Sweden's Most Exquisite Restaurants

Located about two hours from the glittering ski mecca of Åre, Hävvi i Glen subscribes to the Slow Food Sápmi movement, introducing diners to lush Sami cuisine. Game, mushrooms and berries feature heavily on the seasonal menu – prepare to delight in dishes such as reindeer fillet with blueberry chutney. It may be remote but this place is a must for any dedicated foodie looking for a unique experience. Check the website for opening hours, which may change during different seasons.

This award-winning Michelin-starred eatery is all about Scandinavian and regional cooking, although it’s not averse to taking the best influences from other European cuisines. Each dish is matched with the appropriate wine. Elegant and slightly exclusive, while remaining relaxed, this is one of Sweden’s premier restaurants and a must for anyone interested in how Nordic food is leading the way.

Located in the heart of Småland, PM & Vänner has grown from one restaurant and now includes a hotel, a bistro, a bakery, an events company and a rooftop bar. At the heart, though, is the restaurant, which is based on the three gastronomic philosophies: forest, lake and meadow. This means a local, seasonal and very modern interpretation of regional cuisine.

Located on the harbour in this charming little Swedish town, Saltmagasinet is known far and wide for having some of the best Italian food available outside of Italy. Served simply, with no tricks or twists, this really is an authentic Italian restaurant that goes far beyond red checkered table cloths and candles stuck in wine bottles. The fact that the views are eye-melting only enhances the experience.

Mrs. Saigon was the first Vietnamese restaurant in Malmö and it arguably remains the best. Using fresh ingredients and cooking with traditional methods, this is the place for those who want delicious authenticity. The lunch buffet is an excellent bargain and features not just Vietnamese cuisine, but food from around the world. Dinner, however, is where Mrs. Saigon really shines.

This gastro pub way up north in Umeå above the Arctic Circle has gained a reputation far and wide for serving first class dishes featuring local ingredients in season. They handpick their own meat (always Swedish) and then cook it over charcoal. This is New Nordic with some guts – and the atmosphere of the restaurant is friendly, social, and very relaxing.

It’s been called the world’s most daring restaurant. In the glittering ski capital of Åre sits Fäviken, a restaurant that remains rooted in its surroundings. The restaurant harvests what they grow and prepare it using both local traditional methods and newly discovered ones. Fäviken takes advantage of the hunting season, to the benefit of guests. This is a restaurant that follows nature’s cycles, using what is fresh when seasons permit and storing for the seasons that are less hospitable. It enjoys such a fantastic reputation that it is fully booked months and months ahead.

Located at Uppsala‘s train station, which dates back to the 1800s, Stationen (The Station) is a brasserie with a taste of Paris, a bar with London’s pulse and a café with a scent of Rome. It’s all European and it’s one of Uppsala’s favourite meeting places. The food and drink never go out of style and it’s generous opening hours means you’ll find your way back here time and again. And just to note: it has the best fries in town.