The guide to cosy restaurants in Södermalm

With its Thonet chairs, white tablecloths and candelight, this charming Parisian-style bistro in a former fire station on Krukmakargatan is the real deal. Pop into Bar Hommage, right next door, for a glass of pastis after your meal.

"Krypin" means a cosy little nest or nook and this peaceful little neighbourhood restaurant near Mariatorget is exactly that. Clad in different kinds of wood, it's the perfect spot to eat dinner or have a glass in intimate surroundings. The menu is influenced by European cuisines, particularly French.

Authentic Persian food is just one element of the Tehran Grill experience. The atmospheric surroundings also play a major part - twinkling lanterns, diaphanous drapes and richly patterned rugs are just a few of the touches that add to the exotic ambiance.

This intimate little bistro run by a mother and daughter team is on Tjärhovsgatan, in a quiet part of Södermalm. The restaurant combines a homely feel with a touch of luxury. Take a pew and sample a few of the restaurant's medium-sized dishes, inspired by the world's cuisines.

This charming neighbourhood restaurant Voisine serves ambitious dishes inspired by French and Swedish cuisine, along with a curated selection of artisanal wines. Beatrice Bercher and Johan Sandberg, who also run the next-door wine bar Folii, run the show.

Red velvet banquettes, gleaming brass lamps and patterned rugs. Rival on Mariatorget has retained its style - along with many of its original interiors - since the Thirties. Hotel guests and locals come by to eat in the bistro or meet up over a drink in the adjoining bar. Their weekend brunch buffet is always popular.

This family-run neigbourhood restaurant invites guests into a laid-back, cosy and intimate atmosphere. They're passionate about food and wine, preferably combined. The restaurant draws in many Södermalm locals, along with tourists from near and far who find their way here to enjoy an authentic Italian meal. The menu includes pasta, pizza, antipasti and a selection of main courses.

Aleksandar and Filip serve dishes from their homeland just the way they're meant to be eaten. With a strong emphasis on quality ingredients and wines, as well as pared-down interiors, they invite you to meet up and socialise over food and drink in a relaxed and familiar way.

If you're in the mood for meatballs, Meatballs is the place to go. The menu here consists of just that - all different kinds of meatballs. Order your meatballs with spaghetti, mashed potato, vegetarian variations or go all-in with the “meatball feast”, where the chefs pick out their own favourites. The restaurant is housed in a corner building in the charming area around Sofia and decorated with sheepskins and natural materials. 

Light concrete, personal artworks, green plants, and coiling neon lights create a cosy atmosphere at this cosy hangout on the waterfront of Hornstull. Head to HG180 for an evening with friends over some wine and sharing plates, a relaxed date, or a weekend brunch. Food-wise, they focus on updated versions of Mediterranean dishes, while the wine list has its roots in regions around the world.

Tabbouli serves Lebanese meze and wines among atmospheric heavy drapes and candlelight. Gather together a group of friends and order a tableful of small dishes to share.

French-inspired Plais serves seasonal dishes made from local ingredients. This homely bistro is a popular meeting place on Mariatorget and there's always something fun going on here. Check out Tavlan - the blackboard - where they write up everything new and interesting, from new cocktails and wine recommendations to theme nights and quizzes.  

In Zinkensdamm, on the corner of Ringvägen/Hornsgatan, the Bockholmen restaurant group has created yet another restaurant offering good food at reasonable prices, a nice atmosphere and generous opening hours. And perhaps that's what makes Hornsgatan so welcoming -  the feeling of being able to come and go just as you are, drop by for a plate of meatballs, some snacks, a glass of wine or weekend brunch.

Raouché takes inspiration from Beirut's colours and patterns, creating a cosy atmosphere with soft velvet and gentle light from the crystal chandeliers. Come by with a date, friends or family for a proper feast with a Lebanese twist. The menu includes hot and cold mezzes, grilled main courses, and salads with authentic flavours from the Middle East.

Exit Lounge & Bar right next to Medborgarplatsen has created a lounge-inspired environment with comfy armchairs and brown tones, perfect for hanging out over a drink and something to eat. Come by to eat tapas and main courses, or enjoy a glass of something in the bar with friends. 

NÒR takes its inspiration from the deep green forests and mirror-like waters of Nordic nature, creating a cosy setting for social dining experiences. The lunch and dinner menus consist of classic brasserie dishes with a modern twist, with a focus on seasonal ingredients. If you come in the evening, you can indulge a little more with the chef's choice menu, a selection of the chef's three favourite dishes.

An intimate little creperie that oozes French vibes. Grab a seat among the regulars and eat savoury galettes and sweet crepes with imaginative fillings at reasonable prices. Perfect for a spontaneous dinner or an unpretentious date.

Checa may be a light, airy, pared-back kind of restaurant, but the atmosphere is still cosy and inviting. Owner Valentin Checa has created a restaurant with Latin American vibes, music and food, inspired by his own experiences and childhood memories, not least from the sea and his grandmother's house in Peru. 

If you're craving a flavour journey to India, steer a path towards Shanti near Medborgarplatsen. The restaurant is part of the popular Shanti family of restaurants and serves Indian dishes inspired by the country's various regional cuisines. Indian fabrics and furniture create an authentic atmosphere.

Fotografiska (the Museum of Photography) isn't just a fantastic museum, it also boasts one of the most spectacular views in Södermalm and an award-winning restaurant. TV chef Paul Svensson is at the helm and the emphasis is on green, sustainable cooking where vegetables play the starring role. Combine your meal with a visit to one of the photographic exhibitions or just gaze out over the entrance to Stockholm harbour through the panoramic windows.

The food, wine and cosy atmosphere draw in the crowds to La Vecchia Signora on Åsögatan. This charming Italian neighbourhood restaurant serves food and wine from the Piedmont region, perfect for an intimate dinner date.