Before traveling to Stockholm, my experience with Swedish cuisine was limited tothe meatballs at Ikea. Tasty as those may be, I knew the country had more to offer. Having now made two trips to Stockholm, I’ve had plenty of time to explore the city’s dining scene. Here are the best restaurants in Stockholm, plus the most memorable dishes from each.
Wondering what to do in Stockholm between meals? Check out my city guide for the top sights and things to do.
Stockholms Gästabud
This charming little eatery is a gem of the Gamla Stan, just around the corner from the royal palace. Stockholms Gästabud serves up hearty classics like fish soup and Swedish sausages, though its most popular dish is the meatballs. I can see why there’s always a line of people out the door! This is definitely worth waiting for!
Bakfickan
Another great place for meatballs in Stockholm is Bakfickan. This small, casual bistro is the hip sibling to Operakällaren, the Michelin-starred restaurant next door.
After chatting with the locals sitting next to me at the counter, I learned that most Swedes don’t order meatballs in restaurants. They prefer to eat Grandma’s version back home. But it’s hard to imagine that Bakfickan’smeatballs could be improved upon. They are served with fresh lingonberries, pickled cucumbers, mashed potatoes, and mouthwatering gravy.
I also loved Bakfickan’s Baltic herring appetizer. The artistically arranged plate featured sever flavors of pickled herring, with the curry sauce, mustard, and black currant being my favorites. The herring was paired with the classic garnishes of potatoes, sour cream, and red onion.
Kryp In
Kryp In is Swedish for “cubbyhole,” or a small, cozy place that you won’t want to leave. This restaurant certainly lives up to its name!
I ordered the three course tasting menu and enjoyed every dish. My favorite was the reindeer steak, my first time trying this kind of meat. The steak was so tender it sliced like butter! It came with cheesy mashed potatoes, sweet apple compote, tangy dried lingonberries, silky celeriac cream, and a rich red wine sauce. Basically Scandinavia on a plate.
Master Anders
When I asked the front desk clerk of my hotel to make a reservation at Master Anders, he responded that it was one of his favorite restaurants. So I knew we were in for a treat! Located away from Stockholm’s touristy Old Town, Master Anders has been a localinstitution since 1905.
I ordered the grilledArctic Char fillet, which came with tomato salad and a wonderful potato gratin. The daily special was a pork belly roulade with roasted summer vegetables. It’s easy to see why this place has been in business for so long!
Djurgårdsbron
Back in tourist central on museum island, Djurgårdsbron is a good option for lunch, especially if you have picky kids in tow. There are several pizzas on the menu along with more traditional Swedish fare. And in the warmer months you can enjoy your meal on the waterfront terrace.
The Flying Elk
(Temporarily closed as of 2024, according to their website.)
This fun gastropub serves up classic pub fare with a Swedish twist. The pork belly BLT sandwich was a winner, as was the fish and chips platter. The best bite, though, was the gougère appetizer.Made with Swedish farm cheese and drizzled with local honey, they were tiny flavor bombs. The Flying Elk also servers some tasty craft beers.
Coffee Shops
The Swedes are so passionate about their coffee breaks that they have a special word for it: fika. One of the best places for fika in Stockholm is Kaffekoppen. This café has been serving up coffee and cinnamon buns in one of the old town’s most charming buildings since 1997.
Another great choice is Under Kastanjen, which is tucked in a quiet square. This cute café has a tempting array of cakes to accompany your coffee.
Museum Restaurants
If you are visiting the Vasa Museum while in Stockholm, time so that you can pop by its restaurant for lunch. The menu usually includes a soup, salad, vegetarian option, and, of course, meatballs. You can also pick up an array of buns and puddings from the buffet line.
If the open-air museum Skansen is on your itinerary, I recommend having lunch at the outdoor terrace. My grilled-to-order sausage was served on a soft bun with a scoop of tangy coleslaw. Simple and delicious!
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What do you think are the best restaurants in Stockholm?
Which dishes would you most like to try?
