Guide to cosy restaurants in central Stockholm

For a taste of the mountains in the heart of the city, visit Knut Bar on Regeringsgatan. Culinary inspiration comes from the mountains and forests of northern Sweden and they serve specialities such as flatbread pizza and cocktails with berries. The atmosphere follows the same northern theme, ideal for anyone looking to experience a bit of Norrland in central Stockholm.

Danyel Couet's French restaurant on a little square close to Sveavägen is named after his French grandmother and inspiration. With muted lighting, green velvet sofas and a long bar counter, Bar Allegrine is a top tip for anyone looking for everyday luxury and cosy charm in the city centre.

Celebrity chef Markus Aujalay runs this restaurant with a European menu. In the heart of the city, Tegelbacken has colourful interiors with bright velvet soft furnishings and wooden tables. As well as the dining room there's a wine and cocktail bar and if you haven't booked a table you can always take a chance on one of the drop-in spots.

Amalia occupies in a charming corner venue in Norrmalm, where they invite you to relax over a glass or two of wine. The bistro is charmingly decorated with muted tones of pink and green interspersed with elegant details. As is often the case in such pleasant surroundings, it's easy to lose track of time here. If your stomach starts to rumble, there are plenty of small and medium plates with exciting flavour combinations to choose from. 

Noi boassts an elegant, Continental-style atmosphere, with interiors designed by Wingårdhs' skilled architects and a menu that changes with the seasons. The menu is inspired by European flavours and consists of meat, fish, seafood, and vegetarian options. Enjoy everything from elegant business dinners to romantic dates here.

On Drottninggatan near Tegnérlunden, you'll find the Spanish tapas bar La Esquina. Thoughts immediately turn to Spain's sunny climate here, with simple wooden furniture, patterned floors, and a bar where you can sit down for some tapas and something to drink.

Authentic French bistro charm is the order of the day at Bistro Tartine, which offers a lively atmosphere featuring Parisian touches. Bordeaux red decor with accents of brass and walnut creates the right feeling, making it equally suitable for a cosy dinner or lunch – or why not a date with oysters and champagne? 

This restaurant serves top notch food with Swedish overtones and no funny business. There's an emphasis on personal service and the menu offers both classic and more innovative dishes.

Bar Arsenalen is Bistro Arsenalen's spontaneous sister spot, where you can drop in to raise a toast with excellent wine and grab a bite to eat. You'll find the bar on Arsenalgatan (hence the name), an elegant yet relaxed spot ideal for chatting away an hour or two. The food menu consists mainly of small and sharing plates with European flavours.

Tabbouli serves masses of Lebanese small dishes, but the total experience is equally important. The Regeringsgatan restaurant is filled with mosaic floors, rugs and other atmospheric details. Food is complemented by wines from Lebanon and France.

Downtown Camper by Scandic on Brunkebergstorg houses their unique hotel restaurant, Campfire. An urban meeting place strongly influenced by camping life. Comfort food and nostalgic cocktails are served around the restaurant's campfire.

Nalen is a real institution on Regeringsgatan, known for their concerts and their restaurant. The restaurant now has environmental certification and serves food that's sustainably sourced. The 19th century building has been renovated and given a facelift, but the classic style with arched windows and stucco ceilings has been well preserved.

Stadshuskällaren, which has been going since 1922, is housed in magnificent premises in Stockholm City Hall. Sit surrounded by stunning murals and stone vaults in the charming cellar. The menu includes Nordic dishes inspired by the forests of Sweden.

This charming restaurant in the hotel of the same name serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch seven days a week. Book a window table, pop into the lounge or join the scrum for a seat outdoors in good weather - there's always a spot somewhere. The menu is classic and includes plenty of vegetarian options.

This cosmopolitan hotel restaurant on Blasieholmen has been drawing in Stockholmers and tourists alike for years. And no wonder. The Lymar dining room is famous for its comfy sofas and armchairs and bookshelves, giving it an intimate living-room feel. The menu includes French and Swedish culinary influences, accompanied by views over the water.

Pressklubben, a stone's throw from Norra Bantorget, is famous for its large selection of Belgian beers and their cooking is also inspired by the cuisine of European beer-producing countries. The homely surroundings draw in journalists and other regulars who enjoy hanging out in relaxed, welcoming surroundings.

This luxurious Italian restaurant is tucked away in a 19th century building on Tunnelgatan near Hötorget. Tuck into Italian charcuterie, hot dishes and tasting menus surrounded by exposed brick walls and candlelight. The restaurant also has its own wine cellar which houses some 2000 bottles.