Are you one of those people whose major purpose of visiting new places is to explore the culinary scene? So am I. Here are some of my favorite places in Stockholm.
Luxury at Operakällaren & meatballs at Bakfickan…
Operakällaren is the flagship of the Nobis group, the company I work for, but this is something I would recommend anyway ;-) Situated in the Royal Opera House, the Guide Michelin-awarded Operakällaren has been nominated “Sweden’s most beautiful restaurant”, dating back to 1895 (check out the pictures on the website). And the food is outstanding too. At the back side of the building you’ll find “Bakfickan” (“The Hip Pocket”) – Operakällaren’s lively little brother, this is where you go for Swedish meatballs! I have friends who never go to Stockholm without passing by for a late lunch at the counter. www.operakallaren.se
Everything at Sturehof & drinks at Riche
Sturehof is one of my absolute favorite restaurants, since it’s always open and always busy. Great atmosphere, good crowd and nice brasserie type of French food. The bar section by the entrance is great for a glass of wine after you finish your shopping. Situated at Stureplan. Only a couple of blocks away, Riche is the place to go for after work drinks, it seems to be bustling no matter what day of the week. http://www.sturehof.com/ and http://www.riche.se/.
Hot spot in the summer, Lisa på Torget
At the square of Östermalmstorg, the outdoor restaurant and bar Lisa på Torget attracts the beautiful people and serves pretty good food too. http://www.lisapatorget.se/
Go BBQ at Grill or boudoir chic at Le Rouge
Mad is the only word to describe the interior of Grill Restaurant, part of the F12 group. It’s a designer gone wild, with 10 or so remotely different styles side by side in one venue. The food is good, the bar area is nice too, good crowd most nights of the week. Le Bar Rouge is another F12 venue, with a lush French boudoir interior that is so over the top it is absolutely beautiful. Oh – and I almost forgot to mention Restaurant Kungsholmen, a third F12 member, with a warehouse / food market interior and a great atmosphere, situated on Kungsholmen. http://www.grill.se/, http://www.lerouge.se/ and http://www.kungsholmen.com/
Drinks at new Lydmar Hotel
Stockholm’s latest addition to the hotel scene features a restaurant/lounge which with its very personal and charming living room look is something out of the ordinary. Already very popular with the ‘it people’. I can’t wait ‘til the summer when the terrace opens. Great views over the Old Town, situated next to luxurious Grand Hotel and the National Museum. http://www.lydmar.com/
Spectacular views over Stockholm
Strawberry daiquiris and the best view over the city at Gondolen, situated at Slussen, just South of the Old Town. A great way to get your bearings right while sipping away. Easily combined with Le Bar Rouge (see above), which is situated in the Old Town. If you’re not into cocktails, try their Daily Special at lunchtime, a great deal on traditional Swedish fare! http://www.eriks.se/
Archipelago and city combined at J Nacka Strand
Another Nobis venue, this “Newport style” restaurant and bar is situated at Nacka Strand marina, just 15 minutes away with bus or boat. Sit in the summer sun on the deck and enjoy watching all the boats passing by in the inlet of Stockholm, or cuddle up in front of the fire in the winter season. People go all year around to have a beer or a weekend brunch. www.restaurantj.com
The best food market – Hötorgshallen
In the middle of downtown Stockholm you’ll find Hötorgshallen, the vibrant indoor food market with a fruit and flower market on the square outside. I buy lots of things here, everything from great marinated lamb steaks to dried blueberries for my breakfast yoghurt. The different deli sections are oh so tempting, you can always stop by for something nice to eat. My husband swears by the Turkish burgers. I love to go hustling for flowers and fresh fruits and veggies on the square on Saturday afternoons when they are about to close up for the weekend… The upscale and immensely more expensive version, Östermalmshallen, might be nicer-looking but this is where the action is. http://www.hotorgshallen.se/
Great stuff in my block, Vasastan
In boho-chic Vasastan, there are plenty of really nice restaurants, bars and cafés to hang out in. One of my favorites right now is Republik, another French style brasserie with a good crowd. This is where I go for steak tartare. Another is Nero, where you go for coffee in the morning, a lively dinner or a weekend brunch. http://www.restaurant-republik.com/ and http://www.cafenero.se/
The best ice-cream
I’m not that much for sweets, but good ice-cream always tempts me. The best in Stockholm (Italian, what else?), you’ll find at Monti’s in shopping mall Gallerian, in the midst of the city centre. http://montis.gastrogate.com/
Zink Grill
Yet another French themed restaurant, a bistro on fancy shopping street Biblioteksgatan, where I love to go both for the nice breakfasts and the super duper steaks. http://www.zinkgrill.se/
