Waterside restaurants in Stockholm

Historic Villa Källhagen out on Djurgården (a short walk from Djurgårdsbron bridge) has its own jetty for anyone prefering to make their entrance by boat. They serve a summer menu with both Swedish and continental flavours, and a special children's menu.

K4 is a waterfront neighbourhood restaurant that complements its marine atmosphere with lots of grilled and smoked food on the menu. Brunch and lunch are served all year round, and there's also an à la carte menu during the summer months, when hedonists can sun themselves on the large outdoor area right by the water. Perfect walking distance from Vasastan and the city centre.

Alongside the Norr Mälarstrand promenade is Mälarpaviljongen, which has become a true summer favourite. An idyllic, verdant oasis flying the rainbow flag, it has been mentioned by the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller. With a classic menu and an inclusive atmosphere, people of all ages gather here, from groups of friends in the mood to party to families with children and couples.

Restaurang J is situated by the water's edge in Nacka Strand. There are obvious influences from the American East coast, both in terms of the interior and the fabulous mix of international and Swedish flavours that are served. When the outdoor seating area is open some 250 guests can enjoy both the food and the setting.

Fjäderholmarnas Krog is beautifully situated on an easily accessible little archipelago island in the middle of the entrance to Stockholm harbour, just 25 minutes away by boat from the city centre. Sdown and dine right by the water, or make a day trip and take a dip before or after your meal. As you would expect of an authentic archipelago restaurant, the menu features plenty of fish and seafood, but also meat, vegetarian and child-friendly dishes. 

SQ Restaurant & Bar is beautifully situated by the Saltsjöqvarn quayside, inside the Elite Hotel Marina Tower. Enjoy the views over the entrance to Stockholm harbour, while satisfying your hunger with a steak tartare, Caesar salad, pasta or some other classic European dish. Their brunch is a lovely weekend activity that's best enjoyed on the outdoor terrace during the summer.

In Stockholm's inner archipelago, just a short trip by boat, bike or car from the bright lights of the city, is Bockholmen. An idyllic little island between Edsviken and Brunnsviken providing rural calm for even the most stressed of city dwellers. A regularly updated sophisticated menu is served in the beautiful 19th century villa. During the summer months, elegant European and Scandinavian dishes take centre stage, while the emphasis in the autumn is on shellfish with pairing wines. 

On the waterfront of Kungsholms strand lies a barge, formerly known as Nordens Ljus and now Gusto d'Italia La Barca. Italian culinary experiences are the order of the day here. The menu consists of Italian classics and the drinks list features carefully selected gems from the boot-shaped country. A warm atmosphere and a feeling of generosity around the table are important for the team behind the restaurant.

You only need to head 30 minutes outside the city centre to reach the island of Storholmen and its charming waterfront inn just outside Lidingö. They serve archipelago-inspired and European bistro dishes right on the jetty with views over the water. The restaurant is open most of the year and the large, sunny alfresco dining area is a big draw in the summer months.

On the jetty beneath Liljeholmsbron, along Hornstulls strand, you'll find Loopen, which is open for the summer. You can both eat and quench your thirst among green palm trees here. The menu features Swedish classics, sandwiches and salads, which you can, for example, wash down with a Caribbean beer.

On the island of Ekerö just outside the city centre, in Jungfrusund bay, you'll find this harbourfront restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner all year round. Spend summer evenings on the jetty, perhaps with a cocktail or glass of bubbly in hand. Get here by car or bus, or your own boat.

Piren's open, lakefront location by Hornsberg Strand draws in diners in both summer and winter. A modern neighbourhood restaurant feel in a slightly industrial format with floor to ceiling glass walls. Enjoy the unpretentious atmosphere with a dip into the big blue and finish off the evening with a good meal.

You can't get much closer to the water than this; Märtha is located at Söder Mälarstrand and boasts fantastic view over the waters of Riddarfjärden. The old steamboat has been transformed into a social meeting place with a sunny rooftop terrace where you can order seafood, fish, and pizza, or just enjoy a drink in the sun. There are also indoor seating areas and a bar.

In the shipyard on the island of Högmarsö you'll find this summer restaurant right on the waterfront. Chef of the Year winner Tomas Diederichsen and his wife Klara, who is also the sommelier, are at the helm, focusing on well-prepared and creative à la carte dishes. They describe the restaurant as a neighbourhood restaurant in the archipelago, rather than a typical archipelago restaurant, with everything from live music to oyster evenings, various guest appearances, and other fun events on the agenda.

On the small peninsula right next to Västerbron and Rålambshovsparken, “a stone's throw from reality”, you'll find this green summer oasis that attracts many Stockholmers. Eden's restaurant is located on the terrace of a beautiful turn-of-the-century villa with a large garden and its own sauna down by the jetty. Eat, drink cocktails, listen to DJs or just relax in the sun. The menu focuses primarily on flavours from the Mediterranean but using Scandinavian ingredients in season. 

Right by the water's edge in Bromma, in a pretty pavilion-like building with a large al fresco dining area on the jetty, you'll find this idyllic summer spot with stunning views over the water and traditional Swedish dishes alongside more international flavours on the menu. Come by car or cruise in by boat.

Thai delicacies, palm trees and exotic cocktails are the name of the game at this floating Asian restaurant, which has become a classic destination for many Stockholmers. Right at the far end of Södermalm, Thai Boat floats on the waters of Hammarby Sjöstad. Lean back and relax in one of the sun loungers and sway to the music, or enjoy dinner inside the restaurant.

You'll find this BBQ restaurant on the waterfront of Lännerstasundet, on the way in or out of the city to the Stockholm archipelago. Tie up your boat outside or take the car to Nacka to enjoy an authentic American barbeque meal. The menu consists of dishes, all cooked expertly over wood. There are meat, vegetarian, fish and seafood options, which you can wash down with artisanal beers and American wines.

You'll find this charming little summer restaurant right next to Djurgårdsbron. There's an al fresco area on the jetty with views over the canal and boats. During the day they serve coffee, cakes and sandwiches, while in the evenings the place transforms into a restaurant serving the likes of herring burgers and fish stew.

Fisksätra's marina has got an exciting new addition with this archipelago gem. The stunning view almost pales in comparison to the extensive menu, where classic dishes vie for place with wood-fired pizza and exotic sushi.