The best restaurants in Södermalm

This restaurant has become a firm favourite among Stockholmers in the know, if not for the relaxed European feel then for their famous Cacio e Pepe pasta and fantastic olives. There's an al fresco dining area on the pavement, a small bar and space for large and small groups who want to enjoy a delicious yet unpretentious meal.

This popular restaurant right on Nytorget has just 24 highly-coveted covers, which you need to be prepared to queue for. You can only pre-book 14 of the seats, the others are reserved for drop-ins. But all good things come to those who wait and patient diners will be rewarded with a top-notch dining experience, with dishes made from seasonal Swedish ingredients. The bar specialises in gin.

Three names from prestigious restaurants such as Ekstedt, Ett Hem and Tyge & Sessil have joined forces and started their own establishment. Relinquish control and go with the flow at Triton; they serve a set three-course that can change as frequently as every day. 

Food critics and ordinary restaurant goers alike have heaped praise on this tiny restaurant ever since it opened its doors on Mosebacke torg. The menu is small but perfectly formed, with unexpected elements such as horse meat and pike, and drinks are selected with as much passion and care as the raw ingredients. Combine your meal with excellent natural wines or micro-brewed beer.

Café Klotet takes its name from a place that used to be located just a stone's throw away, but despite the name, it's not actually a café. High up in the air, the restaurant group Svenska Brasserier has created a restaurant full of art, colourful design choices, and a simple, playful menu.

After a controversial guest appearance at Kåken, this much-loved and talked-about luxury restaurant opened in Södermalm. The restaurant serves up a complete experience with a decadent tasting menu and edgy, unexpected presentations. 

This Hornstull restaurant draws in locals and tourists - anyone who appreciates good food and drinks, in fact. Medium-sized French/Asian dishes are the order of the day and creative cocktails are shaken and stirred behind the long bar counter. Forma may have a lively atmosphere and generous opening hours but their heart is in the food, which means that the chefs create their seasonal menu with top quality ingredients from sustainable producers and a large dollop of ambition. 

Barbro, hidden away under Liljeholmen's Bridge, is a small Tokyo-style restaurant serving modern and beautifully prepared Nordic/Japanese fusion food. Made for sharing, guests are invited to try multiple dishes. The restaurant also houses a boutique-style cinema and bar downstairs.

A meeting place for everyone, whether you fancy a glass of wine, lunch or dinner. Pelikan is one of Sweden's oldest restaurants, famous for their traditional Swedish homecooking, classic menus and long history. Their historic premises on Blekingegatan have plenty of room for large and small groups - eat in the dining room or hang out in the lively bar filled with art and music.

Voisine is in east Södermalm, right next door to its sister restaurant, the wine bar Folii. Sommelier duo Beatrice Becher and Jonas Sandberg have created a cosy neighbourhood bistro with an emphasis on authentic food, inspired by both France and Sweden. Combined, naturally, with selected wines.

This German bistro offers first-class German food such as schnitzel, sausages and strudel, served in an authentic way in pared-back surroundings. As you might expect from a German restaurant, there's a beer bar in the cellar where you can choose from an extensive selection of beers, as well as wine and cocktails. 

If you're a fan of restaurants such as Nybrogatan 38, Meatballs of the People and Österlånggatan 17, you'll love Hornsgatan Kvarterskrog. This restaurant is one of the Bockholmen restaurant group's many popular establishments and serves up classic, rustic food, with inspiration from the traditional rural cuisine of southern Europe and northern Sweden. 

Housed in a former fire station on Krukmakargatan, entering Hommage feels like walking into a Parisian bistro. French food is the name of the game here, with Mediterranean influences.

It's not just the photographic exhibitions that draw visitors to the old customs building on Stadsgårdskajen. Fotografiska also boasts an award-winning restaurant led by star chef Paul Svensson. The emphasis is on seasonal and organic produce, and views over the entrance to Stockholm harbour and Djurgården opposite are included.

Urban Deli has long been a popular meeting place right next to Nytorget in SoFo, with a restaurant, bar, and shop under one roof. Open all day, you can drop in for breakfast, lunch, fika, after-work, dinner or brunch amidst the hustle and bustle, and pick up some delicacies from the shop while you're here.

The spectacular old library on Medborgarplatsen now houses restaurants, bars, a stage, and events. Enjoy European dishes in a party atmosphere which turns into lively club nights at weekends. The intimate interior is characterised by the building's old 1930s architecture with its beautifully preserved Art Deco style.

Bar Central, right next to Folkoperan, is all about the Central European theme. The menu consists of hearty dishes such as sausages, cheese, pickles, schnitzel and bread, and there's fresh pilsner on tap. The restaurant consists of two bars and a dining room.

The team from Etoile run this luxurious restaurant in a rooftop setting close to Mariatorget. The tasting menu is the way to go here, and you can also book a table to enjoy some cocktails.

This restaurant institution holds court 33 metres above the sea and Slussen. Swedish food with French influences, such as entrecote, turbot and bleak roe, are served with stunning views as a backdrop. 

This pintxos bar on Mariatorget serves up a warm, welcoming atmosphere and good-value Spanish small dishes to share. You'll find modern and familiar flavours on the menu, which can be paired with wines. There are no reservations at Racamaca, so just drop by when the fancy takes you.

Nostrano may just be the cosiest Italian restaurant in Södermalm. With just a few tables, the atmosphere is warm and intimate, a feeling that's heightened by the Italian theme. The menu includes selected pasta dishes, fish, meat and vegetarian alternatives - and, naturally, antipasti and Italian desserts. 

Liberdade, on buzzy Skånegatan, is a modern bistro with unique flavours and elegant decor. Order signature dishes from their traditional Japanese charcoal grill or take a seat in the bar for a cocktail in intimate surroundings, with muted lighting, rattan, mosaics and green plants. 

La Vecchia Signora, which means "the old lady" in Italy, is considered to be one of the best Italian restaurants in the city. Authentic Italian fare from the Piedmont region is served. The atmosphere is intimate and relaxed, making it an ideal place to enjoy a traditional southern European dinner.

This little neighbourhood restaurant on Timmermansgatan by Mariatorget, which used to be called Timber, serves a Swedish menu which changes regularly. There are several firm favourites which make a regular appearance and the chefs cook and serve the kind of food they want to eat themselves.

NOFO boutique hotel is a city oasis that draws in locals and global travellers alike. The restaurant on the ground floor serves seasonal sharing dishes with international influences, along with selected wines, cocktails and beers from local breweries. Don't miss the hidden inner courtyard which is open during the summer months.

Step into a modern premises with considered interiors choices. Two brothers with long experience of the restaurant world are behind the restaurant - their family runs O'Pizzicato. But in contrast to the Italian restaurant, Aleks y Filip serve traditional Spanish dishes just the way they're served in Spain.

Grilled components such as chicken, mushrooms and halloumi take centre stage at Baladi Grill, served in pita bread or on a plate with various accompaniments. Everything, from the bread to the soft-serve ice cream, is made by hand on site in the restaurant, which is located in Södermalm's popular Sofo area. Eat on site or get takeaway.

With one foot in traditional Nordic culinary arts and the other in modern European cuisine, NÒR offers an all-day dining experience. The menu varies depending on the season and the kitchen's current inspiration, but it's based around classic bistro dishes presented in a new format. The urban atmosphere works just as well for a business lunch as a celebratory dinner with loved ones.

Mormors Dumplings is a proper hidden gem. Authentic Chinese flavours are served at reasonable prices in the form of dumplings (naturally), soups, stews and wok dishes, all in relaxed surroundings. 

With its southern European influences and generous opening hours, Nytorget 6 has become one of Södermalm's most successful meeting places. There are two cocktaill bars, a rotisserie and - perhaps best of all - good value dishes from morning until evening. Stop by for lunch, dinner or a long brunch.

Sofia Common on Nytorget serves Mexican and American flavours for lunch and dinner. You can also stop by for an after-work drink with margaritas and cheap beer in the heart of Sofo. The concept is brought to you by Austin Davis, who has drawn inspiration from Hollywood, northern Mexico, the US west coast, and American delis.

Stockholm's first ramen restaurant, Ai Ramen, has branches in Vasastan and Södermalm, not far from Vitabergsparken and Nytorget. They serve their own-made noodles with various flavours and toppings, as well as small dishes, sake and beer. The atmosphere makes for a cosy lunch, post-work drink and dinner with friends.

This creative spot on Götgatsbacken is the sister restaurant to Riche. They've created a social space serving excellent dishes and a lively bar with hand-selected wines. The restaurant is also full of artworks and exhibitions. To keep it simple and spontaneous they don't take reservations.

Experience a taste of Italy at this lively restaurant on Hornstulls strand. Capricci serves authentic Italian dishes and a large selection of wines and the atmosphere follows the same theme. If you're in the mood for a cocktail, take a seat at the long marble bar for an aperitivo. During the summer months you can eat and drink alfresco on the waterfront.

With its glamorous Seventies Italian influences, Florentine is an eye-catching spot on Medborgarplatsen. Take a seat in one of the large sofa groups and share classics such as handmade pasta and Neapolitan pizzas, or sip cocktails made with homemade fruit juices and kombucha in the 360-degree cocktail bar. 

Rosetta's brings a little taste of LA to Södermalm and Hornstull. The restaurant oozes 1960s and 1970s American vibes, with vinyl-clad booths, carpets and a menu that includes veggie burgers and corn ribs. The menu's primarily plant-based, but they also serve mussels.

Pat's Place on Folkungagatan serves a rather cooler version of Thai cuisine. Humorously-named Thai "tapas" are the order of the day and you won't find any waving cats in the window or over-full plates of Pad Thai at this restaurant.

O'Pizzicato serves Italian food and a wide range of wines in stylish surroundings right next door to Södra station. Friends and families can meet up over an authentically Italian dinner. The menu includes fresh pasta, meat dishes and plates of thinly-sliced charcuterie and you can round off your meal in true Italian style with a glass of grappa.

This Palestinian bistro opened on Skånegatan in summer 2022 and quickly became a popular spot among Södermalm locals. Eat wallet-friendly, tasty dishes with modern influences and sip on a glass of wine. Mazra'a is run by the restaurateurs behind Falafelbaren and Pita.

Mussels made this Södermalm restaurant famous, but they also have plenty of substantial dishes and small bites on the menu. When it comes to drinks, quality is key, with a focus on malt: there are hundreds of types of beer and whisky available.

Had your fill of Thai, Chinese and Japanese food? Then it may well be time to try Indonesian cuisine. At this neighbourhood restaurant in Hornstull they serve Indonesian dishes made from local, Nordic ingredients and you can sip on delicious exotic cocktails from the bar.

You'l find Exit on the corner of Folkungagatan and Götgatan. Step into a modern lounge environment serving serving main courses, tapas, bubbles and cocktails. Take a seat in a soft armchair for lunch or dinner, or hop up at the bar for a post-work drink in the heart of Södermalm.  

Eat fast, Vietnamese dishes from southern Saigon at Eatnam. This popular restaurant first opened up on Odenplan and since then it has spread across the city. Come by to enjoy Vietnamese classics at lunch or dinner, at reasonable prices.

Gossip, just off Nytorget, is inspired by Brick Lane, London's "Little Bangladesh" and the walls are decorated in colourful Bollywood style. The popular restaurant serves reasonably priced Bengali street food and is a modern alternative to Shanti Classic - its well-established older sibling a few blocks away.

Lunch, post-work drinks, dinner or cocktails – whatever you're in the mood for, you're welcome to Pastell for socialising over food and drinks. Grab a salad for lunch, have a cocktail with a friend after work, or gather the family for a long dinner in colourful surroundings.

This wine bar right next to Mariatorget focuses on small-scale, organic, biodynamic and sustainably-produced wine, as well as food. There's plenty of space for several groups around the tables or in the bar, surrounded by a lively buzz and clinking glasses. The kitchen serves bar food, from cheese and charcuterie platters to flatbread pizzas.

The Hills is a local bistro on Götgatan, one of those neighbourhood joints where you can just as easily drop by for a coffee in the morning as dinner or an evening cocktail with friends. They serve both lunch and dinner with roots in rustic French cuisine, just the way head chef Lelle Rössler likes it.

Authentic Latin American food created from memories of the sea and grandma's kitchen in Peru - that's what you get at Checa. They serve food and drinks inspired by owner Valentin Checa's childhood memories, such as ceviche and grilled fish and meat dishes, all with fresh, rounded flavours, along with perfectly paired drinks shaken and stirred in the bar.