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 best restaurants in Stockholm for foodies, broken down by meal. From trendy rooftops perfect for social gatherings to cozy hidden gems serving innovative fusion cuisine, Stockholm boasts an exceptional culinary scene that celebrates the finest of Swedish ingredients and international flavors.

All the Best Restaurants for Foodies in Stockholm

Breakfast

One 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! There are lots of worthwhile Stockholm bakeries to mention, which is why I wrote an entire post about the 8 best bakeries to try in Stockholm. I will highlight a few favorites in this list, but to find my complete Stockholm bakery guide, please read my other post.

Skeppsbro Bageri 

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. This artisanal bakery exudes a warm and inviting ambiance, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike. Snag a table outside to enjoy the views -- but beware of the seagulls who are known to steal baked treats right off your plate!

• 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/ 

Food Halls

Hötorgshallen

Tucked in a basement in the heart of Stockholm, Hötorgshallen is THE food hall to try in Stockholm. It dates back to the 1880's! Nowadays, there are over 40 different stalls and stands inside the market, featuring foods from around Sweden, as well as cuisines from around the world. You can really go on a gastronomic journey here! 

• Address: Sergels Torg 29, 111 57 Stockholm, Sweden
• Website: hotorgshallen.se

Östermalms Saluhall

A historic food hall in the heart of Stockholm, Östermalms Saluhall dates back to 1888 – and you can tell! From the cast iron archways, hand painted ceiling and beautiful brick exterior, this place is just lovely. Check out my TikTok about it for even more inspiration! Offering a mix of fresh market produce and gourmet dining, Östermalms Saluhall is a great place to come to learn about (and try!) Scandinavian cuisine. With multiple vendors serving everything from seafood to Swedish delicacies, this is the perfect place for a lunch bite or a leisurely afternoon. I can definitely recommend the seafood at Lisa Elmqvist inside. This is a must-visit Stockholm spot for food lovers!

• Address: Östermalmstorg 31, 114 39 Stockholm, Sweden
• Website: www.ostermalmshallen.se/

Fast Casual

Indian Street Food

Starting as a food truck, Indian Street Food has evolved in recent years to a full blown cult classic. With two branches in Vasastan, this fast casual eatery specializes in creamy curries, kathi rolls, samosas and even Indian tacos. I found the flavors to be punchy and bright. This definitely falls into the “new” Indian food category instead of traditional, and it really nails it! 

• Address: Drottninggatan 73B, 111 36 Stockholm, Sweden
• Website: www.indianstreetfood.com

Falloumi

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

Flippin’ Burgers

Known for serving some of the best burgers in Stockholm, Flippin' Burgers gave me serious Americana vibes. With chrome rimmed chairs and college sports memorabilia on the walls, it feels like an old school American diner. And it backs it up with killer burgers! They focus on quality ingredients and classic simplicity. Their juicy, perfectly cooked patties and homemade milkshakes make this casual burger joint a favorite. Don’t miss their seasonal burger – I had a fantastic chanterelle mushroom topped burger. It's a no-frills, fun spot for a satisfying meal, whether you're a burger aficionado or just in the mood for comfort food.

• Address: Observatoriegatan 8, 113 29 Stockholm  
• Website: www.flippinburgers.se

Lunch

Rosendals Trädgård

Dine in the middle of a gorgeous garden at Rosendals Trädgård. I think this is one of Stockholm’s hidden gems, and locals keep this secret spot hidden. The garden café is located in a fantastic setting on Djurgården island, a perfect lunch respite from a day visiting Stockholm’s best museums. Salads, soups, and sandwiches adorn the seasonal and organic menu, giving you lots of fresh and healthy options. You can dine in a light-filled greenhouse or out on the spacious outdoor terrace, surrounded by trees, creepers and flower beds.

• Address: Rosendalsvägen 38, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden
• Website: www.rosendalstradgard.se

Strandbryggan 

This beautifully situated floating bistro at the Djurgården Bridge is the perfect spot for lunch on a sunny Stockholm day. You can see more about my experience here on TikTok. Walking into the restaurant, you are immediately hit with Mediterranean beach club vibes. From the raw wood furnishings to the linen clad staff, it feels like somewhere completely different than Stockholm. I think Strandbryggan offers some of the best salads around, especially their Caesar salad. The well-stocked bar focuses on rosé wines and champagne. 

• Address: Strandvägskajen 27, 114 56 Stockholm, Sweden
• Website: https://strandbryggan.se/

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

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).

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/ 

Bistro Bestick

Bistro Bestick combines classic Swedish flavors with modern culinary techniques. I think this might be my favorite spot for traditional Swedish food, specifically Swedish meatballs. The cozy restaurant has hearty dishes like meatballs and slow-cooked lamb prepared with a gourmet twist and modern culinary sensibilities. Genuinely, it has really great food. The meatballs were delicious & juicy with a rich gravy sauce. The chanterelle mushroom toast was also lovely!

• Address: Bryggargatan 8, 111 21 Stockholm, Sweden
• Website: www.bistrobestick.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/ 

Asian Post Office

Asian Post Office offers an innovative fusion of modern Asian flavors with a Scandinavian twist. The strong, sometimes intense, flavors are deeply delicious with dishes like tuna tartare and spicy lobster noodles. From spicey to funky to acidic, you’ll taste everything in these dishes. With a small-plate concept, APO encourages sharing and this is a great place to come with a group. These dishes were some of the best things I've eaten in Stockholm! The ambiance is lively and the style is gorgeous.

• Address: Regeringsgatan 66, 111 39 Stockholm  
• Website: www.asianpostoffice.se

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 feels swanky and cool. 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/ 

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/ 

Rolfs Kök

Rolfs Kök is a cozy neighborhood spot that specializes in Swedish cuisine with a modern twist. Perfect for a more intimate dining experience, Rolfs Kök pairs its delicious food with a thoughtful wine list. I had the red wine braised ox cheeks truffle & potato purée. The sauce was super rich in an almost black hue, which wasn’t the most visually appealing dish I’ve ever had. But it was undeniably delicious and tender. My friend ordered the Louisiana spicy chicken sandwich, and that was a big hit!

• Address: Tegnérgatan 41, 111 61 Stockholm  
• Website: www.rolfskok.se

Rooftops

Basta

Bringing a bit of Italian flavor to Stockholm, Basta is known for its fresh pasta, pizzas, and vibrant atmosphere. Go behind the scenes of my meal at Basta on TikTok. Their carbonara and truffle pizza are fan favorites, and the cocktail menu complements the Italian-inspired dishes perfectly. From the brightly patterned furniture to fridge rimmed umbrellas, this place is a vibe. You’ll see plenty of Instagrammy folks here, snapping pictures of incredibly stylish interior. It offers a gorgeous patio right in the heart of Stockholm! I recommend coming for lunch. Just be aware, Basta is located on the roof of department store, so you actually enter the restaurant by going through the store. 

• Address: Torsgatan 48, 113 37 Stockholm  
• Website: www.bastaurbano.com

Tak

Nordic and Japanese is the fusion food you never knew you needed. These two cuisines work SO well together, and Tak executes their dishes beautifully. Plus, this is one of the best rooftop spots in all of Stockholm. In fact, tak means "roof" in Swedish. You’ll need a reservation for the restaurant, but if you just want to visit the raw bar or rooftop bar, they accept walkins. 

• Address: Brunkebergstorg 2, 4, 111 51 Stockholm, Sweden
• Website: www.tak.se

Spesso

Spesso offers upscale Italian dining with a breathtaking view of Stockholm from its rooftop location. I find it is very popular with the upscale after work crowd, and it has great people watching opportunities. Known for its elegant pasta dishes, like lobster ravioli and seasonal risotto, the restaurant merges fine dining dishes with a laid-back, scenic atmosphere. Their chanterelle gnocchi was the best thing I have ever eaten in Stockholm. 

• Address: Malmskillnadsgatan 38B, 111 57 Stockholm  
• Website: www.spesso.se

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!