Restaurants in Stockholm serving traditional homecooking

Homecooking, northern Swedish style. Knut is a contemporary Norrlandic restaurant serving everything from wild duck and flatbread pizzas to moose carpaccio. This rustic premises pays tribute to the mountainous region with wooden furniture and fur throws.

Historic Kvarnen has held court on Medborgarplatsen for over 100 years, and the menu is as classic as the grand venue. They serve Swedish home cooking for lunch, dinner and brunch, with classic dishes such as fried herring, pyttipanna and meatballs with mashed potatoes. Combine with a shot of snaps and you have a complete experience.

Few dishes resonate with traditional home cooking quite like Sweden's unofficial national dish: meatballs with mashed potatoes and creamy sauce. It is precisely this dish that the team at Meatballs specialise in – to the extent that they have even created special meatball-compatible cocktails. They also offer the beloved balls in a range of different versions; how about meatballs made from wild boar, moose, or bear, or indeed a vegetarian variant?

Tranan is synonymous with its red-and-white tablecloths and original 1929 detailing. Widely considered to serve the best meatballs in the city - although you'll find no trace of them on the menu, order them anyway. This homely institution also serves fried herring with mashed potatoes. A well-preserved classic bound to satisfy your husmans-cravings.

This classic joint opened in 1867, and despite its recent renovation it retains a strong sense of history and a charming patina. The traditional menu features classic dishes such as toast Skagen, herring in multiple guises, beef Rydberg and of course meatballs. Over the years Tennstopet has been the hangout of choice for locals, artists, writers and musicians alike.

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One of Stockholm's very best classic restaurants, Prinsen has been serving traditional Swedish dishes for more than 100 years - and their food is still just as popular today. Toast Skagen, cod fillet and home-rolled meatballs are served in historic surroundings with a lively atmosphere, just a few steps from the smart boutiques of Biblioteksgatan.

At Pickwick, their hearts beat a little harder for traditional Swedish dishes, which are well represented on both the à la carte and daily lunch menus. Meatballs, pyttipanna, and fried herring are just a few of the classics served at the pub, conveniently located on Drottninggatan. If you want to raise a toast with something nice, there's plenty to choose from, especially if you like beer and whisky.

This beerhall institution in Södermalm is one of Sweden's oldest restaurant and a must for fans of Swedish home cooking. They serve traditional dishes such as meatballs and fried pork with onion sauce. The This genuine beer hall serves golf ball-sized meatballs, pork and other rustic classics. Pelikan's eminent history is etched into its walls and it's just as popular as it was in its heyday.

No need to cross the Öresund to eat classic Danish fare, just head out to Årsta. Två Små Svin exudes Copenhagen-chic vibes in sleek beer hall setting and serves classic Danish open sandwiches topped with everything from smoked eel and picled herring to roast beef. Accompany your meal with schnapps or Czech beers.

If you want to eat really historic food, head to this medieval-themed restaurant in the Old Town. They serve the kind of food eaten in the Middle Ages, such as goat meatballs served on a skewer and onion soup. Wash your food down with a glass of mead or some snaps.

At Hedvig, quality, tradition and style are the watchwords. In the heart of Östermalmshallen food hall, they serve their guests well-prepared food in elegant surroundings, where history and the present meet. The aim is to be a must-visit meeting place for anyone who loves classic Swedish home-cooked dishes, and they honour traditions by preparing all the dishes from scratch. Among the home-cooked dishes, you will find creamy hash, meatballs, fried pork belly, and biff Rydberg (to name a few).

Since its opening in 1931, Konstnärsbaren has remained largely intact. Naturally the menu features traditional favourites such as herring, Toast Skagen and Wallenbergare veal patties. If you're in the mood for husmanskost, the daily special is a must.

Distinguished Operakällaren's slightly more casual sibling boasts an intimate space with only 28 seats. Their specialty is naturally husmanskost and the menu changes daily, with traditional dishes as pickled herring, meatballs with cream sauce and Beef Rydberg.

Family-run Dalanisse in Birkastan serves Swedish homecooking favourites. They aim to offer something for all tastes and occasions, and you'll find dishes such as meatballs and fried pork on the menu.

Söders Hjärta has two parts: a bar area and a dining room. The warm, welcoming dining room, where ABBA and Crown Princess Victoria have eaten, serves classic dishes such as Toast Skagen, cod and steak tartare. 

Well-reputed Tradition - founded by two international star chefs - boasts three venues sprinkled around the city and as the name implies they focus on homemade specialities. Rustic, dairy-free dishes are served without frills. Enjoy hearty meatballs, filled cabbage rolls, a prawn sandwich or one of their vegetarian options.

Järnvägsrestaurangen opened in 1932 as the Östra Station railway station restaurant and both the original interiors and the focus on traditional Swedish cuisine have remained. Take a trip down memory lane as you eat dishes such as meatballs, moose steak and "raggmunk" potato pancakes surrounded by historic Thirties architecture.

The doors to this Södermalm establishment from the Bockholmen restaurant group are open every day. Inspiration comes from the relaxed southern European way of eating and socialising, but there's also plenty to choose from if you prefer Swedish homecooking. Meatballs and råraka potato rosti, for example. 

Grodan opened in 1985 and has a decidedly French-Swedish air. This popular restaurant is famous for its fish stew; other showstopping signature dishes include potato pancakes, minute steak and calf's liver. With its generous opening hours and relaxed ambiance, Grodan is something of a Stockholm institution.

Drottninghof serves a mix of European classics and traditional Swedish home cooking for both lunch and dinner. On central Drottninggatan, the restaurant is an excellent option when you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city centre and relax over a plate of meatballs, Wallenbergare, and similar dishes. 

Ulla Winbladh is a classic inn in Djurgården, with roots dating back to the 19th century. The menu respects and preserves Sweden's culinary traditions and serves traditional homestyle cooking. There's also a strong emphasis on holidays such as Midsummer, crayfish season, Christmas, and Easter, which are celebrated with traditional dishes. Every Sunday, roast veal, cream sauce, and homemade currant jelly are always served.

This restaurant might not sound very Swedish, but that doesn't stop them from filling their lunch buffet with truly classic traditional dishes. The offerings vary daily and can include everything from potato cakes and pea soup to breaded fish with mashed potatoes, accompanied by international flavours in the form of grilled vegetables, sauces, and dips. The idea is that everything should feel home-cooked, affordable, and high quality. 

on bustling Vasagatan in the city centre, Ölhyttan pours beer and serves traditional dishes at great prices on a regular basis. Choose from classic regulars like toast Skagen and meatballs, or aim for seasonal flavours. Pair your meal with a beer or something else nice in your glass when you want to indulge.

Basilica serves home-cooked dishes from various parts of Europe, such as meatballs, schnitzel, grilled ribeye, fried herring, burgers, and other delicious options in a delightful mix. The idea is to provide something to suit all tastes and occasions, whether you're stopping by for a lunch with family, after-work drinks with a colleague, or dinner with a whole group of friends.

This classic distinctly French restaurant pays homage to the city of light with white tablecloths and a quaint chalkboard menu that is updated bi-weekly. Expect no-frills favourites such as boeuf bourguignon, soufflé, veal entrecote and other delicacies.

At Blecktornskällaren on Södermalm, they cherish Swedish culinary traditions. The restaurant is one of Stockholm's oldest and has been around since 1927. Modern and vegetarian dishes are served alongside traditional Swedish home cooking and other typical dishes from Swedish cuisine. There's also a menu with vegetarian dishes. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with white tablecloths and candlelight.

This iconic restaurant was once run by Swedish gastronomic legend Tore Wretman and they preserve his legacy well. Riche carries on Wretman's philosophy, which was to challenge conventions and elevate Swedish food culture. The menu consists of dishes with Swedish influences and seasonal ingredients

Classic Swedish dishes combined with international flavours are served in Stortorgskällaren's historic  Old Town premises. Organic and locally-produced ingredients are used wherever possible. The menu includes meatballs and schnitzel.