Matbaren: Casual dining in an elegant setting
Situated in the luxury Grand Hôtel, Matbaren (meaning “food bar”) has an accordingly grand setting overlooking the harbor. It serves bistro style small and medium size dishes in a relaxed atmosphere with friendly staff. It is run and owned by the well-known chef Mathias Dahlgren, who has several Michelin stars under his belt from his various restaurants.
Bakfickan: A cozy restaurant housed in the Royal Opera House
Small with only 28 seats but cozy and atmospheric with pictures of operas hanging on the walls, Bakfickan (“The Back Pocket”) is tucked in the back of the Royal Swedish Opera in Östermalm. For a formal dining experience in the most opulent setting in Stockholm, there is Operakällaren with one Michelin star (run by the same chef, Stefano Catenacci) on the other side of the building, but Bakfickan is the place to be for intimate dining.
Oaxen Krog & Slip
There are many attractions in the island of Djurgården but Oaxen Krog — a fine dining restaurant with two Michelin stars — and its sister restaurant Slip are good enough reasons to visit this small island which is within easy walking distance from central Stockholm.
Rosendals Trädgård: An organic garden cafe/restaurant
Especially on sunny days, it’s lovely to eat at this garden cafe, another gem in Djurgården. Whether eating in the greenhouse or outside in the orchard, this is one of the locals’ favorites in the summer.
Den Gyldene Freden: One of the oldest restaurants in the world
Stepping inside Den Gyldene Freden (meaning “The Golden Peace”) is like being transported to a forgotten era.
The interior is dimly lit and still looks like an old inn. It serves Swedish classics such as Baltic herring, meatballs and veal sausages with sweetbreads, but with an international touch. With its setting and history, and the good food that goes with them, a restaurant hardly gets more atmospheric than this.
Fotografiska: The best museum restaurant
Strictly speaking, Fotografiska is an exhibition space for photography, rather than a museum, as it has no permanent collection. Regardless, situated on the water in the hip and trendy Södermalm, south-central part of Stockholm, the Art Nouveau industrial building is one of the most popular attractions in Stockholm.
Gondolen: For the best view of Stockholm
Another Sodermalm classic, Gondolen is an upscale restaurant famous for its sophisticated cuisine and refined service, but even better known for its spectacular views. The Stockholm dining scene is competitive, as there are so many top-notch restaurants, but not many can compete with this setting.
Östermalm Saluhall: A historic food hall
Any foodie will be thrilled to visit this historic food hall in the heart of the Ostermalm neighborhood which dates back to 1888. Food stalls — some of which have been here for generations — displaying all kinds of Swedish culinary fares are a delight to behold.
