When you think of Swedish food, what comes to mind? I wouldn’t blame you if it took a minute. Scandinavian cuisine isn’t the most well-known, but perhaps you picture things like cinnamon buns, smoked salmon, or Swedish meatballs. These are all key to traditional Swedish cuisine, but there is lots more to discover in Stockholm.

Stockholm is actually a haven for foodies – you just have to know where to look. From Michelin-starred New Nordic restaurants to hole-in-the-wall falafel joints, Stockholm’s culinary scene has a lot more to offer than initially meets the eye. In this blog post, I am sharing the 13 best restaurants in Stockholm for foodies, broken down by meal. From Michelin-starred fine dining establishments to cozy hidden gems serving innovative fusion cuisine, Stockholm boasts an exceptional culinary scene that celebrates the finest of Swedish ingredients and international flavors.

Of course, you have to sample Swedish meatballs. Although Ikea made meatballs practically infamous, traditional meatballs really do exist (and they are a lot more delicious than the ones at the furniture chain). Another key thing to enjoy while in Stockholm is Fika, which roughly translates to “coffee and sweets with friends”. It is common for Swedes to take a Fika break (or two) during the work day, and you’ll find coffee shops and bakeries all around the city. I certainly indulged throughout my stay! 

13 Best Restaurants for Foodies in Stockholm 

Coffee & Breakfast

Fabrique Skanstull

As soon as you step inside this delightful artisanal bakery, you are greeted by the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries. I think Fabrique Skanstull has such an inviting and cozy atmosphere that immediately draws you in and invites you to linger over an extra espresso or two. The star of the show at Fabrique Skanstull is their renowned sourdough bread, crafted with time-honored techniques and using high-quality ingredients. With its crusty exterior and soft, flavorful interior, the sourdough bread at Fabrique is an absolute treat for the taste buds.

• Address: Götgatan 90
• Website: http://fabrique.se/ 

Skeppsbro Bageri 

This artisanal bakery exudes a warm and inviting ambiance, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike. The bakery's display shelves are adorned with a tempting array of artisan bread, pastries, and sweet treats, all meticulously crafted with high-quality ingredients and traditional baking techniques. 

If you can try only one baked treat while in Stockholm, then it needs to be the cardamom bun from Skeppsbro Bageri. It was genuinely the best cardamom bun I've ever had. With a perfect flavor, the texture was pillowy and soft, but still easy to pull apart. A delightful cinnamon-hinted sugar topping is sprinkled on top. Located on the waterfront of Gamla Stan, the location couldn’t be better. Snag a table outside to enjoy the views.

• Address: Tullhus 1, Skeppsbron 21
• Website: http://www.skeppsbrobageri.com/ 

Café & Bageri Pascal

Tucked in the middle of a pedestrian shopping street in the Katarina-Sofia neighborhood of Södermalm, Cafe & Bageri Pascal has my favorite espresso in Stockholm. The espresso blend is grassy and smooth, offering the perfect taste and mouthfeel. The staff is friendly and not snobbish, a rarity at some of the coffee shops in Södermalm. The pastry case is full of classics like croissants and cardamom buns, but also seasonal items like a plum & custard puff pastry. Enjoy your coffee al fresco with a seat on their large patio out front.

• Address: Skånegatan 76
• Website: http://cafepascal.se/ 

Lunch

Falloumi

Perfect for a fast casual lunch, Falloumi is a beloved staple on Södermalm’s street food scene. Combining Arabic and Mediterranean flavors with a Scandinavian twist, the small menu features wraps, pitas or bowls with falafel. They have a particular focus on the beloved Cypriot cheese, halloumi. Falafel, halloumi, fresh veggies and salad are tossed with their bright tahini, yogurt and chili sauces. The colorful and inviting interior makes you (temporarily) feel like you’re dining somewhere much warmer, thanks to the laundry lines strewn across the ceiling and the faux juliet balcony. 

• Address: Ringvägen 127
• Website: http://falloumi.se/start.html

Fotografika

Part museum, part waterfront cafe, part private event space, Fotografika just feels cool. Its modern industrial vibe and incredible location make it a place that I could easily spend a day hanging out. On the top floor (after meandering through the museum's galleries), you'll find a modern cafe pumping out some seriously awesome "Fika" treats. The Americano at Fotografika was the best I had in Stockholm, and alongside a sweet and sour Passion fruit tart, I left with a big smile on my face.

• Address: Stadsgårdshamnen 22
• Website: http://fotografiska.eu/ 

Torpedverkstan 

Housed in a historic building that once served as a torpedo workshop for the Swedish Navy, the restaurant takes its name and decor inspiration from the storied history. As you step into Torpedverkstan, you are immediately captivated by the industrial chic ambiance, with exposed brick walls, steel beams, and vintage naval artifacts adorning the interior. If the weather is nice, you can also eat outside along the harbor wall to really soak in the maritime traditions. 

The restaurant's menu showcases a delightful fusion of Swedish and international flavors, using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to craft innovative and delectable dishes. Whether you opt for the catch of the day from the Baltic Sea, a succulent meat dish, or a creative vegetarian option, the food at Torpedverkstan is legit.

• Address: Slupskjulsvägen 28B
• Website: https://www.torpedverkstan.se/ 

Swedish Meatballs

Malarpaviljongen

Offering an incredible ambiance, Malarpaviljongen has the prestigious title of one of CondeNast's top neighborhood restaurants in the world. Its flower-filled, idyllic location on the banks Riddarfjarden waterfront offers visitors a laid-back place to grab a delicious lunch. On a sunny summer afternoon, I don't think I could have dreamed up a more beautiful spot – chirping birds, over-the-water dining, friends engaged in conversation – it's literally perfect. 

The menu is full of Swedish classics, and I opted for the Swedish meatballs. The meatballs were served in their quintessential gravy alongside lingonberries and mashed potatoes. They absolutely hit the spot with a rich and filling goodness! For dessert, I chose the pecan tart featuring candied nuts as a crunchy topping to the graham-cracker crusted cheesecake bottom. 

• Address: Norr Mälarstrand 64
• Website: http://malarpaviljongen.se/ 

Meatballs for the People 

If Malarpaviljongen is the ideal spot for a classic Swedish meatball, then the cleverly named Meatballs for the People is the perfect spot to enjoy a contemporary Swedish meatball experience. Located in the vibrant Södermalm district, you are immediately greeted by a quirky mixture of rustic wood furniture and modern neon signs. It has a fun vibe! From veal to vegan, there is a meatball selection for everyone. I found the gravy to be decadent and rich yet thin so it doesn’t feel heavy or greasy. The meatballs are juicy and perfectly cooked. 

• Address: Nytorgsgatan 30
• Website: http://www.meatball.se/ 

Dinner

Nook

Of all the meals I had in Stockholm, the small plate dinner I enjoyed at Nook was my favorite. The seasonally curated and globally inspired menu changes often, but the friendly and knowledgeable staff can give you recommendations. I ordered a variety of dishes, including oysters with a tigermilk sauce and char siu bao buns. 

The highlight though was a tender stem broccoli with a brown butter emulsion. When I say that this brown butter emulsion was spectacular, I mean it. I would honestly buy jars of it! It was this incredibly airy yet rich sauce with delightful texture and strong brown butter flavor. I’m salivating just thinking about it now.

• Address: Rosenlundsgatan 33
• Website: http://nookrestaurang.se/ 

Kitchen + Table

Opened by Marcus Samuelson, one of the most famous Swedish chefs, Kitchen + Table is a cozy spot to enjoy some upscale gastropub favorites. This affordable restaurant has a globally inspired menu with excellent beer and cocktail options. The falafel was a light but hearty choice., served in a house made pita with crispy fried falafel, a bunch of pickled veggies (including fennel!), braised cabbage and a tangy yogurt-dill sauce. The star of my meal though was a deconstructed rhubarb pie dessert. The rhubarb was pickled in apple cider vinegar and served alongside a crumbly pastry dough cake, bright ginger ice-cream and a honey syrup. It really hit the spot without being overly sweet or big.

• Address: Kungsholmsgatan 31
• Website: https://kitchenandtable.se/kungsholmen 

Tradition

Aptly named, Tradition blends traditional Swedish & Nordic food with modern diner demands and techniques. This is a great place to come if you want to learn about modern Scandinavian cuisine, because everything is prepared beautifully. I opted for a small plate tasting menu, including Pickled Herring, Smoked Reindeer Mousse and Swedish Cheese Tart.

Pickled herring is something my grandfather loved, so we serve it every year at our Thanksgiving meal. The fish was well-brined and brightly acidic with a mild and smooth texture. It was served atop a bed of hard-boiled eggs, dill oil and raw red onion. Similar to a quiche, the cheese tart had a flaky pie crust surrounded by a buttery smooth cow cheese topped with white fish roe, chives, red onion and dill.

• Address: Tulegatan 10
• Website: http://www.restaurangtradition.se/en/ 

Glashuset

Meaning "The Glass House" in Swedish, Glashuset is built insider a stunning glass pavilion with lovely views of Stockholm’s harbor and skyline. Elegantly designed with a mixture of plants, lanterns and bohemian accents, Glashust is a super vibey spot. It feels swanky and cool. The culinary journey at Glashuset is equally impressive, with a menu that celebrates the flavors of Sweden's seasonal produce and contemporary European cuisine.

The dishes are expertly crafted with punchy flavors and masterful use of different textures. I especially loved the fresh burata with pistachios, cherry tomatoes and basil oil. The arctic char was another highlight. It was perfectly cooked with a flavorful cream sauce and fresh summer veggies. Don’t miss out on the cocktails either. They are delightful!

• Address: Strandvägen 18
• Website: http://glashuset.com/ 

Freyja + Söder

Freyja + Söder is an alluring dual concept rooftop restaurant and bar, towering over the Södermalm district. Recommended to me by a local bartender, this hidden gem offers a mesmerizing dining experience with breathtaking panoramic views of the city's skyline and the surrounding waters. Söder is perfect place for a sunset drink. An amazing team of mixologists craft excellent drinks, and the vibrant street art murals add a cool aesthetic. 

Once the sun goes down (or you’re ready to eat), wander over to Freyja for a delectable fusion of Swedish and international flavors, with dishes meticulously prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From beautifully presented appetizers to mouthwatering main courses and indulgent desserts, each dish is a harmonious symphony of taste and creativity. Reservation is required for Freyja, but Söder can accept walk-ins.

• Address: Hornsgatan 18
• Website: https://freyjasoder.se/ 

Do you have thoughts or questions about this Stockholm food guide? Tell me in the comments!