Stockholm is a city with a diverse and vibrant culinary scene, reflecting its deep-rooted Scandinavian traditions and cosmopolitan nature. There’s something to satisfy every palate in the Swedish capital but here we share with you five very different places to try on your next visit. Whether you’re looking for a gourmet tasting menu, some of the city’s finest seafood, authentic Thai cuisine, the city’s best burger, or a chance to dine like a Viking, these restaurants will provide you with unforgettable meals that showcase some of Stockholm’s culinary offerings. So, loosen your belt and prepare your taste buds — these dining destinations are sure to impress.

For fine dining: Persona

Persona, located in central Stockholm, provides a fine dining experience with a blend of Nordic traditions and contemporary cuisine. The restaurant’s interior, designed with mid-century Italian inspiration, features calming green hues and natural wood, creating a welcoming yet refined atmosphere. Guests can enjoy watching the open kitchen as the chefs craft their dishes.

The tasting menu at Persona features a mix of innovative and beautifully presented dishes, focusing on fresh, local ingredients. Standout offerings include a dish of  “beef / chimichurri / shiso tempura” – fusion of Latin American and Japanese flavours. The dessert course brings together sweet treats like a cardamom croissant, a chocolate soufflé tart, and a cannelé, blending traditional French and Swedish influences.

What sets Persona apart is its attention to detail and personal touches. From the carefully selected wine pairings to the final keepsake of a Polaroid photo of guests, the restaurant creates a memorable and immersive dining experience that will linger in the memory long after you have left.

For superb seafood: Lisa Elmqvist Restaurant

For seafood lovers, a visit to Lisa Elmqvist Restaurant is an absolute must. Located in the historic Östermalms Saluhall, one of Stockholm’s most famous food markets, Lisa Elmqvist has been serving some of the freshest seafood in the city for over four generations. The restaurant is renowned for its commitment to quality and sustainability, offering a menu that highlights the best of what Sweden’s waters have to offer.

The heart of Lisa Elmqvist’s menu lies in its simple yet expertly prepared dishes, allowing the freshness of the ingredients to shine. Start with an appetiser of Skagen toast, a Swedish classic that is a mix of shrimps, mayonnaise and dill, served on toast, garnished with trout roe and accompanied by a wedge of lemon. From there, indulge in the steamed halibut served with butter-fried chantarelles, beans and kohlrabi, salmon roe and a Sandefjord sauce flavoured with dill, and you will not be disappointed.

Diners are able to enjoy their meal in the lively atmosphere of the market hall, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the food hall’s vendors. It’s a setting that sonehow works, regardless of whether you’ve having a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, and that captures the essence of Stockholm’s culinary heritage as well as the timeless appeal of the city’s markets.

For Thai cuisine: Rimlay Thaikök

There has been significant immigration from Thailand to Sweden, particularly since the 1970s with many Thai restaurants having opened restaurants. One to definitely try, despite its unassuming exterior, is Rimlay Thaikök, a beloved spot known for serving some of the most authentic Thai dishes at Naka Strand on the outskirts the city.

The menu offers a wide array of classic Thai dishes that will transport your taste buds straight to Thailand. Begin your meal with the delicious chicken satay sticks, and for your main, the chicken massaman takes some beating, delivers powerful Thai flavours that will have you going back for more. (We enjoyed it so much that we visited two nights in a row!)

The restaurant’s casual, no-frills vibe makes it a perfect spot for a relaxed meal with friends or family. Just don’t be fooled by the unpretentious setting as the food is consistently impressive. Whether you’re a fan of Thai curries, noodle dishes, or stir-fries, Rimlay Thaikök is sure to deliver on all fronts, and at a very reasonable price point.

For the best burger in the city: Flippin’ Burgers

When it comes to finding the best burger in Stockholm, you’d be hard-pushed to surpassing those served at Flippin’ Burgers in the city’s Norrmalm district. This laid-back restaurant serves some of the most succulent and mouthwatering burgers I have ever tasted, with its success no doubt being due to its commitment to quality ingredients, and a genuine passion for the craft of making the perfect burger.

The menu at Flippin’ Burgers is refreshingly simple, yet each item is carefully crafted to deliver on flavour. I went for the cricket burger, described as “A Colorado classic. Cream cheese, caramelised onions, pickled red onions and jalapeño”, which I would wholeheartedly recommend. A veggie Beond burger option is also available.

The restaurant has a relaxed, retro vibe, and a distinctly American diner feel. Staff are friendly and attentive, and the casual environment makes it a perfect spot for a laid-back meal. Pair your burger with their fries – and a thick, creamy milkshake if that’s your thing – and you’ve got yourself the ultimate comfort food experience.

To dine like a Viking: Restaurant Särimner

Last but not least… and for a dining experience that’s truly unlike any other, try the Birka glamping experience where you’ll get to dine like a Viking at Restaurant Särimner. This immersive dining experience draws inspiration from Viking history, culture and cuisine in a very special setting. The island of Birka was a centre of trade during the Viking times and is often regarded as the first Stockholm.

The dinner is included in the glamping experience, allowing you to enjoy Swedish dishes such as Classic Toast Skagen with a view of Lake Mälaren as the sun sets. The hearty mains included dishes such as red wine braised beef cheek with root vegetable gratin and asparagus, Särimner’s fish and seafood casserole, and glazed ribs with fries, all exceptionally cooked.

The food is only part of the experience with the restaurant’s interior designed to resemble a Viking longhouse, with long communal tables and animal hides that transport you back to the days of the Norsemen. This is more than just a meal — it’s an opportunity a very special setting long after the majority of tourists have left the island.

Disclosure: Our trip was kindly supported by Visit Stockholm.

Paul Johnson

 

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.