The guide to cosy restaurants in Stockholm

Reasonably priced neighbourhood charm

These cosy neighbourhood restaurants on either side of town are popular haunts due to their relaxed atmosphere, ambiance and living room-style interior. Aubergine offers seasonal Mediterranean cuisine, while 39 Wäst focuses on traditional Swedish fare served on large platters, family-style.

Exotic Lebanese meze

Beirut Café pays homage to its colourful Lebanese heritage - opulent oriental decor and bold, flavoursome meze and other traditional dishes. It has a wide appeal and attracts a broad audience, families, groups of friends as well as the likes of Lady Gaga and Justin Timberlake to name a few.

Culinary trip to the North of Sweden

Knut pays tribute to the land of the midnight sun. The northern Swedish influences are apparent in the decor - rustic wooden surfaces and furs. The menu does not only feature game, it also includes Norrland-style flatbread pizza and herring, the bar menu offers crowberry and cranberry cocktails.

19th century charm

This hotel restaurant is a combination of a kitchen and living room. The turn-of-the-century inspiration is reflected in the quaint decor complete with a lounge, orangery and library. The menu features traditional classics with a contemporary twist.

Rural idyll all year round

Being able to escape to rural surroundings just a stone's throw from the city centre is one of Stockholm's particular charms. Close to the waterfront at Edsviken in Solna you'll find this historic inn with maginificent dining rooms and a picturesque garden. The restaurant is open all year round - perfect whether you want to escape from the winter chill or enjoy the sun in leafy surroundings.

Everyday luxury

A modern classic from experienced restauranteur Jonas Wigert. Take a seat among white tablecloths, original oil paintings and green plants - this is a passing fad-free zone. The emphasis here is on great food and a delightful dining experience.

France meets Sweden in Östermalm

Whether you're peckish or thirsty, stepping into Napolyon Bistro & Bar feels like coming home to a charming mish-mash of a typical French bistro and a favourite Swedish neighbourhood restaurant. You'll find classic dishes such as moules moules marinière and steak tartare on the menu and a wide range of wines behind the bar.

16th century charm

Among the crooked alleyways paved with cobblestones lies this hidden gem. Fem Små Hus offers a slice of history and traditional charm complete with vaulted ceilings and stonewalls. The menu reflects its distinguished past with classic Swedish fare with a French touch.

Firehouse turned French bistro

Delikatessen is a charming Parisian-style bistro situated in a refurbished firehouse, complete with vaulted windows and high ceilings. Rustic French dishes are served to compliment the extensive wine list. Bar Hommage next door is perfect for post-dinner drinks.

Comfort food in French

There are branches of Crêperie & Logi in Visby, Åre and Stockholm. You'll find their snug, welcoming capital city outpost on Surbrunnsgatan in Vasastan, with space for large and small parties, whether you want to treat yourself to a celebratory feast or a spontaneous dinner. Choose between hearty savoury galettes and sweet crêpes, washed down with a beer or glass of wine.

Seaside charm

Add a delightful extra element to your meal by taking the ferry over to your restaurant. You'll find SQ Bar & Restaurang at the Elite Hotel in Nacka and you can get there by boat from Nybrokajen or Frihamnen. Nordic food and drinks are served in a former mill building with exposed brick walls and elegant interiors.

Updated Twenties elegance

Inside the Radisson Collection Strand Hotel Stockholm, where film stars such as Greta Garbo used to stay, you'll find this atmospheric hotel restaurant designed by Wingårdhs architects. Take a seat with a view over the waters of Nybroviken and enjoy seasonal dishes, or just have a cocktail at the bar.

Cosy on Mariatorget

A congenial little nighbourhood restaurant by Mariatorget which takes its lead from its address, Timmermansgatan ("Carpenter Street) - the premises are decorated with wooden walls and timber. Order in a few small or medium-sized dishes or a substantial main course inspired by southern latitudes, or just have a glass of wine at the wooden bar.

Italian dinner date

This family-run restaurant next to Södra station oozes Italian influences. Have dinner with your family or date, or just enjoy a glass of wine at the bar. The menu includes Italian classics such as fresh pasta, various meat dishes and thinly-sliced charcuterie to share and the atmosphere is both intimate and stylish.

Old meets new

Old meets new at design hotel Frantz's in-house restaurant. The historic 17th century premises have been completely renovated and decorated with leather chairs, wooden tables and stylish details. Order a few sustainably-sourced small or mid-sized dishes from the open kitchen or enjoy a glass of wine in the intimate bar.

Great atmosphere in the Old Town

The Old Town is so much more that a busy tourist trap. This modern neighbourhood restaurant on Österlånggatan draws in both Stockholmers and tourists who want to eat and drink in stylish yet relaxed surroundings. Don't miss the picturesque outdoor dining area in the summer months.

A French tribute

Styrelsen is an unpretentious bistro with a quaint French-air, accentuated by its white tablecloths, gilded mirrors and chandeliers. Continental influences set the tone for both the menu and bar.

New York and Paris vibes

Mosaic floors, red leather sofas, elegant stucco ceilings and mirrors. In addition to the interiors, the restaurant boasts a menu full of authentic, seasonal dishes from small-scale French suppliers. Have a glass of wine, or a cocktail, at the zinc cocktail bar.

Hidden gem in the heart of town

This intimate bistro, with its easygoing atmosphere and personal service, is slightly tucked away in the city centre. The menu is based on traditional Swedish cuisine, with a modern twist, and the decor is similarly homely, with flowery wallpaper and wooden furniture.

Celebrated posh pizzas

If you're hankering after a proper artisanal pizza, head to Giro. The Nobis group who own the restaurant have collaborated with one of the world's oldest pizzerias, Da Michele in Naples. You'll find all the classic Neapolitan pizzas on the menu but also several new pizzas - all baked in the traditional way. There are also plenty of starters and delicious desserts to choose from. Combine your meal with wine, "birra", cocktails or grappa.

Unique dining experience

Having something to eat or drink in the restaurant at Fotografiska isn't just a nice way to round off a visit to one of the museum's photographic exhibitions. The setting, views over Stockholm harbour and the innovative, green food - by chef Paul Svensson - create a unique dining experience.

A quaint respite

Bockholmen is located a mere 5 minutes from the city but it is an island of tranquillity. The 1800's villa is the only building on the island; during the summer months its veranda is a popular respite. The winter months offers crackling fires and homemade food.

Idyllic archipelago vibes

Right by the water's edge in Alvik you'll find this oasis of a restaurant - housed in a pavilion-style building with its own jetty and magnificent views over the water. Sjöpaviljongen is open all year round and serves seasonal Swedish classic dishes. In the summer you can even cruise in on your own boat.

Rustic Spanish tapas bar

This tapas bar combines Spanish cerveceria vibes with rich red hues and rustic furniture. With emphasis on local produce this intimate candlelit restaurant appeals to hungry diners as well as thirsty regulars.

Resplendent

Magnificent Brasseriet inside the Opera house has carefully restored its historic premises - diners are surrounded by golden pillars, stunning stucco work, velvet chairs and richly patterned carpeting. The spectacular views of the Royal Castle and Strömmen waterway aren't bad either.

Dinner in Provence

This French-inspired brasserie is hidden away behind Kungsträdgården, but guests feel as though they've been transported to the south of France. Eat snails and other classic dishes surrounded by burgundy velvet banquettes and leafy plants. Round off your meal with a glass of champagne or a cocktail in the elegant bar if you're in the mood.

Opulent 1920's glamour

This French brasserie prides itself with some of the best views in the city and glamorous Great Gatsby-air. The extensive menu offers classic dishes specialising in seafood and grilled meat. The cocktail bar is heavily frequented, their brunch notorious and the outdoor terrace is a popular respite during summer months.

Among ancient alleyways

A homely little hole in the wall on Prästgatan in the Old Town where they serve classic fish and meat dishes made from scratch. Perfect for couples and other groups who want to explore the historic alleyways of the Old Town beyond Västerlånggatan, in peaceful surroundings.

Italian in the Old Town

With its red and white checked tablecloths, candelabras and a menu filled with Italy's best-loved classic dishes, this historic restaurant guarantees cosy Lady and the Tramp vibes. Personal service is a top priority and staff are more than happy to provide food and drinks recommendations.

West Coast feeling

For many Swedes, the epitome of cosiness is seaswept days on the west coast, messing about on boats and eating spankingly-fresh shellfish. If you want a taste of that without travelling to Gothenburg and beyond, make tracks for Vasagatan and Räkan ("the prawn"). Fish and shellfish comes served in small fishing boats which float on a little waterway running the length of the restaurant.