The best archipelago restaurants in and around Stockholm

Idöborg is located only an hour's boat ride from Stockholm city, and welcomes day visitors as well as overnight guests. At the island's restaurant, Strandbaren, you can enjoy a close-to-nature meal with flavours from both Scandinavia and the Mediterranean. In December, they lay out a Christmas table with classic flavours and ingredients from nearby producers.

Bistro Malma is a well-known and popular summer restaurant which people flock to in the sun. Everything from midsummer celebrations to crayfish parties is arranged here, and everything in between. The food and drink consist of archipelago classics, alongside influences from the Mediterranean.

Dykarbaren, on Sandhamn's harbourfront, has been regarded as one of the best restaurants in the archipelago for many years. The menu includes the house burger and other classics. Eat in the dining room or on the outdoor dining area with views over the harbour, or drop by for a cocktail or a beer.

With a top location for evening sun, Djurönäset's summer restaurant is open from Midsummer until the middle of August. The menu is inspired by the archipelago and the Swedish summer, and on certain evenings they lay out a large grill buffet. Each week, the restaurant hosts famous live artists who perform on the pier, perfect for those who want to add a little extra atmosphere to their dinner.

Bullandö Korg is located in eastern Sweden's largest marina, and you can watch the busy boatlife from the restaurant. Drop by for a relaxed dinner or a glass of chilled white on the large veranda. The menu includes archipelago classics and they arrange regular live music performances on the jetty. They also have a popular function room.

If you're craving Italian gelato, espresso, a grilled sandwich or pizza, then head to Bullandö Glassfabrik in Bullandö Marina. This charming café by the marina has three outdoor seating areas with plenty of space by the water. You can reach it by boat, car or bus.

This rustic bistro and bar is housed in the old dockyard on Djurö island. Eat a lazy lunch on the jetty or make the most of the Swedish summer light with a long al fresco dinner. The menu includes Swedish classics and more international dishes. The restaurant also has a party venue which is popular for weddings, parties and more.

At the far end of Ingarö island, you can get to Björkvik by car or boat. Eat and drink, or take a dip from the beach outside. During the summer months, Stockholmers and tourists alike come here to enjoy a sophisticated but laid-back meal with international flavours and views over the waters of Nämndöfjärden.

Gällnö Krog is basically right on the water, in harmonious surroundings where you can enjoy good food and drink with the sound of water lapping at the jetty. Take a seat and sip a glass of wine or cool off with a cold beer before you order from the seasonal menu, where culinary influences come primarily from southern Europe. You can also choose to sit under the apple trees in the garden, and don't miss the café and store.

The first mention of the restaurant that would become Sandhamns Värdshus dates back to 1672, so this is a place with a long history. The restaurant in the yellow inn is open all year round, but during the low season it's mostly just on weekends. There is also a pub, a large outdoor terrace, and the so-called Pentaboden, with a simpler menu consisting of fresh shellfish and small plates.

This popular restaurant is set in beautiful archipelago surroundings and the emphasis is on unpretentious, seasonal cooking. Combine your meal with wine from a small producer or microbrewed beer. If you book well in advance you can also spend the night in one of Svartsö Logi's luxurious glamping tents.

Food plays a central role at Sandhamn Seglarhotell, where they aim to take care of their guests and serve meals worthy of the beautiful location. They base their menu on the location, history, and guests' wishes, featuring classics such as seafood, cured salmon, and grilled meat. They cook with local products as much as possible and prepare and bake everything from scratch. For an even more exclusive experience, you can book the chef's table. 

Fredriksborg Hotel is named after the nearby 18th-century fortress Fredriksborg, which is located right next to the beautiful hotel building. The hotel also has a summer restaurant where guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or simply stop by for a snack. During the summer months, there are bbq and music evenings on certain days. Overnight and dining guests can take a free guided tour of the fortress.

In Rindö Hamn next to Vaxholm lies Syrran & Jag, an archipelago restaurant that's open all year round. The philosophy is to cook with sustainable ingredients, without any fuss or frills. The à la carte menu includes classics like toast Skagen, and burgers, while the lunch menu varies from day to day and has more international influences. During the summer months, you can sit on the outdoor terrace and gaze out over the water.

Jeppes Gästgiveri, or just “Jeppes” as the restaurant is known by locals on Möja, is the only restaurant on the island that stays open all year round. Lunch and dinner with Swedish flavours, after-work, live music, quizzes, Christmas market – there's something fun happening here almost every day.  There's a welcoming, homely feel both inside the restaurant and out on the patio.

Les Poissonniers de Möja supplies locals and visitors with fresh fish and seafood straight from the West Coast during the summer months. The restaurant is run by a young crew that focuses on good bistro food for all ages, as well as a solid music programme.

At Bistro Sågen, in Skälvik on Svartsö, everything is about sustainability. The meat comes from a nearby farm, much of the vegetables come from their own gardens, and they also re-used materials from the old sawmill when building the restaurant. A place that has a positive impact on both humans and the environment, in other words. Enjoy Swedish homecooking, grilled dishes and other homemade food with a clear conscience in the leafy garden.

Locals and summer guests alike gather at Svängen on Runmarö, along with sailors and other yachty types looking to enjoy food and entertainment. The menu features a traditional archipelago twist, aiming to serve dishes that most people will recognise for both lunch and dinner. As well as food and drink, there's regular live music and stand-up during the summer.

The island of Rögrund lies right on the edge of the outer archipelago, a calm and tranquil place to breathe out. There's a restaurant, Grundet, with rustic food made from sustainable ingredients, as well as a bed & breakfast if you want to stay for a night or two. The menu is designed to offer something for everyone, but if you're a fan of fish and seafood you're sure to enjoy it a little more – the flavours of the archipelago are well represented on the à la carte.

The restaurant next to Strömma canal on the island of Värmdö has a wonderful waterfront al fresco dining area where you can enjoy the summer without straying too far from the city. If it rains there's also a glass veranda to shelter under. Classic archipelago dishes, as well as more international flavours, are the order of the day here.

Despite its close proximity to the city, The Old Smokehouse offers a true archipelago idyll, with a view over the waters of Lännerstasundet and its own jetty where boats can dock. The menu is largely influenced by American BBQ, but also features dishes from other parts of the world - all with a common smoky flavour. Combine with a glass of American wine or a craft beer.

Fjäderholmarna, the "feather islands", are just a short boat ride from the city centre. After a stroll around the charming island with its craft shops and bathing spots it's time for a well-deserved dinner by the jetty. Fjäderholmarnas Krog serves various fish and shellfish dishes, as well as other archipelago-inspired classics. There are also plenty of delicious bottles to discover on the wine list, as well as a special children's menu that includes meatballs and pancakes. 

Stressed-out city dwellers can head to this 19th century villa on the tiny island of Bockholmen in Stockholm's inner archipelago for a dose of rural peace. Bockholmen Hav & Restaurang (from the same restaurant stable as Nybrogatan 38) serves up ambitious cooking and idyllic surroundings with a veranda, cosy dining room and summer bar on the water's edge. You can also get here by underground.

Just under half an hour from the city, this large art hall boasts a beautiful location surrounded by smooth archipelago rocks and Scots pines. There's a popular café that serves food and homemade treats with an emphasis on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, as well as a brunch restaurant at the top of the building with large panoramic windows. Combine your meal with exciting exhibitions, activities, and a walk alongside the waters of Baggensfjärden.

Bistro Lillströmma aims to be an unpretentious, easy-going restaurant where everyone feels welcome. In terms of food, the focus is on Swedish home cooking along with international favourite dishes such as pasta, salads, meat and fish dishes and burgers. They also serve a large selection of affordable pizza, which is best enjoyed with a cold beer and a view of the sparkling waters of the Strömma canal.

Just thirty minutes outside town you'll find Holmen Kök & Bar on a jetty, boasting the best evening sun in Saltsjöbaden. Come to soak up some island atmosphere, without having to travel by boat. Local regulars and city dwellers all find their way here, so expect plenty of fellow diners on sunny summer evenings. The à la carte menu is short but well thought-out and focuses primarily on European flavours with meat, fish and vegetarian options. 

Rökeriet aims to preserve and build upon Fjäderholmarna's long history as a destination for outings and summer fun. There's a strong emphasis on the delicacies of the sea, specifically those that have been smoked in their own smokehouse. Everything is prepared on-site with climate-smart, Scandinavian and seasonal ingredients and can be enjoyed on the outdoor terrace with sun all day and beautiful views over Stockholm's inlet.

Coffee, wine, lunch, dinner – Röda Villan on Fjäderholmarna has many strings to its bow. The restaurant serves simple dishes such as quiche, soups and salads, as well as the chef's favourites. The restaurant also has seven boules lanes, where you can challenge friends and family in the French sport.

Restaurang Kattholmen describes itself as Värmdö's living room and is housed in a beautiful brick building with industrial decor, high ceilings, and a homely atmosphere. The menu features a delightful mix of Swedish and international flavours, with an emphasis on fish and seafood. The idea is to offer something for everyone, both children and adults – and dogs are welcome too. In the summer months you can combine your meal with a round of mini golf right outside the restaurant. 

The name of this archipelago destination describes the concept; Badholmen Sju Veckor ("Seven Weeks") is open for seven summer weeks, out on the island of Badholmen right next to Vaxholm. Say parties, music, food, and drinks provide a sea-sprayed beach club atmosphere, and there are also saunas and sun loungers. The menu offers a mix of flavours from the Mediterranean and Scandinavia, as well as summery cocktails and other drinks. 

At Winbergs, you can enjoy grilled dishes and other summer classics right on the quayside in Vaxholm. The restaurant has been around since 1961, and has fine-tuned its concept -which largely consists of an unpretentious atmosphere, classic archipelago dishes, and live music - over the years. They're open for lunch all year round and extend their opening hours further over the summer months, when you can enjoy a creamy soft-service ice cream if your sweet tooth kicks in. 

On the island of Högmarsö in Stockholm's northern archipelago, Varvet invites you to an ambitious dining experience in a relaxed setting during the summer months. The menu, created by award-winning chef Tomas Diederichsen, mainly revolves around Mediterranean cuisine but also includes some more exotic influences. Time your visit with one of the concerts or perhaps the oyster days for an extra festive experience.

Grinda Wärdshus serves seasonal dishes with both Swedish and Southern European influences in the heart of the archipelago. The cooking is ambitious and combines traditional flavours with contemporary twists. On the rocks by the water is their smaller bistro, called Framfickan, where you can sit on the jetty deck and eat a slightly simpler lunch or dinner in the sunshine. Pair with an overnight stay at the hotel if you want the full experience.

In the summer of 2019, hotelier and restaurateur Pelle Lydmar took over the archipelago inn on Fejan Island in the northern archipelago. The aim here is that guests should feel good and be able to enjoy the sea and nature – something that sits at the heart of the whole experience. The whole operation is run with great respect for nature. Cooking is classic with plenty of seafood, but also vegetarian and meat options for anyone who prefers. Create your own three-course menu with a starter, main course and dessert, and pick something nice from the drinks menu.

Finnhamns Krog is housed in an old summer villa by the steamboat quay on Finnhamn, with views over the water. Eat seasonal food here and take in the sun on their roof terrace with almost 150 seats. Occasional live music, guest appearances, theme evenings and other fun events are on the programme. 

How does a cosy dinner on a pontoon, with candlelight and old sails hanging from the ceiling, sound? If that sounds up your street, a visit to Båthuset Krog & Bar is a must. Hop onboard in Sigtuna harbour and enjoy European classics as you float with views over the waters. Order the set menu with a selection of ambitious dishes and pairing drinks, or explore the starters, main courses and desserts on the à la carte.

On southern Ingmarsö, the whole family can enjoy summer classics such as burgers and fish and meat dishes on Ingmarsö Krog's large outdoor seating area with views over the water. Flavours are mainly Scandinavian, but other influences also feature on the menu. The restaurant is open from spring to early autumn, and during the summer months live music and other events often appear on the programme.

Skärgårn in Linanäs on Ljusterö grills meat and serves up summer dishes between March and August. The menu is straightforward and lists a bunch of different mains, salads, pasta and the like. The restaurant holds both parties and live performances at regular intervals. Naturally, they have a large outdoor seating area where you can enjoy all the good things in life. Relaxed, informal and sunny. 

Smådalarö Gård is housed in Captain Blom's stone house from 1810 and has both a golf course and padel tennis. In the hotel's archipelago bistro, they serve seasonal brasserie dishes at both lunch and dinner, alongside drinks such as house-made brännvin and beer. As well as the restaurant itself there's a cocktail bar and a wine and cheese bar to eat and drink in, and during certain parts of the year they serve afternoon tea with sea views. You can also enjoy overnight stays and activities on water and on land – as well as a modern spa.

Sea view, a menu with almost only fish and shellfish and an idyllic atmosphere – Båtshaket ticks all the boxes for what a proper archipelago inn should be. You'll find the summer-opening restaurant at the southern end of the archipelago, more precisely between the rocks on Ålö. Choose between sitting on the outdoor terrace or indoors in the barn, which is furnished in a marine-inspired style with fishing nets and lifebuoys. Smoked prawns and salmon with new potatoes are classics on the menu, which also lists beer and wine.

With both al fresco dining and a crackling open fire, Utö's cosy inn is ideal in both summer and winter. You can have lunch and dinner in the inn's bar and dining room or enjoy a drink in a maritime setting. What they cook in the kitchen is determined by the season's selection of ingredients, and they strive to use as much organic and locally produced produce as possible. If you want to stay the night, overnight accommodation is also available.

Bistro Solsidan is in Askfatshamnen in Dalarö, where the water and boats form a picturesque backdrop. Eat starters, mains and desserts with sustainable, natural ingredients and drink wine from classic regions, beer and cocktails. The cocktail menu is something they put a little extra effort into, so don't miss ordering an aperitif or a coffee drink to finish – or perhaps both. The outdoor seating is small but delightful, and is equipped with large parasols for the sunniest days.

Isloep is a Dutch boat company that builds modern interpretations of sloops (image 1) and tender boats (images 2–3). These are boats designed with socialising at their core. If you opt for a motor that isn't too large, the 0.2 promille alcohol limit doesn't apply, which has been appreciated by many customers. Isloep was started in 2006 and since 2015 there has been a Swedish general agent called Stockholm Boats AB.