The guide to Stockholm's best al fresco restaurants and bars

You'll find this leafy oasis with views over Lake Mälaren in an old wooden house on Smedsudden, close to Västerbron. The outdoor dining area open during the summer months has become a popular spot for food, drinks and events. The kitchen serves dishes made from local ingredients in season. 

Mosebacketerrassen is a Södermalm institution which has drawn in Stockholmers and tourists alike to the heights of Södermalm for many years. There's room for around 2000 people who want to hang out, listen to music, eat, drink and, of course, enjoy the views.

During the summer months, Tak opens out into one of Stockholm's very best roof terraces, with panoramic views over the city's rooftops. Long hours of sunlight and cooling drinks combine with stunning views. Book a table inside the restaurant to make your summer evening complete.

Sandhäxan's sister restaurant by Djurgårdsbron is a popular summer spot. A greenhouse, two bars, a huge garden to hang out in and fantastic sandwiches - what more could you want on a sunny day? You can rent bikes, kayaks or pedaloes right alongside.

Tourists and Stockholmers alike throng to the Diplomat, where guests can enjoy a cocktail outside on the lounge-style terrace. And Strandvägen on a sunny afternoon has to be the ultimate spot in Stockholm for people-watching.

Debaser Pontonen is open on the water in Hornstull from May to September. The floating pontoon, with a bar and restaurant area, has comfy seating, heaters and awnings to create a pleasant atmosphere on both hot and cooler summer days. The menu includes summery dishes and snacks which can be combined with all kinds of drinks, and they occasionally invite bands and musical artists to perform on the pontoon.

Boulebar's leafy outdoor dining areas in Rålambshovsparken and Hagaparken ooze southern French park vibes. Meet up for a refreshing cider and something to eat, and play a little outdoor boules while you're there. Boulebar in Rålambshovsparken is a bit of an institution in the park and, new for 2024, DJs and live bands will be creating a summery atmosphere. 

Blå Porten's verdant garden courtyard has long been a popular oasis on Djurgården. Come here to sip a glass of rosé, enjoy a summer meal or take a long coffee break among the flowers. Combine your visit with a long walk around the island.

The terrace at Dramaten theatre right above Nybroviken is a popular watering hole on warm days and balmy summer evenings. The terrace fills up with a mixed crowd who are happy to join the throngs to bag themselves a prawn salad and a place in the sun.

Hallwylska is a popular watering hole during the summer months. The charming inner courtyard, with its Continental restaurant, leafy plants, fairy lights and outdoor bar, is a peaceful oasis in the city centre. There's also a smaller outdoor dining area outside the entrance on Hamngatan. 

In the corner of one of one of Stockholm's most popular spots to hang out in the summer, Vasa park, the team behind Lådan has opened up its own take on an American beer garden. Beer fans from all over town gather on Parklådan's outdoor serving area to sample locally produced craft beers and much on classy burgers and hot dogs. 

Trädgården ('The Garden') which is located under Skanstullsbron bridge, is a must for anyone who wants to experience Södermalm nightlife in the summer. You can drink beer, eat, go to daytime live performances and dance the night away. Always popular.

Villa Källhagen is just a stone's throw from the big city, along the Djurgårdsbrunn canal. Relax with a cocktail in the garden or enjoy something to eat on the outdoor dining area or in the Orangery. If you like you can even stay the night.

The sun ("solen") provides the inspiration for this restaurant in the Slakthus area from well-known chef duo Adam and Albin. The menu revolves around 'food of the sun', that is, charcoal-grilled and smoked dishes from the Mediterranean, South America and the Middle East. And the outdoor seating? Well, it's equally sunny. Come here for a sharing dinner or simply a glass of something tasty.

At this waterside outdoor drinking and dining spot in Hornstull you can drink the Caribbean beer, Carib, which Loopen imports. Or try out their special cocktail, a Loop de Loop, which is rum-based and is said to beat a caiprinha by miles. With its laid-back atmosphere, Loopen is a great place to hang out and drink on a sunny afternoon.

Artilleriet's al fresco dining in the leafy courtyard of the Army Museum is just a stone's throw from Stureplan and Nybroviken. Take a pew for lunch or an after-work drink - there are plenty of chairs and comfy armchairs to sit in. Dogs are also very welcome.

With an address at one of Stockholm's best viewpoints, the view from Fotografiska's veranda is something quite special. Sit down with a summer cocktail, enjoy the smell of grilled food, and just take in the summer as the sun sets over the water, Gröna Lund and the Royal Palace. To top it off, they offer table reservations for parties of up to 50 people. 

Right next to Lilla Blecktornsparken is Bleck, which draws in visitors to its sun-drenched outdoor seating areas all summer long. Hang out on the stairs, sip on a funky natural wine, and savour some small, delicious bites amidst a mixed clientele.

Lydmar's hidden outdoor terrace looks out over the Nationalmuseum and feels a little like a French arbor. Very popular among guests of all ages who want to enjoy the sun, a glass of wine and something to eat (lunch is served here too). In front of the Lydmar there's another fabulous al fresco area with DJs and live music.

Despite having been a popular summer spot for several years, Reimersholme Hotel still feels like something of a hidden gem. In the hotel's garden, under twinkling lights and large trees, people gather to drink wine and listen to live music.

A stone's throw from trendy Nytorget, Lykke Nytorget is a laid-back spot to chill out outdoors. Their large outdoor dining area serves beer and street food from a food truck, and they live up to their promise of providing a meeting place full of Nytorget vibes.

You don't need to leave central Stockholm to experience sun-drenched Mediterranean vibes - just head down to Strandvägen and Strandbryggan. Strandbryggan has been around in various forms since 1989, from beer café to classic archipelago restaurant, but in summer 2023 the sunny spot was relaunched with strong influences from the Mediterranean area. Take a seat with a cocktail in the lounge, have something to eat in the restaurant or mingle in the sun.  

Right next to the waters of Årstaviken in Skanstull, you'll find the summer restaurant Taley, serving classic Thai flavours amongst the greenery. Enjoy lunch and dinner, have a beer, and listen to live music on the large outdoor terrace with views of the water.

On the quayside of Skeppsbron, Karamell has created an explosion of flavours, scents, and colours from both the Mediterranean and Scandinavia. The charming outdoor seating area enjoys full sun throughout the morning and well into the afternoon, with a stunning view of the water, Skeppsholmen, and the heights of Södermalm – all day long.

Enjoy a peaceful moment in harmonious surroundings with views over the sea. You'll find this hotel, restaurant and conference facility at the point where the Stockholm archipelago begins. Guests are welcome to come and eat, to stay the night or take part in a conference or kick-off. Sit out on the leafy terrace and enjoy food made from seasonal ingredients.

Thoresta Herrgård is beautifully located in natural surroundings right next to Lake Mälaren. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner with views over the water. Food-wise, they aim to offer a top-notch and sustainable gastronomic experience and food is prepared using selected ingredients from nearby farms.

Restaurang Göteborg, on the waterfront of the Sickla canal, can be reached by boat and tram. Take a seat on the deck in the sunshine and have something to eat and drink. Restaurants don't get much closer to the water than this.  

Restaurang Oxenstiernan, is in a historic 18th century building with a leafy outdoor area in the heart of Östermalm. Enjoy classic cooking and wine from selected producers - as well as the odd cocktail - outdoors in fine weather. 

In the heart of Stockholm city, Jacqueline's provides a relaxing oasis in the form of an outdoor dining area. Enjoy the sunny aspect while you sip a cocktail or a glass of wine. If you start to get peckish, their signature dish pinsa is a real hit at brunch, lunch and dinner. 

If you're in the mood for smörrebröd open sandwiches and Czech beer, head to Två små svin in Årsta. The whole place oozes welcoming Continental vibes. During the summer months you can join the locals and enjoy food and beer al fresco on the multi-level outdoor dining area. 

Just a short walk from the city centre, you'll find the Pampas marina and the K4 Pampas restaurant, whose large outdoor dining area looks out over the small boat marina. Stockholmers head here to have something to eat or enjoy a drink next to the gently lapping water. There's plenty of space for groups of all sizes. 

Twelve floors up in the Katarinahuset building is Gondolen's outdoor terrace, with space for about a hundred sunbathing guests. A true summer oasis perfect for celebrating the holidays, with a fruity cocktail in hand and a view over the rooftops, the water, and the sun setting behind the City Hall. If your stomach starts rumbling, you can check out the menu, which includes Swedish and slightly more Southern European flavours.

Mariedals Trädgårdscafé is a charming garden café on Hornsbergs Strand, right alongside the Karlberg canal. There's plenty of space here to take a seat and relax with something to eat, coffee and a cake, an ice cream or a glass of wine as you look out over the canal. 

At Restaurant Marco's little brother restaurant, you can enjoy pizza, charcuterie boards, and other delicacies from the Mediterranean alongside Swedish classics like toast Skagen. The food bar is open daily for lunch, dinner, coffee, and after-work hangouts with their own cocktails, beer in frosted glasses, and sparkling wine. Take a seat at their large outdoor terrace for a full Continental experience. 

This Swedish restaurant can be found right at the top of the Hornsgatan 18 building. The roof terrace has spectacular views over the city and the 400 square metre space is packed with sun-worshipping (and thirsty) guests.

When the al fresco dining spots around Medborgarplatsen fill with city dwellers thirsty for sun and beer, it's a sure sign spring has arrived. Snaps is extra popular and attracts a motley crew who flock under the heaters or, even better, under the parasols. As well as a beer or a cocktail, you can also get something simple to eat.

Among cobblestones, ancient houses and cellar vaults you'll find Stortorgskällaren on Stortorget in the heart of the Old Town. Their generous outdoor dining area is perfect for people-watching. Take a seat at lunchtime onwards and enjoy food, a cocktail or a glass of wine.

Rima Ismail and Samir Kersh, the duo behind the popular A bowl & plates, have created a summery oasis outside Münchenbryggeriet, with whole grilled fish, charcoal-grilled meat and meze. Mediterranean vibes flow, with hanging lamps, olive trees, cocktails and views of the water.

In the old Saltsjöqvarn building, SQ Bar & Restaurant's outdoor terrace offers magnificent views of the entrance to Stockholm harbour from the spacious outdoor seating area. Enjoy lunch or dinner with classic European flavours, or why not enhance your weekend with a luxurious jazz brunch. Getting here is quick and easy with the ferry from Nybrokajen.

On the rooftop of Stadsgårdsterminalen, Kollektivet Livet has created a place to enjoy live music, dancing, DJ sets and pizza and beer. Thirsty Stockholmers come here to hang out on summer evenings, admire the view and enjoy everything from pop to rock music. When the outdoor serving area closes at weekends the night often continues down in the nightclub. 

Everyone is welcome at this neighbourhood restaurant on Liljeholmskajen. There's space for 30 people on the outdoor dining area, where Deck serves Swedish and French flavours with views over th water. Combine your visit with a walk along the Årstaviken waterfront.

Simply heading down to Kungsträdgården is a great idea if you're looking for al fresco dining, leafy greenness and other things to enhance a sunny summer's day. You'll find, among other places, Bar Burger Café, Café Söderberg, Oma and Non Solo Bar. 

Norr Mälarstrand is the perfect waterfront promenade on a sunny day and there are plenty of delightful outdoor spots to eat and drink spread out along the water. Whether you want to eat, have a coffee or enjoy a glass of bubbles, you'll find what you're looking for.