nabo
A rising star in Vasastan, Nabo is a Nordic restaurant that offers both modern and traditional favorites and pairs them with innovative cocktails.
Take Ramen
This ramen hangout takes pride in its adherence to Japanese tradition and elevates its menu by using local Swedish flavors.
Farang
Farang offers a wide arrange of creatively presented Southeast Asian tapas in a sleek setting in the heart of Norrmalm.
City / Östermalm
Photo credit: Michell Zappa on Flickr
Östermalm, on the eastern edge of the city, houses many of Stockholm’s cultural landmarks such as museums and food markets. It’s one of the fanciest and most expensive areas, as well as the main business hub. Come here for a multitude of hip bars and restaurants with atmospheres ranging from elegant to cozy.
Have Tried
Ling Long – Story Hotel
Photo credit: ling-long.se
Right by Birger Jarlsgatan, one of Östermalm’s main streets, this chic, Asian favorite brings dinner time to life. An extra plus for its vegetarian and vegan versions of oriental classics, delicious cocktails, and natural wine. We love going here with friends to kick off the weekend!
Supper
Photo credit: TripAdvisor (posted by the management of the restaurant)
In the summer, Supper’s lively outdoor venue is always a good idea, whether you’re with your date or friends. Thanks to its big screens, it’s also a natural meeting point to watch bigger events such as the World Cup. Their all-year-around indoor venue (located at a different address) is also cozy with just the right atmosphere for a night out.
The menu features Latin American favorites and a variety of great cocktails. We have tried most things on the menu and it’s all good, making it one of our favorite restaurants in Stockholm.
Balzac
Photo credit: Balzac’s Facebook
Relatively new on Stockholm’s culinary scene, this brassiere is run by one of the most famous chefs in Sweden. Drawing inspiration from Parisian and New York cooking, this bistro boasts a menu that features a mastery of French cuisine. It includes seasonal dishes with ingredients sourced from small French producers. Elegant, whimsical, and planned out down to every detail, the retro ambiance and unique feeling pair well with the Limande meunière and an impressive yet unpretentious drinks menu.
Zink Grill
Photo credit: gastrotekzink.se
This centrally located restaurant is constantly busy for a reason. It’s a popular and affordable lunch spot, and apparently also great at night. We’ve only been here during the day, but will make sure to come here for dinner soon!. Treat yourself to a wide array of food cooked with fresh ingredients and a drink or two.
Want to Try
Misshumasshu
Considered a “Japanized Western” restaurant, this contemporary experiment of food is a lively spot to try a new way of enjoying old favorites.
Coco & Carmen
A Swedish restaurant with an intimate high-end vibe, Coco & Carmen offers local favorites in a 7-course menu.
Nana Omakase
A luxurious take on Japanese-Nordic fusion. You will be seated in front of the chef as he prepares your dinner in an intimate, exclusive, and highly sensorial experience.
Etoile
Another Michelin-starred spot in Stockholm, this restaurant offers a casual and intimate experience with a modern seasonal tasting menu.
Aira
Still yet to be opened as of this writing, Aira is highly anticipated for its chef, Michelin-starred Tommy Myllymäki.
Gamla Stan / Old Town
Photo credit: Maria Eklind on Flickr
Right in the heart of Stockholm, Gamla Stan is the historic center of the city. Famous for its cute buildings and oh-so-cozy narrow streets full of restaurants and shops. Over the past years, several high-quality restaurants and bars have opened here, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists!
Have Tried
Svinet (“The pig”) New name: Vingården (The Winery)
Photo credit: Tripadvisor
Translating to pig in Swedish, Svinet is a summer-only spot famous for – you guessed it – meat dishes. Its cozy terrace makes it a perfect option for an intimate night. While you might miss it when the summer is over, don’t worry. You can still enjoy the delicious food all-year-around in Djuret (translating to The animal in Swedish), an all-year-round venue run by the same group.
Corvina Enoteca
Photo credit: corvina.nu
One of our other favorites! This elegant Italian wine bar is perfect for both wine enthusiasts and Mediterranean gastronomes. Stop by for the high-class wine tasting and stay for the authentic Italian dishes.
Did we miss any of your favorite spots? Let us know! More foodie inspiration? Check out The Best Summer Restaurants In Stockholm.
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