The guide to hidden gems in Stockholm

Intimate and affordable

Qualitative food at a facile pricing point - that is this charming French bistro's motto. The intimate atmosphere and relaxed ambiance appeals to a wide audience. The menu's classic French-inspired dishes offers continental gustatory delights.

Head to Kungsholmen

You needn't look further than Kungsholmen to get a dose of continental air. Styrelsen is run by the people behind Pastis and serves rustic Southern European home-style food along with artisanal cocktails in a relaxed bistro setting. Add this to your to-do list if you haven't already.

The foodie-hangout of choice

Babette quickly made a name for itself within foodie circles. The French-inspired bistro serves a selective á la Carte menu and is particularly famous for its innovative pizzas made in the open kitchen. The venue is small and fills up quickly, so make sure to get there early - or if you don't mind the wait grab a glass of wine and soak up the ambiance.

Music and food

If you love good food and drinks combined with live music and a great atmosphere, don't miss Kaijas Musiksalong on Storgatan. Granddaughter Saga runs this family-owned restaurant where music takes centre stage. What Kaija, Saga's grandmother, once began lives on today - in those days with sandwiches and simple snacks, these days with ambitious cocktails, wine, beer and delicious dishes.

For the Francophile

Pastis is minute to say the least, yet hidden among Gamla Stans winding alleyways Pastis is a major powerhouse when it comes to authentic French cuisine. No wonder secretive regulars choose to keep this quaint brasserie to themselves. Rustic homemade dishes are served with an elegant twist. Bon appétit!

Authentic flavours from southern China

This Chinese tea room in Östermalm serves dim sum from southern China. Enjoy dumplings with various fillings as you take in the intimate atmosphere. Go now, before everyone finds out about it...

Genuinely French

Can't get enough of classic French cuisine - neither can we. Brasserie Bobonne offers a culinay trip to the continent without having to leave the comfort of Östermalm. The selective chalkboard menu is updated bi-weekly and features rustic, homely dishes such as boeuf bourguignon without any unnecessary frills.

Södermalm charm

This homely little neighbourhood restaurant is on Tjärhovsgatan in a quiet part of Södermalm. Run by a mother and daughter who used to have a restaurant in the Stockholm archipelago, they serve medium-sized dishes with international influences.

Historic premises

Inside Östermalms Saluhall you'll find Nybroe Smørrebrød, which serves authentic Danish open sandwiches. Choose from a wide selection of toppings, such as pickled herring, roast beef, warm-smoked salmon and many more. Sit and eat in the market's newly-renovated historic surroundings.

Provencal vibes

You'll find this French-inspired brasserie on a tucked-away side street next to Kungsträdgården.Makalös serves classic dishes in Provencal-style surroundings. Round off your meal with a glass of champagne in the elegant bar.

A quaint neighbourhood hangout

Marco's pays homage to classic Italian home cooking with ambitious dishes, abundance of wine and relaxed ambiance. The bistro-style decor features impressive arched windows, rustic furniture and whitewashed walls. Perfect for the whole family, Marco's also has a special kiddies menu.

Welcoming bistro

Bistro Garros is next to Salkhallen tennis centre in Alvik square. They serve excellent bistro classics at both lunch and dinner. Dishes are influenced by French, Swedish, Italian and Spanish cuisine and the emphasis is on carefully selected ingredients and a passion for food. The menu includes everything from medium-sized dishes and salads to classic main courses such as entrecote and bouillabaisse.

One of the best Italian restaurants in town?

La Vecchia Signora, which translates to the old lady, exudes authentic charm. Exquisite Italian food influenced by the Piedmont region is served along with complimenting wine. Candlelight enhances the intimate ambiance.

Paris just around the corner

This romantic bistro is charmingly located in an old fire station and boasts vaulted ceilings and boho-chic vibes. The interior is characterised by white tablecloths, tiled floors and mismatched chairs. The kitchen serves modern French classics along with a variety of French wines. Be sure to drop by the adjacent Bar Hommage.

Ode to the North

Land of perpetual cold and the midnight sun, Norrland is under-represented when it comes to Stockholms restaurant scene. Knut however, makes up for this lapse. The northern influences are apparent in both the interior and menu. Rustic wooden surfaces and furs punctuate the interior and the kitchen serves game and Norrland-style flatbread pizza with emphasis on local produce. Thematic cranberry cocktails complete the vision.

Hole-in-the-wall sushi

Despite its central location, Itamae Izakaya is easily overlooked due to its unassuming size. This sushi joint quite literally personifies the concept of hole-in-the-wall but the sushi conjured out of the kitchen is extraordinary. Apart from classic options, the menu features fish tacos and ceviche as well as artisanal beer.

Historic villa serving lunch, brunch and dinenr

Fanny Udde Bistro is tucked away in a historic turn-of-the-last century home with a large garden. They welcome guests to eat lunch and dinner, have a coffee or enjoy brunch at the weekend. The house is named after master baker Anders Richard Westerdahl's wife, Fanny, who was passionate about food. In the evenings, the menu includes starters, main courses and desserts all inspired by both traditional and contemporary cuisine, as well as a comprehensive cocktail menu and other drinks.

A trip to the city of light

This locals' favourite is a classic French bistro serving frogs' legs, escargot and other genuine dishes, not for the faint of heart. Paname (slang for Paris) is a true hidden gem, but don't let that stop you from partaking in the authentic Tricolour-vibes.

The perfect end to your day

Although a popular joint, chances are that you have yet to set your foot here - which is why we mention it. The Spanish-Nordic influences are apparent in both the decor and the menu. The venue is relatively small and fills up rather quickly with hungry diners. The cocktail bar is manned by well-reputed bartenders and is many a locals’ destination of choice.

Gourmet soft-serve ice cream

Despite it's slightly tucked away location in Vasastan, Mjuk Mjuk has built itself a real reputation. They specialise in soft-serve ice cream which they make from scratch in the same way as gelato. The owner Jeremiah Di Paolo studied at an Italian ice cream university and is passionate about soft-serve.

Movie buffs

This historic arthouse cinema on Sankt Eriksplan was brought back to life in 2018 and now includes an intimate little bistro in true Art Deco style. If you want to combine a movie with something to eat, you can even take your food or a glass of wine into the elegant cinema auditoria with you.

Mixology pros

This award-winning cocktail bar on Stortorget in the Old Town is famous for their superior cocktail skills and unique old-school apothecary atmosphere, but the place is still something of a well-kept secret. Drop by for a cocktail and a bite to eat and find out what makes Pharmarium so special.

Quintessentially French

This charming French wine bar, located just off Karlaplan is synonymous with its red-and-white tablecloths. Enjoy seasonal fare with French overtones along with rich wines from select organic vineyards. Bar à Vins offers both champagne and wine tastings for those who wish to acquaint themselves further.