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A trip to Stockholm isn’t complete without a visit to Södermalm. Home to an eclectic mix of locals, expats and tourists, it’s famed throughout Sweden for the excellent cuisine and vibrant nightlife it offers. As one of the the most picturesque neighborhoods of the country, Södermalm provides a quaint and gorgeous setting in which to dine on first rate, flavorful food. Here’s our list of the 10 best restaurants in the region.

Spring blossom in Sodermalm I

Pelikan Restaurant

Restaurant, Swedish, European, Cocktails, Wine, Beer

Pelikan interior
Courtesy of Pelikan Restaurant
Pelikan offers traditional Swedish cuisine made from fresh, locally sourced produce. Set in a twentieth century beer hall, this venue boasts beautiful architecture as well as a sleek decor. Diners can enjoy the elegantly painted ceilings and wood-panelled walls whilst feasting on tasty Swedish classics, such as meatballs with lingonberries and pickled cucumber. Don’t forget to order the ice cold schnapps to drink, it’s a house favorite.

Urban Deli

Cafe, Deli, Diner, Restaurant, Seafood, Swedish, Mediterranean

Food at Urban Deli
Courtesy of Urban Deli
This venue serves as a deli, restaurant, café and shop, and makes for one of the most interesting restaurants in the area. At Urban Deli you’ll find Swedish fare with a distinct New York style, such as the steak tartare served with salty and tasty French fries. Perfect for meeting friends for dinner, lunch, or even a weekend brunch, it’s best to arrive early here to secure a table. Don’t miss the delectable array of seafood on offer, too.

Lasse I Parken

Set in an 18th century home, this charming café and beer garden is a popular summer haunt for Södermalm locals. Ambiance is everything here, and it can be enjoyed brilliantly in the outdoor terrace. The spacious outside seating area is often used to stage theatrical and musical performances, providing some top quality entertainment while you dine. Lasse I Parkenalso offers a tasty raggmunk,a Swedish potato pancake served with slices of salted pork and a lovely ligonberry tart.

Rival Bistro

Bar, Bistro, Hotel Restaurant, Mediterranean, Swedish

Rival interior
Courtesy of Rival
It’s worth going to Rival Bistro if only for the fact that Benny of ABBA is a part owner. But you won’t find any Mama Mia moments in this elegant dining venue. With crushed red velvet seating and soft Mediterranean lighting, Rival creates a charming atmosphere in which to enjoy a wealth of Swedish specialities. Top picks include the toast skagen, shrimp salad on toast, the meatballs and the svampfyllda kroppkakor, mushroom filled potato dumplings served with lingonberries.

Chutney

Bar, Restaurant, Vegetarian, Vegan

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© Niklas Pivic / Flickr
This vegetarian and vegan friendly venue is hugely popular in the area. Chutney displays environmentally conscious and visually enthralling art, and gives diners ginormous portions at affordable prices. Make sure to try the vegan ginger snaps and sumptuous cheesecake, and there are a number of delicious pastries here, perfect for an after dinner treat.

Eriks Gondolen

Cafe, Restaurant, Contemporary, Swedish

At Eriks Gondolen diners can enjoy the finest fusion of French and Swedish cuisine while taking in a spectacular view of Stockholm. Situated on the eighth floor, the superb elevation of the restaurant offers unbeatable panoramic outlooks of the surrounding canals. Erik Lallerstedt, the expert owner of Eriks Gondolen, began his career as a porter at New York’s famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel, and in a few years had returned to Sweden to open one of the first Michelin star restaurants in the country. His culinary expertise are on top form here; the steak is continually excellent, served with braised vegetables and a tangy gravy, and the elk on offer is fresh and flavorful.

Bistro Süd

Bistro, Diner, Restaurant, Swedish, Seafood, European

Chefs preparing food at Bistro Süd
Courtesy of Bistro Süd
This sociable neighborhood restaurant has become a second home for many Swedish celebrities living in Stockholm, a venue boasting a vibrant clientele of journalists and artists. With an excellent selection of seafood and a laid back atmosphere, Bistro Sud is the perfect place to bring a group of friends for dinner, or to grab a bite before heading to the bars. Both the pork shoulder and burger here are cooked to perfection and are sure to satisfy any appetite.

The Flying Elk

Pub, Restaurant, British, Pub Grub, European, Swedish, Cocktails, Wine, Beer

Umami burger at The Flying Elk
Courtesy of The Flying Elk
With ‘God Save the Elk’ used as the unofficial slogan here, The Flying Elk offers a warm and traditional pub dining experience. With British influences and chunky wooden tables it’s difficult to not feel at home in this cozy venue. A delicious weekend brunch is offered, a choice which incorporates the classic English Breakfast, and one of the most popular dishes here is the huge burger. If you’re visiting on a weekend, try the Umami burger, a tasty choice slathered with the establishment’s famous truffle and Parmesan sauce.

Frantzén

Diner, Restaurant, Swedish

If searching for the top dining experience offered in Sweden, and if you’re willing to pay the price, then your first choice should be fantastic Frantzén. This restaurant has been named as the ‘Best Restaurant in Sweden’ by the Sweden White Guide, an expert organisation dealing with all things food related in the country. Frantzén boasts two Michelin stars, and serves incredible cuisine, including lamb, scallops, guinea fowl, and an interesting sweet made of cow’s blood. The restaurant has its own garden where all herbs and vegetables are grown for use in the kitchen. This is an absolute must for any foodie in Södermalm.

Den Gyldene Freden

Restaurant, Swedish

Waiter sevice at Den Gyldene Freden
Courtesy of Den Gyldene Freden
Set in an 18th century building owned by the Swedish Academy, the majestic Den Gyldene Dreden serves traditional fare and fresh fish, such as herring and salmon. Dimly lit, this traditional Swedish restaurant once played host to the cultural elite of Stockholm, and was a popular hangout for the esteemed poet Carl Michael Bellman and renowned artist Anders Zorn. Don’t miss the Scandinavian delicacy of smoked reindeer on offer here.

About the author

Amanda ditched the American dream for a British one when she moved from Philadelphia to England. Recently graduating with an MA in Cultural Heritage Studies from University College London, she's fallen love with the bad weather, good books and the strange version of football. Amanda is a former school teacher and remains a competitive rower, winning national competitions in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The former archaeologist continues to travel the world, but still hasn't found what she's looking for.

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