Swedes don’t normally do a full fry-up for breakfast and brunch has only been adopted fairly recently—and in Uppsala, it’s much of it. That said, more and more brunch spots are popping up and while you may not be able to grab eggs and bacon before heading out to see the sights you will certainly enjoy how Swedes have breakfast, which is full of wonderful treats using local ingredients and traditional methods. Here are the best Uppsala has to offer.
Guntherska Hovkonditori & Schweizeri
Cafe, Bakery, Pastry Shop, Swedish, Coffee, $$$
Pastries and pretzels for breakfast? Why not? | Courtesy of Guntherska
With some of the most delicious pastries you’ll ever come across, Guntherska brings five generations of skill when creating those pastries, as well as cakes, bread (including an amazing sourdough), sandwiches, and much more. While this is a café that serves soups and salads throughout the day, it’s one of the best places to grab your first bite of the day.
Another bakery that has generations of experience behind it, Forsa is particularly known for its distinctive sourdough bread, where the taste of the bread is as important as the toppings. There’s also an Italian influence here, which can be found in the sandwiches, as well as cakes and pastries. You can really taste the love that goes into everything they make at Forsa—and it’s all made from scratch.
Modern, fresh, and healthy | Courtesy of Melrose Café
Great service and a very friendly staff back up some serious food that is fresh and tasty and has something of a twist. Modern is a word that often pops up when discussing Melrose Café, and the food reflects this: granola with fresh fruit, wonderful pastries, and, of course, great coffee—this is Sweden, after all! Food is served throughout the day, so if you’re a bit late for breakfast you can still choose from some other great food, including some pretty amazing salads.
Swedish and delicious | Courtesy of Bageri Brantingstorg
With everything from Sweden’s famed kanelbullar to tasty pastries and out-of-this-world sandwiches to smörgåstårtan (sandwich cakes), Bageri Brantingstorg serves up something for everyone. Even better are the art exhibitions on the walls and a cozy, breezy outdoor seating area—perfect for sipping a great cup of coffee while nibbling your way through your breakfast (or even lunch). And on cold winter days, there’s a roaring fireplace to warm your toes.
Known for oversized cinnamon buns and semlor in two sizes, as well as muffins that offer big taste in a big package, Café Linné also serves up great ice cream, a huge range of coffees, great smoothies, and a very popular focaccia. This café attracts everyone from students to tourists to pensioners and it, of course, pays homage to its namesake, Carl Linné, in a cozy, comfy atmosphere.
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Picnic, at the Radisson Blu hotel, serves up what they call the Super Breakfast Buffet on weekdays, as well as a killer weekend brunch, and here you’ll be treated to artisanal cheeses, local mushrooms, cooked-to-order omelettes, freshly baked bread, croissants, deli meats, and fresh fruit. There is also an on-the-go breakfast offered, perfect for those who’d rather get on with seeing the city rather than lingering over an admittedly wonderful breakfast experience.
Since 1886, Stationen, in Uppsala’s old station, has been the city’s link to the world. Today, you’ll find this eatery has a taste of Paris, the pulse of London, and the scent of Rome brought together in one place, where the food and drink are served from relatively early until late. It’s a great spot to grab breakfast on the go or just sit and watch the world go by—in style.
Famed Swedish Chef Marcus Samuelson is behind this venture, which combines local ingredients with a New York flair. The Uppsala outlet of Kitchen and Table serves up a fabulous weekend brunch that evokes memories of a proper American brunch: amazing amounts of food beautifully prepared and an excellent drink selection. This is one of the most popular weekend brunch spots in the city so book ahead.
With a wide selection of cakes, sandwiches, cupcakes, and fresh salads, this isn’t a place for a traditional breakfast, but instead a place to pop in and try some house favorites, such as the unbelievable focaccia. The atmosphere is cozy and the outdoor seating area is within shouting distance of Uppsala’s famed Fyris river. It’s the perfect place to gather with family and friends for a long chinwag over great food (who says you can’t have cake for breakfast?) and an excellent selection of hot drinks, including coffees and a very delicious hot chocolate.
One of the best brunch deals in town, this student union-run eatery offers an amazing Saturday brunch buffet that is heaving with everything from waffles to pies to hummus. But what makes this special is that this “student nation” (one of 13 on campus) is not just a meeting place for students from Uppsala University, but for students from around the world. And did we mention the price? 60 kronor for members, 70 kronor for those with a “nation” card, and 80 kronor for those without. It’s probably the best deal in town—and worth every kronor.
