Amazing Stockholm Food You’ll Want to Eat on Your Trip

Most people’s only taste of Swedish food is the IKEA meatballs served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce. It’s an iconic meal that’s fueled thousands of people worldwide, including myself! I knew I wanted to get the authentic version in Stockholm, but had no clue about other foods to eat in Stockholm. Luckily, Stockholm has some fantastic Swedish and international food, and you’ll find food there you won’t find anywhere else. Curious to know what there is to eat? Read on to find out what and where you should eat in Stockholm (from a self-proclaimed foodie) in this food guide!

Food in Stockholm Overview

Like most large cities, Stockholm has a lot of cuisines. You’ll find authentic Swedish dishes served alongside different international cuisines, including Thai, Italian, Danish, Turkish, Chinese, and more. Obviously, if you’re visiting Stockholm you’ll want to try Swedish food.

Swedish Food Background

The country’s weather heavily influences Swedish food. Sweden’s long, cold winters and short growing seasons meant that people needed to find ways to preserve food. As a result, people started pickling, smoking, and curing their proteins. This is why many traditional Swedish dishes feature preserved foods, such as pickled herring and cured salmon.

Swedish food is heavily influenced by the country’s weather. Sweden’s long, cold winters and short growing seasons meant that people needed to find ways to preserve food. As a result, people started pickling, smoking, and curing their proteins. This is why many traditional Swedish dishes feature preserved foods, such as pickled herring and cured salmon.

Seafood is also a staple in Swedish cuisine. With an extensive coastline and numerous lakes, seafood like salmon and herring is widely available and central to many Swedish dishes.

Some key ingredients include:

• Seafood
• Meat
• Potatoes
• Dairy
• Berries

Swedish cuisine is simple, seasonal, and focuses on nature. I’ll introduce the must-eat Swedish foods later.

What is FIKA?

Fika in Sweden is similar to Hygge in Denmark. Pronounced “fee-kuh,” FIKA means “a coffee break” and refers to having coffee with friends or family.

FIKA does not have to have coffee; it can be any drink or freshly prepared food. But it’s the idea of taking a break and socializing, a ritual you do daily to stop and smell the roses.

It’s an important part of Swedish culture, and certain pastries are associated with it. (Which you’ll discover later on!) I wish we had something like this in the States; count me in! It’s one of my favorite parts about the Scandinavian countries.

Must Eat Stockholm Food: Swedish Food

What food is Stockholm famous for? Swedish food, of course! Here are some of the Swedish dishes you have to try when you’re in Stockholm:

• Gravad Lax:
  • Cured salmon marinated with salt, sugar, and dill, often served with mustard sauce.
• Toast Skagen:
  • A classic Swedish appetizer featuring a creamy mix of shrimp and mayonnaise on toasted bread garnished with dill and lemon. It’s sooooo good!
• Strömming:
  • Baltic herring, usually fried or pickled.
• Meatballs:
  • Traditional Swedish meatballs are made from a blend of beef and pork and served with creamy gravy, lingonberry sauce, and mashed potatoes. They’re a classic!
• Semmlor:
  • Cardamom-spiced buns filled with almond paste and whipped cream are traditionally enjoyed before Lent. They are my favorite pastry.
• Kardemummabullar or Kanelbulle:
  • Freshly baked buns with freshly cracked cardamom or cinnamon in sugar syrup. So good.
• Salmon:
  • Fresh, smoked, or cured salmon. A staple in Swedish cuisine.
• Candy:
  • Swedish candy is unbeatable. Its texture is like a chewy marshmallow, with all sorts of fruit and sweet flavors.
• Knäckebröd:
  • Crispbread, a type of hard, dry bread that is a staple in Swedish households, often eaten with butter or cheese.
• Lingonberries:
  • Tart red berries are used in sauces and jams and are usually served on the side of Swedish dishes.
• Princess Cake:
  • A layered sponge cake filled with cream and jam, covered in green marzipan, and topped with a pink marzipan rose.

Where to Eat in Stockholm

I like eating at places with good food, no matter how pretty it is inside (although I love a good aesthetic cafe). I try eating at reasonably priced places, not too expensive, but may not necessarily be budget (in some cases). Tasting local cuisine is also a must for me, so the restaurants I recommend are based on my tastes and experiences.

Restaurants

Meatballs for the People

Location: Nytorgsgatan 30, 116 40 Stockholm, Sweden

Cuisine: Swedish

Specialty: Swedish meatballs! They serve a variety of meats, including beef, pork, and reindeer. There are also vegetarian and vegan options.

Price: $$ (229 SEK or ~$22 for the Swedish meatball classics dish)

According to their website, Meatballs for the People is Sweden’s first and only meatball restaurant. They are a contemporary take on the classic Swedish meatball and pride themselves on using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The chefs work directly with meat providers, farmers, and more, so you know exactly where your food is coming from.

Their classic beef and pork meatballs are so, so good! They’re tender, fresh, and perfectly seasoned. Combine the meatballs with amazing mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce, and you have a match-made in heaven. I loved their food so much that I came back twice in a row on a four-day trip to Stockholm, haha.

Their service is also so friendly! This is a must-visit restaurant in Stockholm.

Lisa Elmqvist

Location: Östermalms Food Hall, Nybrogatan 31, 114 46 Stockholm, Sweden

Cuisine: Swedish Seafood

Specialty: Fresh fish and Swedish seafood dishes.

Price: $$$ (159 SEK or ~$15 for Salmon Tartar, 198 SEK or $19 for Toast Skagen)

Lisa Elmqvist, a fisherman’s daughter, started selling seafood and fish at a waterfront stall in the 1920s. She became so famous for her seafood that she moved to the famous Östermalm Saluhall, and it still stands today, four generations later.

They sell the freshest fish and seafood dishes, including their famous Skagen toast and Salmon tartar, which are perfectly seasoned and delicious. The restaurant’s atmosphere is elegant and classy while still comfortable. This was my favorite high-end dinner in Stockholm and worth the splurge for delicious traditional Swedish dishes.

Restaurangen Blå Porten

Location: Djurgårdsvägen 64, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden

Cuisine: Swedish, South European, and Mediterranean

Specialty: Their weekly main dishes include meatballs, poached salmon, quiche, lamb patties, and more.

Price: $$ (175 SEK or ~$16.60 for quiche, 225 or ~$21.40 for poached salmon dish)

You’ll probably smell Blå Porten before you see it. At least, that’s how I accidentally discovered this incredible restaurant. Located next to the Liljevalchs museum, Blå Porten is a self-serve canteen restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere, a garden oasis, and seasonal, fresh dishes.

Their rustic dishes have a Southern European flair, and you’ll find well-cooked proteins served with fresh veggies and more. I am so glad I stumbled upon this restaurant—their poached salmon dish is so good, and I love the atmosphere. It’s reminiscent of a canteen and gets busy during the weekend.

Stockholms Gästabud

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Location: Österlånggatan 7, 111 31 Stockholm, Sweden

Cuisine: Swedish

Specialty: Traditional Swedish dishes like meatballs, seafood soup, herring, and more.

Price: $$ (189 SEK or ~$18 for meatballs)

Nestled in the heart of Stockholm’s Old Town, Stockholms Gästabud serves up hearty Swedish fare in a warm, intimate pub-style setting. They’re known for their excellent traditional Swedish dishes, including meatballs and herring. They’re also family-run!

Because of its food (and perhaps its service, too), this restaurant is always packed during meal hours. They don’t take reservations, so if you want to try amazing classic Swedish dishes, you’ll have to queue during peak hours. I tried walking in on a Saturday lunch, and it was packed. I wanted to stay so badly, but unfortunately, I had a ferry to catch.

You can’t go wrong with any dish from here, but their highlights are the meatballs, slow-cooked pork cheek, and their fried salmon.

Tehran Grill

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Location: Rörstrandsgatan 15, 113 41 Stockholm, Sweden

Cuisine: Persian

Specialty: Kebabs and Persian stews

Price: $-$$ (130 SEK or ~$12.40 for Jooje Kebab, 119 SEK or ~$11.30 for Koobide Zafrani)

My host in Stockholm recommended this restaurant to me for lunch. They have amazing food and a great lunch special! You can get massive kabobs for less than $15 USD, and they come with salad and bread. It’s a popular spot for delicious, fresh, and filling food.

Mom’s Kitchen Nybrogatan

Location: Nybrogatan 40, 114 40 Stockholm, Sweden

Cuisine: Swedish

Specialty: Home-cooked Swedish meals

Price: $-$$ (150 SEK or ~$15 for meatballs)

Not in the mood for sit down restaurant but still want to try Swedish food? Mom’s Kitchen is exactly that: home-cooked Swedish meals that are perfect for taking away. It’s a small takeaway oriented restaurant with a friendly owner, but there a couple tables if you wish to eat it there.

Meatballs are their most popular dish, with bread on the side. It’s popular with locals for the large portion at a relatively cheap price.

Food Halls

Östermalms

Location: Östermalmstorg 31, 114 39 Stockholm, Sweden

Cuisine: International

Specialty: High-end and gourmet food market

Price: $$

Östermalms food hall opened in 1888 as a way to lease food halls to businesses. It’s 130 years old well-preserved, and the interior looks crisp and classy. Inside, you’ll see a large ceiling and beautiful warm brick, which adds to the dreamy atmosphere.

You go to Östermalms for its range of gourmet foods, like an extensive selection of marinated olives, cheese, wine, and fresh seafood. The restaurant Lisa Elmqvist takes up a good portion of the food hall, but some other stalls also have their seating to enjoy your treats. It’s a gorgeous building; even if you don’t fancy tasting or buying food, it’s worth a peek in!

Hötorgshallen

Location: Sergels Torg 29, 111 57 Stockholm, Sweden

Cuisine: International

Specialty: International food stalls and specialty shops

Price: $$

Another historic food hall in Stockholm! This food market also opened in the 1880’s and now has various international food stands and specialty food shops. It’s less upscale than Östermalm and has more international vendors available, including a boba shop, Indian food, Mediterranean snacks, and more.

Inside has two stories, and the stalls line the edges of each square floor. It’s more modern and has a nice vibe! You can walk around and see what peaks your tastebuds—some of the stalls have their own private seating as well.

There is also a flower and produce market that opens outside and in front of Hötorgshallen Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, a flea market takes place in the same place, where you can find antiques, knickknacks, cheap clothing, and more.

Kungshallen

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Location: Kungsgatan 44, 111 35 Stockholm, Sweden

Cuisine: International

Specialty: Diverse food court

Price: $-$$

Just around the corner from Hötorgshallen is Kungshallen, a popular food court with a variety of affordable international food stalls. It’s at the basement level of the building, which has office buildings on the higher levels.

It’s a convenient and affordable spot for quick bites, with many casual dining options popular with office workers. You’ll find Chinese, Mexican, Japanese, Italian, American food, and more. It’s perfect if you don’t know what you want to eat and are looking for a cheaper meal in Stockholm.

K25

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Location: Kungsgatan 25, 111 56 Stockholm, Sweden

Cuisine: International

Specialty: Trendy, modern food court

Price: $$

K25 is a modern food hall with trendy vendors serving everything from Asian street food to gourmet burgers. You’ll find fresh, affordable dishes from all over the world, and wine and beer are also served!

It’s perfect for groups, office workers, students, tourists, and more. It’s like a more upscale Kungshallen. Also, it’s a great spot for a casual yet stylish dining experience.

Street Food

Strömmingsvagnen

Location: Kornhamnstorg, 111 27 Stockholm, Sweden

Cuisine: Swedish Street Food

Specialty: Herring

Price: $ (60 SEK or ~$6 for herring)

A beloved food cart by locals, Strömmingsvagnen sells delicious and affordable fried herring sandwiches, a classic Swedish street food. Located in Södermalm, it’s a favorite spot for people looking for a quick, cheap, and authentic taste of Sweden.

This cart sells everything and anything with herring, which you can get pickled or fried. You can get herring on rye bread, with potatoes,a cracker,n a burger bun, and more. It comes with toppings and sauces of your choosing.

You can’t beat the price of $6 USD for a quick, filling snack. It’s similar to Amsterdam’s raw herring fish, with similar toppings. I love herring so much and I like how convenient it is to get it! This is a must-visit in Stockholm!

MAX Burgers

Location: Varies

Cuisine: Fast Food

Specialty: Burgers

Price: $ (~75 SEK or ~$7 for a burger)

MAX Burgers is a Swedish fast-food chain known for its burgers. It’s apparently one of Sweden’s favorite burgers, and it outcompeted McDonald’s! So much so that McDonald’s closed several locations after MAX came into the picture.

With various locations across Stockholm, it’s a convenient and tasty option for a quick meal. I think it tastes better than McDonald’s and Burger King, with a fresher-tasting burger and a sauce reminiscent of In-n-Out!

If you don’t want to try fast food in the city, consider getting it at the airport! There’s one in the Arlanda airport and it’s the perfect grab-and-go meal before a flight.

Cafes

Fabrique

Location: Varies, but their Gamla Stan location is the most popular (Lilla Nygatan 12, 111 28 Stockholm, Sweden)

Cuisine: Bakery

Specialty: Swedish pastries (Semmlor, Cardamom buns, and bread)

Price: $$ (43 SEK or $4 for a cardamom or cinnamon bun)

Fabrique is an artisan bakery famous for its delicious sourdough bread and freshly baked pastries. All their baked goods are made with locally sourced ingredients, and their coffee is excellent!

The Gamla Stan location is super cozy, rustic, and unique. There’s lots of indoor seating, perfect for catching up with friends. They have some of the best Semmlor and buns I’ve ever had. Perfectly chewy, not too sweet, and just divine.

They have multiple locations across Stockholm.

Vete-Katten

Location: Kungsgatan 55, 111 22 Stockholm, Sweden

Cuisine: Bakery

Specialty: Swedish pastries and cakes, famous for their Princess Cake

Price: $$ (58 SEK or ~$5.50 for a princess cake slice)

Vete-Katten means “the cat knows” or “the wheat cat” in Swedish. It is a historic café and bakery in central Stockholm, opened by Ester Nordhammar in 1928. She wanted to open a patisserie where everyone was welcome and decorated in a church rectory (priest home) style.

They sell pastries, bread, buns, sandwiches, light meals, coffee, and more. But they’re most famous for their traditional Swedish pastries and cakes, including the famous Princess cake.

Its charming, old-world atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a fika. It’s always bustling, and the atmosphere is warm. The princess cake is so, so good. It’s not too sweet, and the perfect amount of fruit to cake. It’s the best princess cake in town!

Tip: There’s free flow filter coffee inside the cafe on a table in one of the dining sections, so skip buying coffee!

Lillebrors bageri

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Location: Rörstrandsgatan 10, 113 40 Stockholm, Sweden

Cuisine: Bakery

Specialty: Cardamom buns, semla, and sourdough bread

Price: $$ (45 SEK or $4 per pastry)

Just a few doors down from Tehran Grill is Lillebros Bageri, a loved local bakery serving fresh bread and pastries daily. You’ll usually see a line out the door on weekends, but it’s so worth it.

Their buns are soft, slightly crispy on the outside, and moist inside. Many people claim that this is the best bakery in Stockholm, but there’s only one way to find out! They’re most famous for their cardamom buns and krämbulle, a Swedish cream bun. I also really want to try their Semla buns; they look so good.

It reminds me Juno the Bakery in Copenhagen—amazing local pastries that has a strong following. And the best at their craft!

Stockholm Food Tips

Here are some tips for eating in Stockholm:

• Look for Seasonal Specialties:
  • Swedish cuisine is highly seasonal, so look out for special dishes like crayfish in August, semmlor buns before Lent, and fresh strawberries in summer. While you might find these foods in other times of the year, they’ll taste the best when it’s in season.
• Don’t Eat Close to Closing:
  • Some kitchens in Stockholm close earlier than the restaurant’s official closing time, often around 30 minutes to one hour before closing. Make sure to plan your dinners accordingly to avoid missing out on a meal. Note that Swedes typically eat dinner between 6 PM and 8 PM.
• Experience Fika:
  • Don’t miss out on the Swedish tradition of fika. Stop by popular cafés like Vete-Katten or Fabrique to enjoy a coffee and a pastry, such as kanelbullar (cinnamon buns) or kardemummabullar (cardamom buns). It’s a MUST!
• Use Public Transport:
  • Stockholm has great public transport and it can get you anywhere you want in Stockholm. It’s easy to use and navigate.

Enjoy Delicious Food in Stockholm!

Stockholm is the perfect place to expand your palate beyond IKEA meatballs. Swedish food is fresh, simple, and delicious, where you can get amazing seafood, meatballs, and bread all within the city center. There are excellent restaurants that you have to visit when you’re in Stockholm, like Meatballs for the People, Blå Porten, and more. You definitely cannot miss iconic Stockholm food like herring, cardamom buns, and semla (if you’re lucky), either. Enjoy eating around in Stockholm! Happy travels!