Stockholm: Restaurants & Culinary City Trip

When thinking of Swedish cuisine, two things come to mind: Köttbullar and Kanelbullar. These small meatballs and buttery cinnamon rolls are absolutely a must-try when visiting Sweden. I took a stroll through Stockholm's bakeries, cafés, and restaurants, and I'm here to give you tips on what else you should taste in the Swedish capital.

A coffee break without them is unthinkable in Sweden; estimates suggest that each person in the country eats about 320 Kanelbullar per year. October 4th has been declared a national memorial day for them. Kanelbullar, the cinnamon roll, is a cultural icon in Sweden. If you're invited for coffee anywhere, the scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls will surely fill the house. Anyone sampling the countless bakeries and cafés in Stockholm will find that not all cinnamon rolls are created equal.

Some have more sugar, others more cinnamon, some are butterier and softer, while others are crisper and firmer. A glance into the displays reveals numerous variations, including almond and, foremost, cardamom. The cardamom rolls might even surpass the cinnamon rolls in taste. Where to find some of the best cinnamon rolls in Stockholm: at the branches of the bakery Fabrique and S:t Paul Bageri, which can be found in the outlets of Il Caffé. The cinnamon rolls at Green Rabbit and Rosendals Trädgard Bageri are also highly regarded.

When visiting Stockholm, you must have Köttbullar at least once on your plate. Traditionally, these Swedish meatballs are eaten with mashed potatoes, cream sauce, lingonberries, and cucumber salad. If this sounds too much like home cooking, then Meatballs for the People is the right address. The trio running this spot in Södermalm has modernized these cult meatballs, taking inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine.

In addition to the classic version, you can get Italian-inspired Köttbullar with spaghetti, tomato sauce, and parmesan, Greek-style with tomato sauce, olives, feta, and roasted rosemary potatoes, or served with risoni, asparagus, and spinach. You can choose from various meats such as chicken, lamb, elk, reindeer, or bear. There is also a vegetarian option. As many ingredients as possible are sourced from farms dedicated to organic farming.

The interior of Meatballs for the People reflects the menu: a rustic base with modern elements. This means light wooden furniture, white-paneled walls, a high green ceiling with columns, combined with a touch of industrial chic. It's worth coming at lunchtime, as dishes cost only 145 SEK instead of the average 245 SEK between 11:00 AM and 3:30 PM. If you stop by in the evening, you can enjoy a Red Bubbles at the bar made from Spumante, Cointreau, and lingonberry juice, or try beers with catchy names like The Tail Of A Whale or Sleepy Bulldog.

Fika and Sweden, they go together as inseparably as beer gardens and Bavaria. Fika is more than just having a cup of coffee with some pastries or a slice of cake to sweeten the day; it's a philosophy of life. At least twice a day, one takes the time to chat with friends or colleagues over a fika. In most companies, fika breaks are even considered paid work time. When sightseeing in Stockholm, a fika is definitely included; there is a high density of corresponding establishments.

If you feel like having a coffee while strolling through Gamla Stan and want to enjoy it in historical surroundings, you should head to the Café Kaffekoppen at Stortorget. The Café Kaffekoppen - which translates to coffee cup - is located in the Schantz House, built in 1648 during the reign of Queen Christina and easily recognizable by its red facade and ornate gables and sculptures along with its striking entrance portal.

In the vaulted establishment, you can sit on rustic wooden benches among antiques and enjoy an apple or carrot cake or a slice of Princess Cake. The dome-shaped cake consists of sponge cake, raspberry jam, vanilla pudding, and cream, covered with green marzipan, and is traditionally baked for festive occasions.

What is at the top of the Swedish menu besides Köttbullar? Clearly, fish. One of the best addresses for fish and seafood is Lisa Elmquist in the Östermalms Saluhall. Shortly after Lisa Elmquist bought a stand in the market hall in 1926, she made a name for herself thanks to the high quality of her products, even supplying the Swedish royal family.

After a delicatessen stand, she added an oyster and lobster bar, which is now an exquisite restaurant that has been awarded by the Michelin Guide for ten consecutive years. No wonder, as only the best and freshest ingredients are used, prepared according to Lisa's old recipes.

To start, there is a platter with various types of herring, dark rye bread, and cheese from Västerbotten or Toast Skagen, a salad of shrimp, mayonnaise, and dill, served on toast and garnished with trout roe. For the main course, you can choose from a variety of dishes with either fried or steamed fish-such as zander with red and yellow beets, capers, and browned butter, or halibut with vegetables, trout roe, and butter with rhubarb and elderflower.

The house specialty is salmon. It is available, for example, as tartare with Dijon mustard, cucumber noodles, chive cream, and rye bread croutons, or pickled with a creamy sauce and dill potatoes. At Lisa Elmquist, you will need to dig deep into your pockets, but the food is truly exquisite, and you'll enjoy the special atmosphere of the historic market hall. If you come in the evening, be sure to make a reservation.

Stockholm is spread over 14 islands. Not only along Strandvägen below Östermalm do beach bars line up one after the other, but also along the promenade at Norr Malärstrand in Kungsholmen you'll find many places right by the water. Particularly well situated is the Mälarpaviljongen. If you like being surrounded by greenery, find a spot in the garden area with the wooden pavilion, sunflowers, and teak furniture. Even better is sitting on the pontoon directly by the water.

While enjoying a glass of Mälarpaviljongen Rosé, you can gaze over the bright blue waters of Riddarfjärden towards Langholmen and Södermalm, gently swaying into the summer evening before hunger strikes. In addition to classic Swedish dishes such as fried herring, Köttbullar with mashed potatoes and lingonberries, or warm smoked salmon salad with asparagus, young potatoes, and capers, there are various sandwiches with herring, salmon, and shrimp, as well as excellent burgers. A visit is also worthwhile for coffee; the selection of cakes is enormous.

When you need something quick, inexpensive, and vegetarian, it's falafel time. The best place for falafel in Stockholm is Falloumi in Skanstull, operated by actors Mahmut Suvakci and Joel Kinnaman. The establishment has even won the international Falafel Award. The fried chickpea balls are available in pita bread as a wrap or in a bowl with rice. One specialty at Falloumi is the mango hummus, extremely delicious and a wonderful addition to other fillings like roasted carrots or eggplant mix.

The street-food concept is mirrored in the interior. When sitting at one of the green metal tables, you feel like you are in a bustling street restaurant in Istanbul or Beirut. The walls painted in yellow, green, orange, and blue resemble house walls and even have windows with flower boxes. Lints with laundry hang from the high ceiling with the heating pipes.

Want to have a healthy breakfast or lunch in a relaxed atmosphere? Then Omayma is a great choice. There is a wide range of raw foods as well as gluten-free and vegan options. Breakfast is available all day; for sweet lovers, there's a smoothie or dragon fruit bowl, or a porridge with cinnamon-steamed apples, fresh berries, and hazelnuts.

Another option might be rye bread with egg, salmon, and avocado? Light and delicious is the kale & quinoa salad with chicken, sprouts, or avocado. On colder days, the spicy coconut pumpkin stew with oven-roasted butternut squash and black rice is recommended. And there's always room for a piece of raw cake, like lemon-passion fruit.

Upon entering Warung in Hornstull, you feel transported to Bali. Green plants hang from the ceiling, palms create a jungle feeling, and the walls are clad in light wood, while the rattan lamp shades in Javanese style envelop the place in a warm light. It's no surprise that the minds behind the Indonesian restaurant have roots in architecture.

The dishes that come from the kitchen are also extremely flavorful and imaginative; the Indonesian dishes have a Swedish twist. Elk meat is used for the meat, and what's served as vegetables depends on what Swedish nature offers. Seasonality and the organic origin of the ingredients are of paramount importance.

To sample as much as possible, the menu focuses on Indonesian tapas. These range from fried spring rolls with mixed mushrooms, omelette, and Andaliman sambal to Nasi Goreng rolled in seaweed with porcini and Sumatra pepper, and grilled squid with Swedish tomato sambal and rhubarb compote. A selection of tapas is also served on sharing platters for two. There are also two main dishes: slowly cooked game with Indonesian spices and baked seasonal vegetables with potatoes, tofu, tempeh, poached egg, and peanut sauce.

During the long Stockholm summer nights, when the silhouette of the city is kissed by the golden light of the setting sun, it's almost a shame to sit in a restaurant. Many Stockholmers grab a blanket and picnic basket and look for a spot on Stockholm's highest natural elevation. Skinnarviksberget, 53 meters high, is located on Södermalm and offers breathtaking views over Kungsholmen and Gamla Stan.

On your way up, you'll pass some traditional Swedish houses; the last meters require climbing over a few boulders. For a summer picnic, you can stock up at the Coop supermarket on Ringvägen - there's a fresh counter with salads and a large selection of wraps and sandwiches. Add a cold beer brewed in Stockholm, some cherries or strawberries for dessert, and you're ready for the sunset. For something warm, get spring rolls or a curry at JJ's Thai To Go on Ringvägen.

Walking down Langholmsgatan in Hornstull towards Langholmen and turning left, one suddenly feels as if they are in the countryside. Surrounded by plenty of greenery stands a red wooden villa from the 17th century, which houses Lasse i Parken Krog & Kafé. In summer, the dining operation shifts from the cozy café with antique furniture to the large garden. Here, classic Swedish dishes, sandwiches, and changing soups and salads are served.

For starters, there are options like cold smoked salmon with pickled fennel and horseradish cream on toasted sourdough bread or roast beef with red onions, sour cream, and lemon. The dish called Raraka is also available vegan with seaweed caviar, oat cream, and avocado. Many of the main dishes are served with mashed potatoes and lingonberries, such as the fried herring or Wallenbergare, a type of meatball named after a businessman named Wallenberg.

Vegetarians can also enjoy Lasse i Parken. The baked savoy cabbage with cauliflower puree, tomatoes, lentils, mushrooms, and green beans in herb dressing sounds just as delicious as the fried risotto balls with tomato sauce, parmesan, and fried capers.

Another oasis for dining in nature can be found on Djurgården. Slightly hidden within the botanical garden of Rosendal Palace is a farm shop with an organic café. Housed in a greenhouse, Rosendals Trädgardskafé has been awarded as one of the most beautiful cafés in Sweden. Dishes are created using products from their own organic vegetable gardens or organic farms in the region.

There is a selection of salads, open-faced sandwiches, and cakes. For lunch, changing dishes like buffalo mozzarella with peppers and walnuts, hummus with pickled olives, roasted almonds and dill, or stone oven bread with goat cheese, grilled zucchini, and beans are offered. The baked goods are made on-site in a traditional stone oven. Whether sitting in the airy greenhouse or finding a spot in the garden, it's easy to understand why many Stockholmers escape the city for this enchanting place on weekends.

What is typically eaten in Sweden?

Given its location by the Baltic and North Seas, Sweden traditionally consumes a lot of fish, preferably pickled, marinated, or fermented. Herring is particularly popular, eaten with dill or mustard, and is a must on any Smörgåsbord, the Swedish version of a buffet, alongside crackers and potatoes. Potatoes are served with nearly all dishes, often with rich, creamy sauces, dill, cucumber salad, lingonberries, cabbage, and root vegetables. The inspiration for the famous Köttbullar was supposedly brought by King Charles XII from Turkey in the early 18th century.

What must you eat in Stockholm?

Besides Köttbullar and Kanelbullar, the answer is fish, especially salmon. It is served smoked or pickled, paired with potatoes, in sandwiches, or as burgers. Another iconic dish is Toast Skagen, which is featured even in the simplest pubs as an appetizer. If you have a sweet tooth and love marzipan, you should try a slice of Princess Cake.

How expensive is dining out in Stockholm?

Like almost everything in Sweden, dining out in Stockholm is not exactly cheap. Breakfast costs between 140 SEK and 180 SEK (approximately 12.50-16 Euro as of July 2025), a burger, Toast Skagen, or Köttbullar starts from 200 SEK (approximately 18 Euro), and a salad or bowl averages around 140 SEK. A fish dish ranges from 250 SEK to 400 SEK (approximately 22.50-36 Euro). You can get a cinnamon roll from 35 SEK (approximately 3 Euro), and a cappuccino also starts at 35 SEK.

How much does a pizza cost in Stockholm?

You can find pizzas in Stockholm starting at 135 SEK (approximately 12 Euro as of July 2025), including the vegetarian pizzas at La Piccola Nonna Pizza in Södermalm.