
Where to go on a first date in Stockholm
Updated 30 Sep 2020
The information in this guide may be affected by covid-19.
The first date can be really tricky. Where to go? What to do? How full-on, romantic or spontaneous should you be? The singles scene is as full of unwritten rules as Stockholm is full of date-friendly spots. To help you on your way we've rounded up some great ideas for things to do when you've taken the first step and asked that special person out on a date. You'll find restaurants, bars, cafés and activities perfectly suited to a first date in Stockholm.
Something romantic...
Himlen
Götgatan 78 (Skrapan), SödermalmTwo 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.
Hommage
Krukmakargatan 22, SödermalmFrench 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.
Something cosy...
Kryp In
Timmermansgatan 22, SödermalmShare 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.
Mamma o. jag Bistro
Tjärhovsgatan 50, SödermalmSödermalm 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.
Fondueboden
Vanadisvägen 42, VasastanJust 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...
Capitol
Sankt Eriksgatan 82, VasastanFood 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.
Bio & Bistro Capitol Stockholm
Something relaxed...
Aubergine
Linnégatan 38, ÖstermalmDuskily-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.
Restaurant Aubergine
1889 Fast Fine Pizza
Mäster Samuelsgatan 18, Norrmalm/CityIn 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!
Österlånggatan 17
Österlånggatan 17, Old TownModern 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?
Mellow Bar
Birkagatan 10, VasastanFrench classics and nice Pacific vibes
Impress with French classics such as oysters and champagne, in a low-key way. If tiki cocktails and tropical vibes feel more right, head downstairs to the Tiki Room bar.
Glenn Miller Café
Brunnsgatan 21 A, Norrmalm/CityBona 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.
Some tapas...
La Tonteria
Rådmansgatan 73, VasastanSpanish 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.
Xarcuteria
Hantverkargatan 40, KungsholmenContinental 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.
Something budget-friendly...
À la Crêpe
Katarina Bangata 42, SödermalmCharmig 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.
La Neta
2 addressesMexican 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.
La Neta Barnhusgatan
La Neta Östgötagatan
Ai Ramen
2 addressesWarming 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?
Ai Ramen Södermalm
Something lively...
Brasserie Balzac
Odengatan 26, VasastanChampagne 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.
Boqueria
Jakobsbergsgatan 17, Norrmalm/CityBuzzy meeting place
Boqueria is a central meeting place with a bar, restaurant and food hall within the MOOD Stockholm shopping galleria. In the evenings it's lively and sociable with cocktails and tapas served at the bar and DJs to get things really jumping.
A cocktail bar...
Brasseriet
Strömgatan 14, Norrmalm/CityHistoric spot
Enjoy both creative and classic cocktails in historic surroundings alongside the Royal Swedish Opera. If you're not in the mood for cocktails, they have a wide selection of beers from local microbreweries, all served against the backdrop of one of the city's most beautiful views.
Gay-friendly...
Mälarpaviljongen
Norr Mälarstrand 64, KungsholmenTried 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.
Something active...
Boulebar
2 addressesBoules, 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!
Boulebar Rålambshov
Boulebar Liljeholmen
Golfbaren
3 addressesCrazy 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.
Swing by Golfbaren
Golfbaren Aspudden
A coffee date...
Vete-katten
Kungsgatan 55, Norrmalm/CitySingles' 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.
Kaffebar
Bysistorget 6 (Hornsgatan 78), SödermalmUnder 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.