Stockholm, Sweden - anything to look out for or try?

I'll be leaving for Sweden tomorrow with a buddy for 4 days, and was wondering what I should be on the lookout for - local fare or specific restaurant ideas are welcome.

Thanks!

You might start with this thread:

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=12047

It seems like I've said it a million times but get thee to "Östermalms Saluhall". This is where I buy dry-aged beef, pristine oysters, Bresse chickens (and roosters!), ptarmagins, reindeer, perfect cheeses, perfect North Atlantic and Baltic seafood... Practically everything here is spotless, top-grade and very expensive.

About 2-3 blocks north of the market (on "Nybrogatan" and towards 1912 Olympic stadium) you should run by "Östermalms Korvspecialist" where you simply need to order a Thuringer Weisswurst with the works. I should warn that they were forced to close due to street renovations but have reportedly reopened within a block of the old stand. So, I'm not certain about their exact location. Ask around if you need to.

In the area is an off-the-track newish place I'll recommend named "Proviant". They do excellent classics, have a relaxed, modern atmosphere and cater to their upper-crust customers in a comfortable, professional manner. Last time I was there, I had the "Kalvlever Änglais" (medium-rare veal liver served with bacon, capers and mustard) and it was outstanding! Excellent lunch place and certainly excellent dinner, too. Closed on Saturdays!

As long as we're in the area of Stockholm known as "Östermalm", you may want to check out what is reputed to be one the best bakeries in Stockholm - "Riddarbageriet". Eat there or pick out some goodies and head a few blocks south to the waterfront.

The area known as "Kundsträdgården" has a few finds. "Operakällarens bakficka" is the little cousin to the Michelin-starred Operakällaren. They serve excellent renditions of Swedish classics. No reservations. Stop in and ask if they have any places open in the adjacent "Operabaren". Operabaren has the same menu and also seating at tables (instead of on a counter over at "bakficka"). Nearby, Mattias Dahlgren is serving stunning dishes at the Grand Hotel. He's got two restaurants: "Matbaren" (more relaxed and one Michelin star) and "Matsalen" (less relaxed and two Michelin stars) and is undoubtedly serving the finest Swedish dishes and ingredients right now - if you can afford it.

On the Southern island in Stockholm, get a drink and check out the view at "Gondolen" and/or head over to "Akkurat" to explore their incredible universe of unique beers and scotches (just don't bother eating there). Medborgarplatsen (a square with a subway station under it) is bound to be filled with Stockholmers drinking a few after-work beers if the sun it out.

That's what I've got off the top of my head but I'm certainly missing a lot. Of course, please get back to me if you are interested in any specific areas and or dishes!

Östermalms Saluhall
Östermalmstorg, 114 39 Stockholm
Open: Monday-Thursday 9:30-18:00
Friday 9:30-18:30, Saturday 9:30-16:00
Subway: Östermalmstorg

Östermalms Korvspecialisten
Nybrogatan 57 (?)
Subway: Östermalmstorg

Proviant
Sturegatan 19
114 36 Stockholm
08-22 60 50

Riddarbageriet
Riddargatan 15
Stockholm
08- 6603375

Operakällarens bakficka
Operahuset
Karl XII:S torg
Box 1616
111 86 Stockholm
08-676 58 00

Matbaren/Matsalen
Mathias Dahlgren
Grand Hôtel Stockholm
Södra Blasieholmshamnen 6
Box 16424
103 27 Stockholm
08-679 35 84

Gondolen
Stadsgården 6
104 65 Stockholm
08-641 70 90

Akkurat
Hornsgatan 18
11820 Stockholm
08-6440015

I would also suggest to buy some jams when you leave - swedish berry jams are very cool, and you will find stuff that you won't find in america.

globetrotter wrote:I would also suggest to buy some jams when you leave - swedish berry jams are very cool, and you will find stuff that you won't find in america.

Great suggestion, globetrotter! Swedes will normally push "Cloudberry" preserves. I personally find them slightly cloying but it's worth picking up a jar to try. Otherwise, you can find some great black currant preserves over here.

In general, I don't think I've ever visited a foreign country without making at least one serious visit to a grocery store.

Bridgestone wrote:In general, I don't think I've ever visited a foreign country without making at least one serious visit to a grocery store.

I do the same within the United States, too.

Regards,

Ditto on the Ostermalm foodhall. It's loads of fun to just "window-shop" the various vendors and you can assemble a meal or buy from the food-court type stalls at the perimeter.

I really like Berns for brunch - expensive, but it's all-you-cab-eat. Sushi, maki, all sorts of hot & cold Asian fare and wonderful desserts. Last time I went it was about $50 a person but may have dropped now that the dollar has picked up a bit.

The korv stands are ubiquitous and probably should be tried. A long sausage in a wrap with a choice of toppings including the ever-present shrimp salad.

Stockholm is sick with Thai restaurants - some of the best I've ever eaten. They're truly everywhere.

Muggen on Gotgatan is great for a quick lunch and people-watching in one of the trendier areas in town (and if you've read the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, it's just across from the fictional Millenium offices).

All-in-all, Stockholm was one of my favorite eating locales ever.