Where to go on a first date in Stockholm

Two floors of heaven

You don't just come here for the magnificent views over the city, but also for the great cocktails and romantic vibes. Go all out in the restaurant or choose something slightly more "simple" in the lounge - Himlen is divided into two different sections with separate menus and prices, which makes the whole experience even more date-friendly. 

French romance

Strong southern European vibes make this Södermalm bistro an attractive spot to sit for ages and stare into each other's eyes. The restaurant is housed in a former fire station, with beautiful arched doorways and romantic decor complete with white tablecloths, candlelight and an elegant wooden bar.

Share South American small dishes

For a really intimate, cosy feel, take your date to the neighbourhood rstaurant Timber by Mariatorget. All the interiors are made of wood and the menu consists of ambitious small and medium-sized dishes with South American influences - perfect for sharing.

Södermalm charm

This intimate little bistro, tucked away in a quiet part of Södermalm, is run by a mother and daughter team. Drop by and share a few medium-sized dishes, or skip dinner and just try one or two of their creative cocktails.

Just like an alpine chalet

For an authentic alpine feeling with candlelight, whitewashed walls and steaming fondue pots, book a table at Fondueboden in Vasastan. You cook your own fondue at the table, perfect if you want to make your date last a little bit longer...

Food and a film

A movie and dinner date is a real classic. The neighbourhood restaurant Capitol has elegant cinema auditoria and its own Twenties-feel bistro, and you can even take a glass of wine and something to eat in to the cinema with you. Go for a classic old film or get tickets for the latest blockbuster.

Duskily-lit, good value neighbourhood restaurant

A nice, relaxed atmosphere prevails at Aubergine no matter what day of the week it is. The menu has something for all tastes and wallets and standards are high, in terms of both the service and the food. Start or round off the date with a cocktail in the bar.

Nice Nordic neighbourhood haunt

Nordic gastronomy, selected wines and creative cocktails is what you'll find at this neighbourhood restaurant right next to Tegnérlunden park. Nicely tucked-away and just the right level of ambition for a tête-à-tête. Have a glass of wine in the bar or carry on the evening in the dining room.

In the mood for pizza

Fine dining meets fast food in the middle of Moodgallerian shopping galleria. Gourmet pizza is served in luxurious but relaxed surroundings with velvet chairs, black marble and lavish graffiti art. Sure to impress!

Modern romance in the Old Town

This popular Old Town neighbourhood restaurant is part of the always-reliable Bockholmen group - an ambitious and laid-back concept with reasonable prices. And what could be more romantic than continuing your date with a stroll through the cobbled alleyways of the Old Town?

Bona fide jazz by candlelight

The city's best jazz joint suits serious jazz aficonados as well as romantic couples. Dinner is accompanied by live jazz all week, and the atmosphere is as intimate as it is relaxed. Although its well known to true connoisseurs, Glenn Miller is still something of a hidden gem on Brunnsgatan. 

Spanish date

Spend date night in Spain and accompany typical tapas dishes with a glass of sangria. La Tonteria serves authentic Spanish small dishes from cheese and charcuterie to squid and meat. The restaurant is simple and unpretentious, with modern decor and colourful details, and if you're not hungry you can just have a drink at the tile-clad bar.

Continental romance

An easy-going tapas spot on Kungsholmen which will transport your date straight to Barcelona, Madrid or perhaps Milan. Share a steady stream of tasty small dishes and combine with a good wine or microbrew beer.

Charmig dejt med franska lantvibbar

Glöm fine dining. Här serveras crepes, franska lantvibbar och personlig atmosfär. Och det finns även galetter (matiga crepes) för alla smaker - från biff till haloumi. Avsluta med en söt och maffig efterrättscrepe och missa inte cidern.   

Mexican meet-up

Come as you are - the city's most popular taqueria is just the place for a laid-back, budget date. Just order a few tacos and other Tex-Mex bits and bobs at the counter and pick it up when your food's ready. Wash it all down with a cold beer. 

Warming noodles

If you're a fan of authentic ramen, head to one of the Ai Ramen branches in the city centre or Södermalm. They serve the popular Japanese broth and noodle soup with various different toppings to suit all tastes. Why not sip on a Japanese-inspired cocktail with your food?

Champagne and oysters

Stop by this Parisian brasserie for something to eat or just to sit at the bar and have a glass of fizz and a few oysters. Take in the atmosphere and get to know each other among the buzz - Balzac feels a little like Paris and New York at the same time.

Tried and tested

Summer date? Mälarpaviljongen is one of the city's most popular summer hangouts and it's extremely gay-friendly. You'll find a large, mixed crowd here and everything from lunch and dinner, to clubs and DJs. The atmoshere is always fun and flirty.

Boules, bar and nosh

Challenge each other to a game of boules while you get to know each other over a beer. Boulebar is a mixture of popular boules pitches, a bar and French-inspired restaurant and you'll find a happy mixture of families, groups of friends and workmates here. Laid-back, friendly and slightly, but not too, competitive!

Crazy golf charm offensive

What could be more charming than inviting your date to join you for a round of Thirties-style mini golf and a cocktail? Swing by Golfbaren in Vasastan has ambitious courses and a restaurant where they serve everything from lobster rolls to hot dogs. The outdoor courses in Kristineberg and Aspudden are perfect for a summer date.

Singles' favourite café

The classic konditori Vete-katten is Stockholm's most date-friendly café (according to singles on Match.com). Could it be the distinctly un-hip but cosy atmosphere? You're likely to spot several slightly nervous looking couples on sofas sipping a cup of tea or coffee and eating pastries. 

Under the cherry blossom

Kaffebar's outdoor area occupies prime position among the cherry trees of Bysistorget. The atmosphere is relaxed, and intimate and there are always lots of regulars. An excellent place for lunch or a coffee date with a delicious cake or pastry and good company.