Where to go on a first date in Stockholm

This popular Old Town neighbourhood restaurant is part of the always-reliable Bockholmen group - an ambitious and laid-back concept with reasonable prices. And what could be more romantic than continuing your date with a stroll through the cobbled alleyways of the Old Town?

Take your date to Liberdade for a drink in the bar or a full dinner. Red velvet sofas, green leafy plants and subdued lighting create an atmosphere as mysterious as it is romantic in the evening, which is set to music by a DJ a few times a week. Order some snacks to share, or go large with Liberdade's tasting menu, paired with well-selected drinks.

A classic Italian restaurant in Sibirien with red and white checked tablecloths and candles. They serve Italian dishes, aperitivo cocktails, Italian craft beers and grappa - perfect for a traditional date when you're in the mood for a little flirtation, Italian-style.

French neighbourhood restaurant Café Nizza welcomes guests to a cosy dinner with Continental vibes. Share a bottle of wine with a few snacks and small dishes, or go all-in with a classic four-course meal. You can also keep things casual with a simple drink in the restaurant's smaller side bistro, Cave Nizza.

Where would a French person go? It's a good question to ask yourself before a first date, and the answer would most probably be Napolyon. This bistro gem on Grev Turegatan serves up French homecooking with a modern twist, with dishes such as oysters, bleak roe, moules and steak. If you want to extend the evening there's an extensive wine list to taste your way through.

Generous opening hours, a relaxed atmosphere and good food and drink are the watchwords at all the Bockholmen group's restaurants and it's proved to be an extremely popular formula. And isn't that exactly what you want from a date too: a relaxed atmosphere and something good to eat and drink? The old cinema that now houses this neighbourhood restaurant also makes for a charming backdrop.

A movie and dinner date is a real classic. The neighbourhood restaurant Capitol has elegant cinema auditoria and its own Twenties-feel bistro, and you can even take a glass of wine and something to eat in to the cinema with you. Go for a classic old film or get tickets for the latest blockbuster.

Bobonne transports you to a back street somewhere in romantic Paris, with classic brasserie food, white tablecloths and an intimate atmosphere. In the open kitchen, chefs prepare French homecooking such as boeuf bourguignon and moules, and a couple of seasonal dishes, as well as a wide selection of French wines.

It's no secret that Italians are masters of romance, and a date at an Italian restaurant is rarely a bad idea. At Nostrano, which has two Stockholm addresses in town, you can enjoy ambitious Italian dishes such as pasta, risotto and grilled main dishes, or share a couple of antipasti with a glass of wine.

A glass of fizz in the foyer bar, dinner with Swedish-French flavours or a live performance – or why not all of the above? No matter how high you want to set the bar for the first date, Scalateatern has something to offer. The historic theatre houses a bar, restaurant and stage with elegant 1920s vibes, as well as a basement space where live jazz and stand-up take place – something for both the romantic and the jazz enthusiast, in other words.

Take your date on a romantic journey to 1970s Italy. At Florentine, marble, Roman statues, porcelain figures and beautiful lamps create a glamorous backdrop that looks like it's straight out of a film scene. The food follows the same theme: here you will enjoy well-composed Italian dishes such as fresh pasta, Neapolitan pizza, and antipasti – preferably accompanied by a spritz or a glass of wine.

In keeping with their philosophy that "food is like love, better when shared", Lokal Izakaya serves innovative sharing dishes to enjoy together. Flavours are based on Japanese cuisine but they draw culinary inspiration from all corners of Asia. If you'd rather meet up over a drink, take a seat in the bar where ambitious cocktails with Asian flavours are shaken and stirred.

The first date can often be a bit nerve-wracking, but meeting up in a slightly more relaxed place can make for a lighter atmosphere. At Styrelsen, both the atmosphere and the menu are in a southern European style, with Swedish elements. Start with a drink at the marble bar and then settle down in the bright dining room or in the summer courtyard.

Cosy Gamla Enskede Matbod is in charming Gamla Enskede, just a short walk from Sandsborg underground station. Swedish dishes are the order of the day here, served in a classic bistro setting with chequered floors and bentwood chairs. Have a glass of wine each at the bar before you continue into the dining room and enjoy a bite to eat together.

For a truly romantic date, head to Meatballs, a relaxed neighbourhood spot in the heart of Sofo. It's all about homemade meatballs here, perfectly paired with a cocktail or beer from the bar. Choose between classic Swedish meatballs or an international variant, and if you're feeling extra loving, you can order a large "Meatball Feast" platter to share.

The city's best jazz joint suits serious jazz aficonados as well as romantic couples. Dinner is accompanied by live jazz all week, and the atmosphere is as intimate as it is relaxed. Although its well known to true connoisseurs, Glenn Miller is still something of a hidden gem on Brunnsgatan. 

DoMa serves up Scandinavian taste experiences for all occasions, from brunch and lunch to drinks with snacks and all-night dinners. Despite the ambitious menu, the atmosphere is relaxed with at-home vibes, both in the lavish dining room and in the bar downstairs.

Miss Voon presents Asia in a modern format, with an elegant mix of Asian food cultures and a twist of Europe. Appetisers are served on platters perfect for sharing, and you can also explore their omakase where the chef serves his seven favourite dishes. The drinks list and the interiors also follow the Nordic-Asian theme.

Both the menu and the environment at Las Brasas are clearly influenced by South America and Spain, with rustic barbecue dishes enjoyed amid muted colors and green-tiled walls. Choose from meat, fish and vegetarian, or if you're feeling spontaneous, order the menu degustación and let the chefs decide the dishes for you.

As the name suggests, craftsmanship is the watchword at this elegant restaurant with an Östermalm address. Swedish ingredients are carefully combined with foreign influences to become innovative medium-sized dishes, perfect for sharing. For a real overall experience, order the cocktail package of five cocktails, which pair perfectly with dishes.

If you really want to impress your date, then this fine dining restaurant is a hot option. Enjoy a French-inspired tasting menu in an environment that's both elegant and relaxed. The head chef has previously worked at Frantzén and other three Michelin-starred restaurants, which says a lot about the level of quality.

Voisine aims to be Stockholm's most delightful neighbourhood restaurant, serving authentic food influenced by French and Swedish cuisine. Owned by the same duo as the Folii wine bar, there's a generous selection of wine, and themed wine tastings are organised regularly.

Weather and wind govern the menu at Oxenstiernan which, housed in an 18th-century building in Östermalm, combines art, design, craftsmanship and gastronomy. Sustainable dishes imbued with Swedish food craftsmanship are served in a bright, inspiring environment, with tradition and innovation in symbiosis with each other. Come here for lunch as well as dinner for a luxurious taste experience, which can be enjoyed outside on the leafy courtyard during the summer months.

More than just a meal, a visit to Adam/Albin can be described as a holistic experience for all the senses. The famous Michelin-starred restaurant lets Nordic flavours take centre stage in the form of a tasting menu with the very best ingredients in season, presented in detail at a small podium placed by each table. First-class service, elegant surroundings and unexpected flavours have made the restaurant as hyped as it is celebrated among Stockholm's foodies.

Mellqvist Matbar, on one of Stockholm's most popular walking streets, is a Continental-style social meeting place. French bistro dishes are served in small and large sizes, along with hand-picked wines and fun cocktails. Brick walls and wooden furniture make it feel like a luxurious living room, and during the summer months the lively outdoor terrace is a popular watering hole.

Give your date a cinematic setting at Astoria - the restaurant is housed in the grand premises of the old Astoria cinema. With Michelin-starred restaurateur Björn Frantzén at the helm, the menu is well thought out with exclusive ingredients and exciting flavour combinations. Take a seat in the lively dining room or head further inside to the slightly more intimate bar area.

Steer a course towards Lisa Elmqvist for a stylish and luxurious first date. The very best the sea has to offer is served up in the elegant dining room at the far end of Östermalms Saluhall. If you want to go all-in treat yourselves to a luxurious shellfish platter to share, or compose your own dish with your choice of fish and accompaniments such as garlic bread, aioli and Västerbotten cheese. Naturally, there are also classics such as fish soup and seafood risotto on the menu, as well as a carefully chosen selection of wine, beer and cocktails. 

Italiano has been inviting Stockholmers to enjoy authentic Italian family dinners since 1989, with authentic food made from recipes that have been handed down through the generations. You can also come here for lunch or dinner on your own, in a wonderfully lively atmosphere with a family vibe - just like in a real Italian bistro.

At AG, which houses both an industrial dining room and a smaller tapas bar, top quality dry-aged meat takes centre stage, accompanied by seasonal dishes and southern European style small dishes. Despite the first-class ingredients, the atmosphere is relaxed, with an uncomplicated bistro feel that's perfect for hanging out in for a long time.

For over ten years, Barbro has been a popular watering hole among Stockholm's foodies, with Nordic-Japanese fusion a consistent theme both food- and decor-wise. In the upstairs dining room you can sit in cosy surroundings overlooking the open kitchen, and downstairs you'll find a unique cinema bar with a lounge, cocktail bar and a film screen from the time when the restaurant collaborated with the adjacent Bio Rio cinema.

Bar Nombre interweaves Spanish flavours with Swedish ingredients, rustic with ambitious and moody with intimate. The concept has been well received by Stockholmers, who come here as much for the exciting menu as the charming atmosphere. At the chef's table, you can watch the chefs work and if you'd rather eat slightly more privately, you can head downstairs to the simpler but oh-so-cosy dining room.

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the Mood gallerian shopping centre, you'll find a small Spanish square, where the tables are filled with tapas, pintxos, cocktails and cava, and a DJ spinning tunes adding to the atmosphere. At Boqueria, you can get to know each other in a slightly more relaxed way than a first date usually entails, and if things go well you can return for a slightly more formal dinner in the restaurant's white-tiled dining room, with Spanish sharing dishes to share.

Hallwylska's beautiful inner courtyard has become a watering hole for visitors from all over Stockholm and beyond who come here for cocktails, a glass of wine or dinner with southern European flavours. Let the unique surroundings complete with greenery, Continental furniture and statues transport you on a summery trip to the Mediterranean - which, thanks to the glassed-in area and heat lamps, is available all year round.

Enjoy Italian flavours in the dining room or sip cocktails in the pistachio-green bar. Cuculo has space for both small and large groups, and you can easily blend into the playful and vibrant environment.

Inspiration for Kommendören's menu comes from American bistro culture, with dishes such as steaks from the charcoal grill, fried chicken and lobster tacos – quite simply, the dishes the owners themselves enjoy. You can also come by for a weekend brunch, or perhaps a drink in the intimate cocktail bar.

Spanish drop-in bar Racamaca has a relaxed atmosphere à la Barcelona. The menu boasts "Snacks for chatting over" such as pimientos de padrón, burnt manchego and their famous bikini toast, and of course plenty of wine and beer. If the date goes well, you can order more dishes one after the other, and let the hours fly by.

A nice, relaxed atmosphere prevails at Aubergine no matter what day of the week it is. The menu has something for all tastes and wallets and standards are high, in terms of both the service and the food. Start or round off the date with a cocktail in the bar.

Stop by this Parisian brasserie for something to eat or just to sit at the bar and have a glass of fizz and a few oysters. Take in the atmosphere and get to know each other among the buzz - Balzac feels a little like Paris and New York at the same time.

Take your date with you to Tokyo – or at least Stockholm's answer to the vibrant neon city. Slurp homemade noodles and share small dishes such as fried chicken and gyozas at Sin Ramen, perhaps paired with the occasional Asian-influenced cocktail. All in an exciting environment with colourful murals and lighting reminiscent of Tokyo's lively streets.

Despite extensive critical acclaim, Flippin' Burgers has managed to maintain its no-frills vibe and fairly simple concept: good burgers made from scratch at a decent price. Forget white tablecloths and candlelight, here the cosy atmosphere comes from industrial interiors in wood, tiles and leather. Tuck into a delicious burger, and perhaps a decadent milkshake to share for dessert - in true American style.

Why complicate things? Cucina Povera has a pared-back premises on Odengatan, where they serve authentic Italian food with plenty of heart. The menu consists of pasta, pizza och smaller antipasti dishes, along with homemade soft-serve ice cream with olive oil for dessert. La Cucina Povera means "poor man's food", and their pricing is very reasonable. 

The days when a date at a restaurant was synonymous with lavish fine dining that leaves a hole in the wallet are thankfully long gone. Really nice kebabs served in a modern, relaxed environment - sounds like a Date 2.0, right? At Le Kebab, which can be found at several addresses in town, the dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients, many of which are organic and plant-based. Vegetarians will find several options to choose from.

The Old Town, with its cosy alleyways and beautiful brick arches, isn't called Stockholm's most romantic district for nothing. Next to Kornhamnstorg, you can slip into Cong for a Vietnamese meal with street food and small dishes, perfect for sharing. During the summer months, you can enjoy your date al fresco on the outdoor terrace, with Slussen and the waters of Stockholm harbour as a backdrop.

Stuffed Chinese pancakes, jianbing, take centre stage at Lao Lao, an authentic Chinese restaurant next to Zinkensdamm. They also offer a couple of smaller dishes, such as roasted duck, shiitake stew and spicy tofu, perfect for several people to share. Their budget-friendly prices mean you can invite your date to dinner here even during the leaner days of the month.

There are sandwiches, and then there are Scandwiches. We're talking culinary craftsmanship, top-notch ingredients and oodles of flavour. They serve natural wines and beer alongside and if you're in need of an icebreaker you can play one of the board games or impress each other with your general knowledge at their “Scandquiz”.  

Ramblas may have levelled up from beer hangout to nice tapas restaurant with Spanish classics on the menu, but the prices are still at the lower end of the range. At two addresses on Södermalm, they serve Stockholmers authentic Spanish small dishes, the national dish paella and, naturally, sparkling cava.

Forget fine dining. À la Crêpe serves up crêpes, French countryside vibes and an intimate atmosphere. And there are also galettes (savoury buckwheat crêpes) for all tastes - with fillings from beef to halloumi. Finish up with a sweet dessert crêpe and don't miss the cider.

For a really intimate, cosy feel, take your date to the neighbourhood restaurant Kryp In on Mariatorget. All the interiors are made of wood and the menu consists of ambitious small and medium-sized dishes with Southern European influences - perfect for sharing.

This time machine in the Old Town transports you to the Middle Ages, with rustic home cooking, foaming mead and entertainment in the form of fire eaters, belly dancing and magicians. Take a seat in the historic cellar vaults or on the seasonal outdoor terrace for a magical medieval experience unlike any other.

For an authentic alpine feeling with candlelight, whitewashed walls and steaming fondue pots, book a table at Fondueboden in Vasastan. You cook your own fondue at the table, perfect if you want to make your date last a little bit longer...

At Dryck you can discover the fascinating world of wine in a relaxed way, free from snobbery and rules. In addition to a wide range of small-scale and biodynamic wines, the drinks menu lists "Wine tasting on your own", where you get to taste a red, a white and an orange wine, as well as a leaflet on how to taste wine in the best way. To go with your drinks, you can share a cheese and charcuterie platter with only Swedish ingredients, or perhaps a liba pizza.

Challenge each other to a game of boules while you get to know each other over a beer. Boulebar is a mixture of popular boules pitches, a bar and French-inspired restaurant and you'll find a happy mixture of families, groups of friends and workmates here. Laid-back, friendly and slightly, but not too, competitive!

A great way to meet for the first time has to be in a relaxed place where you're guaranteed to have a laugh. You don't need to make small talk for hours, instead you can enjoy famous and up-and-coming comedians whose aim is to entertain. If you're not ready to come home when it's over you can stay and hang out at the bar.

Combine drinks with activities at La Botanica in Solna! They've created a huge entertainment centre with a restaurant, bar and games area. In the latter, you can engage in both tricky and active competitions, games and challenges such as bowling, mini golf, darts, radio cars, shuffleboard, billiards, triathlon and pentathlon and arcade games. If hunger strikes, just head over to the restaurant where a huge buffet is laid out.

Few phenomena defy common sense as much as falling in love, but the exhibitions at Paradox Museum aren't far behind. Experience over 70 different rooms and interactive objects that challenge your perception of what's real and what's not, deceive your eyes and distort your perspective. A unique experience immortalised with fun photos that you get to take home with you.

What could be more charming than inviting your date to join you for a round of Thirties-style mini golf and a cocktail? Swing by Golfbaren in Vasastan has ambitious courses and a restaurant where they serve everything from lobster rolls to hot dogs. The outdoor courses in Kristineberg and Aspudden are perfect for a summer date.

Settle down in a comfortable sofa group or at the bar and drink cocktails based on Swedish gin at Hernö's homely gin and food bar. Marble floors, high vaults and Scandinavian interior design create a homely living room feel that is just as suitable for a spontaneous cocktail as for a dinner date with snacks and appetisers to share.

For a drinks date of the more ambitious kind, head to award-winning Pharmarium, whose premises once housed Sweden's first pharmacy - something that left its mark on both the bar's medicine-influenced cocktail menu and the antique interiors. As well as advanced drinks, you can order snacks such as charcuterie and oysters.

For that relaxing living room feeling, but with really fabulous cocktails, drop by Bar Afterglow. This charming pastel-coloured haven can be found in one of Södermalm's hottest neighbourhoods, where they serve unique signature cocktails, beers, and small sharing snacks. Opening hours extend until midnight, so if the date goes well you can stay put and let the hours pass by. 

Get to know each other over a beer in unpretentious surroundings at The Old Brewer. Sample various craft beers and share some homemade snacks in the candlelight. When hunger sets in, take a look at the dinner menu which consists of modern British pub grub with Swedish influences.

With a living room-like environment, great cocktails and an extensive selection of party games and activities, Tilt is made for relaxed socialising. Start off with a bite to eat and then go all in on shuffleboard and pool, or cosy up on the leather sofas with a game of backgammon.

The Art Deco hotel Rival is something of an institution on Södermalm and is as appreciated by locals as long-distance visitors. There are no fewer than two bars here – the cocktail bar whose classic red sofas create a romantic atmosphere, and Watson's Bar which has more of a party vibe, with soul, funk and jazz pouring out of the speakers.

In addition to exciting fusion dishes, French-Asian Forma also offers a wide repertoire of wine and cocktails in both classic and creative variations. Sit down at the long bar with a glass and some snacks that complement the flavours, and get to know each other in unpretentious surroundings.

Take your date on a gastronomic journey to the coast of Lebanon, with authentic dishes made from fresh ingredients. If you opt for one of the restaurant's tasting menus, you'll be served a wide range of hot and cold meze dishes to share. Soft velvet, large crystal chandeliers, and lush plants create just the right ambience.

It's easy to get a bit nervous on a first date. So it can be nice to have something safe to talk about, like the menu at Sthlm Tapas. They serve small plates with flavours from all over the world, guaranteed to generate small talk. 

The Mediterranean is rarely a bad idea, and at this charming little food and wine bar, you and your date can get to know each other over southern European delicacies from the sea, land, and plant kingdom. The dishes at HG180 come in medium sizes, perfect for sharing. Modern decor makes for a more laid-back atmosphere, rather than the classic romantic setting.

Embark on a taste journey that stretches from the Sichuan province of China to Bali and Singapore, with creative combinations of dishes you may never have encountered before. Ling Long's concept revolves around Asian food prepared with Nordic ingredients, served as appetisers meant to be shared at the table. Perfect for a date with a playful and modern vibe, with pared-back interiors and a cocktail bar that regularly hosts DJ sets.

Multicultural Jacqueline's invites you to lunch as well as dinner and brunch in an urban environment with pink and green tones. The menu is inspired by the Mediterranean, with flavours from Italy, Spain and Greece. Order several different smaller dishes to share, and don't miss the restaurant's pizza-like signature dish, pinsa.

The marine theme is the common denominator at Restaurang J, from the menu and the interior to the views of Stockholm's water. The journey here from the city takes only a few minutes, but transports you to an American Newport-style harbour restaurant, with delicacies such as oysters and other shellfish on the menu. During the summer months, the outdoor dining area opens on the jetty, while in winter you can cosy up in front of the open fire in the dining room.