Embarking on a culinary journey in a new city can be a delightful adventure, and Stockholm, with its diverse gastronomic landscape, offers a tantalizing experience for food enthusiasts. As your local guide, we invite you to explore the best of Stockholm's culinary scene – from traditional Swedish dishes to vegan treats and international flavours. Join us as we navigate the city's restaurants, cafes, and cocktail bars, ensuring your visit to Stockholm is a feast.

Traditional Swedish Delights: Tranan and Pelikan

Stockholm's culinary heritage is deeply rooted in traditional Swedish dishes, and two restaurants stand out for preserving and celebrating this rich legacy.

Tranan in Odenplan

As you step into Tranan, located in the heart of Odenplan, you're transported to a bygone era. This historic restaurant, open since 1929, exudes a timeless charm with its simple bistro-style decor. The menu features traditional fish dishes and oysters, some of which have been delighting guests for nearly a century. Locals go to Tranan for a taste of authentic Swedish cuisine, making it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic Swedish meal.

Pelikan in Södermalm

For a rustic and warm atmosphere paired with classic Swedish home cooking, the Pelikan in Södermalm is the place to go. The beer hall setting adds to the ambience and creates a welcoming place that is popular with locals and tourists alike. Affordable yet delicious, Pelikan is a culinary gem where you can combine a glass of red wine with delicious salmon and enjoy the authentic flavours of Sweden.

Fika with a View

No visit to Stockholm is complete without experiencing the fika - a cherished Swedish tradition of taking a break over coffee and pastries. We recommend these two places where you can indulge in this cultural ritual.

Skeppsbro Bageri on Gamla Stan

Treat yourself at Skeppsbro Bageri, located on the historic Gamla Stan, for a fika with a view. Known for its delicious kanelbullar, a Swedish cinnamon roll, you can enjoy your coffee in this quaint bakery while watching the boats come and go on the waterfront. It's the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and enjoy a moment of peace and quiet.

Vete-Katten on Kungsatan

For a more traditional Fika experience, Vete-Katten on Kungsatan is a timeless choice. Since the 1920s, this café-bar has been a staple in Stockholm, offering a classic interior that complements its renowned cakes and pastries. Whether you're in the mood for a leisurely Fika or exploring their diverse lunch menu and fresh snacks, Vete-Katten caters to every palate.

Vegan Paradise

Stockholm's culinary landscape embraces the growing demand for plant-based options. These are two not to miss vegan restaurant in the Swedish capital.

Hermans in Södermalm

Hermans, located in the vibrant district of Södermalm, is a vegan paradise offering a varied buffet with exquisite homemade bread and gluten-free options. With a stunning view of Stockholm's islands, Hermans allows you to enjoy a yummy meal while appreciating the city's beauty. This eco-conscious restaurant lets you savour a diverse range of flavours in a sustainable and welcoming environment.

Hermitage on Gamla Stan

For those exploring the historic streets of Gamla Stan, Hermitage is the go-to vegan café. This self-serve establishment boasts a buffet specializing in vegan and vegetarian dishes with an international flair. It's the perfect spot to refuel with a quick bite as you wander through the charming streets of the city's oldest quarter.

Meat Lovers' Haven

No Swedish food adventure is complete without diving into some tasty meat dishes, and these two places really know how to please meat enthusiasts.

Meatballs for the People in Södermalm

For an authentic taste of Sweden's iconic meatballs, head to Meatballs for the People in Södermalm. Known for serving real Swedish meatballs with lingonberry sauce and traditional sides, this restaurant also caters to vegetarian and vegan preferences, ensuring that everyone can partake in this culinary delight.

Barrels – Burgers and Beer in Gamla Stan

If you're in the mood for a juicy burger and craft beer, Barrels on Stora Nygatan in Gamla Stan is the place to be. The bread, freshly baked each day by Bread & Salt on Skeppsbron, is crafted to Barrels' specifications, and the meat comes from the Swedish countryside. Even the vegetarian burgers are made from scratch, offering a diverse menu for all tastes.

Italian Flavors in Stockholm: Meno Male's Napolitana Pizza

For those seeking a break from Swedish cuisine and a taste of Italy, we recommend Meno Male's locations in Östermalm, Mariatorget, and Kungsholmen. Known for their authentic Napolitana pizzas, considered the best in Stockholm, Meno Male's brings the familiar and tasty flavours of Italy to the Swedish capital.

Sweet Endings: Stikkinikki and Snö Gelateria

No food journey is complete without a delicious dessert, and Stockholm offers two exceptional ice cream shops.

Stikkinikki

Stikkinikki, with its nine pink shops spread throughout Stockholm, is a gelato haven. Made with organic ingredients and without additives or flavourings, Stikkinikki's gelato comes in a variety of flavours, with half the options catering to vegan preferences. Whether you're looking for dessert or a refreshing treat on a warm summer's day, Stikkinikki has you covered.

Snö Gelateria

For traditional Italian gelato, dense and rich in flavour, head to Snö Gelateria. With four shops scattered throughout the city, Snö offers a delightful selection of both unique blends and time-tested classics. Indulge in the creamy goodness of authentic Italian gelato, and with both Stikkinikki and Snö, you're never far from a satisfying ice cream experience in Stockholm.

More Sweet Treats in Stockholm

If it’s too cold for ice cream, worry not! Stockholm has a sweet tooth, and you'll find delightful treats in many local bakeries. Among the favourites is the iconic kanelbulle, a cinnamon-spiced pastry that Swedes can't get enough of. Imagine a long string of pastry dough expertly wrapped into a ball and held together by a sticky-sweet cinnamon-buttery syrup—a true delicacy worth savouring.

Satisfy your sweet cravings with the renowned Swedish dessert, semla (semlor in plural). These heavenly cream buns boast a marzipan-type filling, whipped cream, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Traditionally enjoyed on the day before Lent, semlor have become a daily delight for enthusiasts nationwide, from Christmas until Easter, earning them the affectionate nickname 'Fat Tuesday-buns.' So, whether it's a warm summer day or a chilly winter evening, Stockholm has a sweet treat waiting for you.

Cocktail Hour: City views & Drinks

As the day turns into night, Stockholm lights up with lively nightlife. For a memorable cocktail experience, check out two fantastic rooftop bars that not only serve drinks but also offer stunning views of the city.

Stockholm under Stjärnorna (SUS) and TAK

Located at Brunkebergstorg in Norrmalm, SUS and TAK are two rooftop bars that offer not just cocktails but a spectacular view of the city. SUS's rooftop bar sits 50 meters above central Stockholm streets, providing not only delightful cocktails but also DJs and movies for a complete experience. TAK, on the other hand, combines Nordic and Japanese flavours to create a unique cocktail adventure. Both bars promise an unforgettable night in Stockholm, blending mixology with panoramic views.