Explore the higher levels of gastronomy
Over the past decade, Sweden´s capital Stockholm has been widely publicised as one of Europe´s most exciting, diverse and creative gastronomic destinations. It boasts a range of world class restaurants inside the city itself, as well as in the surrounding areas, that is simply astonishing for a city of this size, offering supreme eating and drinking experiences for every taste and preference.
A somewhat newer phenomenon is the fact that truly fine dining is no longer confined to the Stockholm area, but is available throughout Central Sweden, in cities, towns and villages as well as all over the countryside. A large number of ancient and historically interesting castles, manor houses and inns offer holistic experiences and getaways where you can combine gastronomic pleasures with natural adventures and soothing relaxation and stimulation for body, mind and soul.
Grythyttan manor house in the scenic Bergslagen region, with its many interesting historical sites from Sweden´s industrial revolution, was a pioneer in this field when, some 35 years ago, famous chef and maitre d’ Carl Jan Granquist turned the 17th century iron works manor house into a spectacular gastronomic destination. Guests vist Grythyttan year round to enjoy fine wines and food, combined with experiences of nature, music and culture. They stay in one of the estate´s 27 buildings from the past five centuries, all of which have been lovingly renovated into first class hotel rooms. Though still ranking among the best in Sweden in this category, Grythyttan today faces stern competition from a large and constantly growing number of other historical castles and manor houses around the region and elsewhere, which offer superior gastronomy and accommodation, nearly all set in splendid scenic surroundings. Aspa and Loka Brunn in the same region, and Krägga north of Stockholm, are just a few of many highly recommendable alternatives for those seeking a fulfilling getaway for all the senses. At the 17th-century Edsbacka Inn just north of Stockholm, you can dine in Sweden´s only restaurant with two stars in the Guide Michelin (although several others are aspiring).
A more recent pioneer in this field is Oaxen skärgårdskrog, by now a world-famous restaurant set on scenic but rather remote Oaxen island in the archipelago south of Stockholm. It has ranked as Sweden´s number one restaurant over the past few years, though only open during summer and at Christmas. The Eks, the celebrated host couple at Oaxen, have proved beyond any doubt that many gourmets are indeed more than willing to go far out of their way for frontline gastronomy of the highest international standards, based on locally and organically produced ingredients. Oaxen has set a fine example for a growing number of highly advanced modern restaurants taking their skills and creativity out of the big cities and into the idyllic countryside, offering their guests fulfilling experiences that often also feature nature, spa facilities and first-class accommodation.
Budget and cafés
The budget category is also very well catered for in Stockholm, with a huge number of good restaurants, bars, cafeterias and cafés, many with an ethnic flavour.
Casual eating
For more casual and modest dining, virtually every district in Stockholm has local restaurants that serve a wide range of dishes in various styles and frequently function as local meeting places as well, often with adjoining bars.
Fine dining in Stockholm
At the top end of the scale, two Stockholm restaurants have been awarded two stars in the Guide Michelin, and five more have received one star – impressive numbers for a city of this size and latitude.
Stockholm never sleeps
Very few cities offer nightlife on a par with Stockholm’s - a scene that really lives, seven nights a week, year in, year out. In this respect, Stockholm has very little competition from anywhere north of Paris and London.