Laid-back luxe foodie experiences

Whether you're interested in design or not, let yourself be entranced by both the interiors and the food at this Östermalm restaurant. As the name suggests, craftsmanship is at the heart of the entire concept. Cocktails are also blended artisanally and perfectly complement the flavours of the food.

This stylish restaurant on Roslagsgatan oozes Spanish and South American influences. Tuck into tapas and grilled meat and fish dishes surrounded by dark green tiled walls, quirky paintings and muted tones. They've set the standards high but the atmosphere is still delightfully laid back.

The uber-popular Lilla Ego is all about fleamarket finds, homemade tables and an open kitchen, and spontaneity is more important here than reservations. The menu includes original and innovative variations on Swedish flavours, like a Matjes herring sandwich and seaweed-cured cod. Tom Sjöstedt and Daniel Räms (Swedish Chef of the Year 2013) are the award-winning chefs behind the concept.

Chef duo Daniel Haynes and Anders Karlsson, of the Swedish National Culinary Team, are the masterminds behind Animo. Their aim is to blur the boundaries between kitchen, bar and dining room and create an atmosphere in which everyone feels right at home. There's a focus on innovative cocktails that are just as ambitious as the cooking.

Enjoy an ambitious dinner made from seasonal ingredients in stylishly decorated premises. The restaurant is an extension of restaurateur Dorotea and Viktor's living room, where they serve up homely yet ambitious meals at lunch, brunch or dinner.

Tegelbacken offers a vibrant overall experience with European flavours in a small plates format. Behind the restaurant is the renowned chef Markus Aujalay who, together with Erika Michael, focuses on unpretentious, flavourful, and freshly prepared food, to be enjoyed in a romantic setting with velvet furnishings in pink and red, floral wallpaper, and a view of Riksdagshuset. There's also a bar and lounge where you can enjoy a drink.

Miss Voon, part of the F12 group of restaurants, combines Asian flavours with European ones to create an aromatic and modern mix. Dishes are served in half portions for sharing. Otherwise you can select your own sashimi platter in the sashimi bar and pay by weight. Round off your meal with an Asian-inspired dessert or cocktail.

In this culinary corner of Östermalm, you'll find three restaurants run by the restaurateur duo Douglas Fagerman and Ruben Blomdahl, one of which is Aristo. They describe the restaurant as a modern neighbourhood eatery with a passion for jazz, featuring an à la carte menu that's both classic and innovative, with an emphasis on European flavours.

Sommelier duo Beatrice Becher and Jonas Sandberg run this neighbourhood bistro on Erstagatan, as well as the Folii wine bar right next door. Voisine focuses on authentic, well-cooked food with French and Swedish flavours. The menu is full of modern seasonal bistro dishes.

At Triton, they serve what they serve - all you have to do is tuck in and enjoy. The fixed three-course menu is based on what ingredients they get for the day and what they feel like cooking and it's not unusual for the menu to change from day to day. Drinks-wise, it's all about natural wines. 

With one foot in classic French cuisine and another defying all the old rules, Främmat creates menus that are continuously being changed and updated. A great atmosphere is as important to the team here as top-notch food. 

Copine originally opened as a sister restaurant to Jim & Jacob, and despite the restaurant's French-sounding name, the influences in the kitchen come from across Southern Europe and the Mediterranean. Elegant dishes are served in a refined environment in the heart of Östermalm, at both lunch and dinner.

This tucked-away hole-in-the-wall restaurant at the far end of Folkkungagatan serves flavours that'll get your tastebuds tingling. The menu is Asian, with medium-sized dishes ideal for sharing. The decor is simple with a welcoming atmosphere that welcomes small and large parties alike.

Relaxed, good food and great service – that's what Flor Matbar is all about. The intimate restaurant on Surbrunnsgatan in Vasastan offers a balanced and creative menu with flavours from the Mediterranean and Sweden to share or enjoy on your own. The menu changes regularly, so there's often something new to discover.

Since day one, this popular fusion restaurant in Hornstull has been one of Stockholm's most beloved haunts. Their flavour-packed Japanese/Scandinavian medium-sized dishes are high on Stockholmers' lists of favourite restaurant dishes and the atmosphere is always fun and lively - not surprisingly when the place is packed with satisfied dinner guests.

In the mood for some primo sushi? Book a highly desirable spot at this celebrated sushi bar in Vasastan run by the former head chef of Råkultur and Imouto. There's only space for twelve diners and guests are served whatever the chef feels like cooking. The emphasis is on top-quality ingredients and the dining experience.

Are you in the mood to put aside the classic and explore something new and a little unexpected? If so, Amalia might be just what you're looking for. This relaxed bistro does away with the boundaries and rules in favour of something a little more playful, mixing flavour influences from around the world in a carefree manner. Dishes are small to medium in size, perfect for ordering several plates to share – preferably accompanied by a glass of wine or two.

Ponti is run by an experienced duo who are also behind Schmaltz Bar & Delicatessen, among other places. The focus is on well-prepared food with a modern touch, served in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. The menu is inspired by the chefs' favourite restaurants in Florence and Los Angeles, and in the bar, they mix cocktails that celebrate vermouth, amaro, gin, and bitters. Just as delightful whether you're looking for a lavish weekend lunch or a lively dinner with friends.

Matbaren within the Grand Hôtel is one of Swedish super chef Mathias Dahlgren's restaurants. Seasonal medium-sized dishes are served at lunch and dinner, at the bar and smaller tables. A slightly more luxurious, but still laid-back, experience.

Experience culinary craftsmanship and seasonal flavours at Vår Gård in Saltsjöbaden. They work consciously, using ingredients from local producers and their own kitchen garden. They bake their own bread fresh every morning in the bakery. Come for both relaxed dining and luxurious tasting menus. 

Hedda Spendrup hasn't just opened a brewery at Omaka, she's created a meeting place for anyone who enjoys food, drinks and exciting flavours. Beer from their own brewery is served alongside modern brasserie-style food, which you can combine into a three-course meal. Regarded by many as a very special experience.

Stockholmers flock to Agrikultur, time and time again. It's hard to get the restaurant's fried cheese balls and Caesar dressing-soaked salad out of your mind. Bar Agrikultur next to Nytorget is the sister restaurant to Agrikultur in Vasastan and serves medium-sized dishes along with delicious wines and beers - ask the knowledgeable staff for pairing suggestions.

This incredibly popular spot on Mosebacke torg is well known for their exciting flavours and buzzy atmosphere. Their tasting menus are composed around different themes each season, with locally-produced, sustainable produce always at the forefront. Quality wines from small producers are among the drinks served with food.

Do you fancy a Spanish dining experience that doesn't include tapast? Then head down to Aleks y Filip, which offers traditional starters and main courses such as grilled octopus and Iberico pork cheek. There's also a generous wine list and exciting cocktails.

At Köket vid bordet, wine leads the way. Guests choose what to drink, and the chef creates dishes that elevate the character of the wine with a delicate touch and seasonal ingredients. Behind the concept are a mother and son, who have created the restaurant they felt was missing from the Stockholm restaurant scene.

Prospero in Vasastan serves a set dinner menu in elegant yet rustic small servings from Tuesday to Saturday. The concept is all about ingredients, hand-selected according to the season and paired with natural wines. The restaurant always offers vegetarian alternatives.

Lykke Kaffegårdar is about much more than just coffee. Their corner café on Nytorget serves excellent brunch, lunch and dinner dishes, cocktails, craft beers and great wines. The atmosphere is relaxed and DJs spin vinyl here every week.