Architectural eats – Sweden’s design-led restaurants

Sundsvall, Västernorrland

Innergården 1891

Housed in a glass-roofed courtyard in Sundsvall’s historic Stenstan (Stone City), Innergården 1891 will have you immersed in turn-of-the-century architectural refinement. Admire the surrounding buildings over a Swedish fika or a multi-course meal. The menu is diverse with a southern European touch, featuring ingredients based on local produce. You’ll get to this centrally located gem easily, perhaps as part of a Stone City tour taking in the glamorous landmark of Hotel Knaust.

Naturaj

Defining itself as new-Nordic with Japanese influences, Naturaj is true to its direction both in terms of its interior and food philosophy. Stylishly minimalist, this small, open-plan space is given character with its abstract art and Japanese-style tableware. Sit by the kitchen counter and observe the chefs preparing seasonal dishes with locally sourced, organic produce. The tasting menus change daily and feature a good span of vegetables, meat, fish and seafood, as well as an extensive list of wine and gin. You’ll find a range of accommodation options nearby.

PingPong

The interior of PingPong exudes a laid-back air. Pendant lights hang playfully from the high ceiling and the bench-style seating is scattered with cushions in different colours. PingPong is also architecturally interesting as it’s housed within a grand 19th century building next to Hotel Knaust in Sundsvall city centre. The food is of the Asian fusion variety and there’s plenty of sushi to be had, as well as sharing dishes such as vegetable dumplings, beef tartar with yuzu and cloudberry jam cheesecake.

Jämtland

Copperhill Mountain Lodge

The Copperhill Mountain Lodge design hotel is housed in a modernist wooden building with enormous windows overlooking the mountains of Åre. The hotel’s main restaurant, Niesti, is inspired by its natural surroundings, blending materials like copper and stone with different types of wood. The menu is based on Swedish and European cuisine and dishes are prepared with sustainable ingredients – from fish and meat to mushrooms and berries – sourced from the nearby forests and lakes. Located between Östersund and Trondheim (Norway), the Copperhill Mountain Lodge is easily accessible by car or train.

Supper

Located in Åre’s town square, Supper is a bar-style restaurant housed in the historic Villa Tottebo – an elegant red wooden building dating back to 1897. It once served as a grand hunter’s lodge and many turn-of-the-century features have been preserved in this stylishly modernised landmark. Here you’ll sample South American flavours served up in smaller portions perfect for sharing. Accommodation options nearby include the stunning Copperhill Mountain Lodge.

Buustamons Fjällgård

In keeping with its idyllic mountain lodge setting, the restaurant of hotel Buustamons Fjällgård is a homely space featuring rustic timber walls and a cosy fireplace. The menu is mountain-inspired, too, and draws on the food culture of the Jämtland Härjedalen region. Wash it down with one of the many ‘snaps’ (flavoured shots of aquavit) varieties made in the on-site distillery. Buustamons nestles idyllically in Ullådalen in the Åre mountain range and you’ll get here easily by train from Östersund.

Malmö

Kin Long

Established in 1964, Chinese restaurant Kin Long is still housed in the same grand turn-of-the-century building in central Malmö. The interior is a colourful affair, with red lanterns adorning the high ceilings, richly ornate wallpaper,scarlet velvet chairs and dark wood tables. On the menu – put together using seasonal quality produce – you’ll find authentic Chinese dishes such as fish quenelles, wonton soup, beef brisket and dumplings of all sorts, suitable for vegans and meat-eaters alike. Accommodation nearby includes the Scandic Triangeln hotel.

Riket

The interior of the decidedly cool Riket is industrial in feel, defined by exposed brickwork, butcher tiles and rustic vintage tables and chairs. Organic ingredients from nearby farms and small-scale food producers feature on the diverse, ever-changing menu – spanning oysters and Swedish meatballs – and the drinks list offers locally brewed craft beer.

Occo

Occo is housed within the centrally located Malmö landmark, Hippodromen. This ornate 1899 building, which also serves as a theatre hub, is the perfect setting for the restaurant’s contemporary yet opulent aesthetic, created by interior designer Martin Ranelid – think artfully draped textiles, gilt metal palm trees and shining pendant lights. Food-wise, Lebanese fine dining meze is the order of the day, based around sharing dishes brimming with quality ingredients. On the drink menu, you’ll find quality Lebanese wines and various cocktails – make sure not to miss Occo’s signature saffron cocktail, the ‘Mystic’.

Grand Malmö

Having undergone a revamp, Grand Malmö’s restaurant is a refined affair exuding contemporary and vintage glamour. Fringe panels hang decoratively above the Art Deco-style bar and teal-hued drapes adorn the walls. The culinary approach fuses Nordic and Asian influences, with ingredients sourced locally for dishes, such as ramen and bao – both of which are available in many varieties. Accommodation within easy reach of this centrally located spot includes The More Hotel.

Kasai in the Sky

Boasting cityscape and harbour views, Kasai in the Sky perches on the 14th floor of Story Hotel, housed within the towering creative hub that is Malmö’s Studio building. Kasai’s “modern Japanese” theme is true of both its cuisine and interior design. The sleekness of dark wood and clean lines is given nuance by softly glowing Japanese lanterns in various shapes and sizes. The spacious roof terrace is defined by its long wooden tables and eruption of pink cherry blossoms come spring. On the carefully composed menu you’ll find an extensive selection of sushi and many other types of Japanese dishes – watermelon sashimi and spicy shrimp tempura included.