Must-see restaurants in Sweden

  • Puta Madre

    Gothenburg

    This tribute to a Mexican brothel madam serves fresh, imaginative takes on classic Mexican dishes, such as chile en nogada (stuffed chilli), fish tacos,…

  • String

    Södermalm

    This retro-funky SoFo cafe does a bargain weekend brunch buffet (9am to 1pm Saturday and Sunday). Load your plate with everything from cereals, yoghurt…

  • Restaurang Geschwornergården

    Dalarna

    Opposite the main reception at Falu Gruva you'll find this funky smart-casual eatery that does excellent two-course hot lunch specials (frequently…

  • Udda Tapas Bar

    The Bothnian Coast

    Head for the roof terrace of this congenial bar on summer evenings to savour the likes of clams with lemongrass, smoked reindeer with Dijon mustard, lamb…

  • Blå Porten Café

    Djurgården & Skeppsholmen

    This lovely cafe with a courtyard garden is located in the shadow of Liljevalchs Konsthall – and, at the time of our last visit, was more or less…

  • Broken

    Jämtland

    Just off the main square, this American-style diner is where all the hungry bikers and skiers converge to replenish burned calories by hoovering down…

  • Sherlock's Monastery St. Pub

    Uppsala

    Something of a local icon, Sherlock's is basically a small Brit-style pub serving Indian-style pub-grub... but it really works. You may need to book ahead…

  • Nivå Bar & Stek

    Southern Sweden

    Just off Stortorget, this steakhouse has a variety of light, well-priced dishes (nachos, burgers, salads), as well as heartier meals from the grill and…

  • Conditori Duvander

    Skåne

    This historic restaurant and patisserie has a belle-époque feel with its marble columns, arched windows, potted palms and classic tilework. Equally…

  • Bröd & Sovel

    Småland

    This bakery, lauded throughout Swedish culinary circles, offers a vast array of buttery pastries, creamy cakes, freshly made sandwiches and homemade…

  • Baan Thai

    Luleå

    All dark wood and gold Buddha images, this authentic Thai restaurant on the main drag is perpetually filled with locals. Dishes such as the chu chi pla …

  • Vita Björn

    The Bothnian Coast

    Perch yourself on the sunny deck of this boat-restaurant and choose from a casual international menu of caesar salad, vegie burgers, baked salmon and beef…

  • Sunrise

    Småland

    The Mongolian barbecue (adult/child 208/108kr) at this authentic restaurant is the star turn here, prepared fresh on the griddle with a selection of 12…

  • Bryggeriet

    Skåne

    Unique Bryggeriet is a relaxed meat-leaning restaurant-pub in an old brewery. The courtyard is an excellent spot to linger over a well-cooked meal and…

  • Bakfickan

    Visby

    White-tiled walls, merrily strung lights and boisterous crowds define this foodie-loved bolt-hole, where enlightened seafood gems might include toast…

  • Waxholms Hotell

    Vaxholm

    In an art nouveau building opposite the harbour, grand Waxholms offers classic fine dining and bewitching water views in its upstairs dining room. In…

  • Sabai-Soong

    Stockholm

    Super-kitsch Sabai-Soong is keeping it real despite the snooty address. A hit with families and fashionistas alike, its tropical-trash day-glo interior is…

  • Bryggeriet

    Småland

    Enjoy a dreamy position overlooking the water. The menu here includes finely crafted game dishes with fillet of deer and wild boar, while lunch is more…

  • Falafel No 1

    Malmö

    Malmö residents are so fond of felafel that it even features in songs by local rapper Timbuktu. Falafel No 1 (also known as the Orient House) is a long…

  • Håfveruds Rökeri & Brasseri

    Southwestern Sweden

    Post-industrial Håfveruds Brasseri, based in an old paper mill, and with shaded lockside tables, serves everything from smoked salmon with new potatoes to…

  • Sjalso Bageri

    Gotland

    This popular bakery in Sjalso village, outside Visby (about 3km north of the airport), bakes amazing fresh loaves, which you can buy on their own or have…

  • Åre Bageri

    Jämtland

    This sprawling organic cafe and stone-oven bakery does an enormous all-you-can-eat breakfast spread for 89kr (7am to 10.30am), great coffee, pastries and…

  • Landströms Kök & Bar

    Kiruna

    Take a stylish, monochrome interior, throw in some reindeer steak, haloumi burgers, racks of lamb, and crayfish sandwiches, and add a concise, well-chosen…

  • Da Ernesto

    Småland

    Run by a real-deal Neapolitan, this Italian cafe, restaurant and bar attracts scores of people with its baristiand extensive menu including pastas,…

  • Magnussons Krog

    Uppsala

    Try any of the specials on the chalkboard at this sleek corner hang-out. Late-night bar snacks (109kr to 129kr) help soak up delicious cocktails, which…

  • Upperllerner

    Skåne

    A brick-clad dining space combined with subtle lighting creates a soothing rustic ambience for enjoying mainly meat and fish dishes, including classics…

  • Lammet & Grisen

    Southeastern Sweden

    Just 10km south of Böda, come here for all-you-can-eat buffet evenings, with whole spit-roasted lamb and pork on the menu, plus live entertainment. The…

  • Afrodite

    Lappland

    The Goddess of Love tempts diners with 'Greek-inspired' dishes, so expect to see chicken souvlaki alongside reindeer and smoked moose pizzas in this…

  • Restaurang Tingsgården

    Central Sweden

    This intimate restaurant, inside a wonderful wooden 18th-century house in the old town, is a treat. Its menu is heavy on meat and fish, from lamb and…

  • Vägg i Vägg

    The Bothnian Coast

    Located in a darkly atmospheric 19th-century timber building, Vägg i Vägg caters to a discerning and largely carnivorous clientele. The offerings range…

  • Mölle Krukmakeri & Café

    Skåne

    Just up from the harbour in Mölle, this cosy cafe and ceramics gallery is run by potter Lisa Wohlfart. Stock up on her sleek, contemporary wares or simply…

  • Örebro Ölcafé

    Örebro

    More gastropub than cafe, this hipster joint does great burgers and killer fries, has daily home-style specials and hosts themed meal nights. With local…

  • Gambrinus

    Lund

    The star turn at the Grand Hotel’s gourmet nosh spot is the Lund menu, featuring creative interpretations of regional classics using seasonal local…

  • Cafe Ekorren

    Djurgården & Skeppsholmen

    This summer cafe, in a little yellow hut near the Biskopsudden marina in Djurgården, has outdoor tables set on decks beside the water. It makes a lovely…

  • Mäster Gudmunds Källare

    Småland

    This much-loved restaurant sits in a 17th-century cellar, with beautiful vaulted ceilings and excellent-value lunch sets. Evening mains are mainly meaty…

  • Rojas

    Småland

    The interior here is cosily cluttered with a 1950s theme, kickback sofas and an eclectic display of art and antiques, while the terrace sprawls invitingly…

  • Gandhi

    The Bothnian Coast

    This appealing restaurant lures you in with scents of tandoori king prawns, lamb nawabi and paneer mango masala. Tandoori dishes are the strong point, and…

  • Feskekörka

    Gothenburg

    A market devoted to all things that come from the sea, the 'Fish Church' is heaven for those who appreciate slabs of gravadlax, heaped shrimp sandwiches…

  • Seglarrestaurangen

    Stockholm Archipelago

    Inside Seglarhotellet, this superb restaurant serves high-end Swedish food, from exceptional seared Lofoten cod to coffee-roasted venison. The lunch…

  • En Deli i Haga

    Gothenburg

    En Deli dishes out great Mediterranean-style salads and meze, as well as good soup and sandwiches. Can't decide? Try some of everything, with the deli…

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