The best restaurants in the Old Town

The best restaurants in the Old Town

Christina Nydahl, Thatsup
Christina Nydahl

Stockholm's Old Town (Gamla Stan), often dismissed as merely a tourist attraction, has received a culinary makeover in recent years, its crooked alleyways concealing an assortment of great restaurants and hidden gems. The Old Town hosts a great number of fantastic restaurants, ranging from historic taverns to chic international fusion concepts and quaint cubbyholes. To help you navigate through its maze, we've compiled a guide to the best restaurants in Stockholm's Old Town.

  1. Old Town's best restaurants
    1. 1
      Österlånggatan 17 Generous neighbourhood hangout
    2. 2
      Leijontornet Gastronomic block
    3. 3
      Cong Stylish hole-in-the-wall
    4. 4
      Bistro Zissou Delicious cooking
    5. 5
      Pastis Sheer romance
    6. 6
      Järnet Ambitious neighbourhood restaurant
    7. 7
      Den Gyldene Freden Swedish flavours since 1722
    8. 8
      Formosa Authentic Chinese food
    9. 9
      Sjätte Tunnan Back to the Middle Ages
    10. 10
      Sovel A focus on meat
    11. 11
      Bistro Marie Familiar, timeless bistro
    12. 12
      Stortorgskällaren 18th century meets the present day
    13. 13
      Agaton Italian classic Sponsored
    14. 14
      Restaurant Reiss Scandinavian menu in hotel surroundings
    15. 15
      Pharmarium From medicine to mixology
    16. 16
      Kryp In Ancient Origins
    17. 17
      Engelen Stockholm classic Sponsored
    18. 18
      Matrosen Smörrebröd Danish open sandwiches
    19. 19
      The Bishops Arms Food, beer and whisky
    20. 20
      Tradition Swedish homecooking
    21. 21
      Zum Franziskaner One of the oldest restaurants in the world
    22. 22
      Barrels Burgers made from scratch
    23. 23
      Bistro Ruby & Grill Ruby Classic sister restaurants
    24. 24
      Portofino Authentic Italian
    25. 25
      Mogge Sushi Sushi favourite

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Old Town's best restaurants

The best restaurant in Stockholm's Old Town, Gamla stan.

Österlånggatan 17 – Restaurants in the Old Town
Österlånggatan 17
Österlånggatan 17 – Restaurants in the Old Town
Österlånggatan 17
Österlånggatan 17 – Restaurants in the Old Town
Österlånggatan 17
Österlånggatan 17 – Restaurants in the Old Town
Österlånggatan 17
Österlånggatan 17 – Restaurants in the Old Town
Österlånggatan 17
Österlånggatan 17 – Restaurants in the Old Town
Österlånggatan 17
Österlånggatan 17 – Restaurants in the Old Town
Österlånggatan 17
Österlånggatan 17 – Restaurants in the Old Town
Österlånggatan 17
Österlånggatan 17 – Restaurants in the Old Town
Österlånggatan 17
Österlånggatan 17 – Restaurants in the Old Town
Österlånggatan 17
Österlånggatan 17 – Restaurants in the Old Town
Österlånggatan 17
Österlånggatan 17 – Restaurants in the Old Town
Österlånggatan 17

Österlånggatan 17

Generous neighbourhood hangout

This contemporary concept boasts generous opening hours and relaxed atmosphere - just like its siblings Nytorget 6 and Nybrogatan 38. The à la Carte menu offers delectable moderately priced dishes, all under the 200 mark. The sophisticated decor and charming cobblestone alleyway outside enhances the ambiance.

Leijontornet

Gastronomic block

Daniel Crespi's fine-dining restaurant in the Old Town serves up hedonistic cooking and a wide selection of wine, featuring both a wine bar and one of Sweden's largest wine cellars. Enjoy exclusive dishes and tasting menus inspired by Southern Europe. 

Cong – Restaurants in the Old Town
Cong
Cong – Restaurants in the Old Town
Cong
Cong – Restaurants in the Old Town
Cong
Cong – Restaurants in the Old Town
Cong
Cong – Restaurants in the Old Town
Cong
Cong – Restaurants in the Old Town
Cong
Cong – Restaurants in the Old Town
Cong
Cong – Restaurants in the Old Town
Cong
Cong – Restaurants in the Old Town
Cong
Cong – Restaurants in the Old Town
Cong

Cong

Stylish hole-in-the-wall

Modern streetfood meets Old Town historic charm at Cong restaurant, which serves crispy, sweet, sour and spicy dishes in authentic Vietnamese fashion. At lunchtime they serve a daily lunch special; simple dishes with a choice of vegetarian or meat, while the dinner menu consists of slightly more advanced dishes perfect for sharing. During the summer months guests throng to the outdoor dining area with views over Kornhamnstorg and the water, but the interior - with its pared-back Nordic/Asian design - is nothing to sneeze at either.

Bistro Zissou

Delicious cooking

Bistro Zissou is a family-run restaurant run by the couple Kalle Lindborg and Emma Skerfe. They focus on delicious food and drink with a menu that varies according to the seasons and ingredients, as well as a wine list with sustainable and personally chosen options. There's room for both hanging out over a glass of wine and long, leisurely dinners, accommodating both reservations and spontaneous visits.

Pastis

Sheer romance

This quaint, highly ambitious cubbyhole is one of the best French restaurants in Stockholm. The classic, seasonal bistro menu and fine assortment of wine draws in sommeliers from all over town. The atmosphere is warm and intimate, with only twenty seats. Across the street is their sister restaurant, Petit Pastis, which serves food and drinks in the same French spirit.  

Järnet

Ambitious neighbourhood restaurant

Järnet has a welcoming neighbourhood restaurant feel. Despite the relaxed approach, they invest in really good cooking and dishes that are as tasty as they are beautiful to look at, made with seasonal ingredients. "Rustic elegance" is the watchword - you're just as welcome to come by for a drink at the bar as a full dinner with friends. During the summer months, the outdoor terrace on Österlånggatan is a popular sunny spot.

Den Gyldene Freden

Swedish flavours since 1722

Den Gyldene Freden has been serving Swedish classics in historic cellar premises on Österlånggatan since 1722. Famous Swedish cultural figures such as Carl Bellman, Anders Zorn och Evert Taube have wet their whistles here over the years and the restaurant continues to draw in the crowds. 

Formosa

Authentic Chinese food

Formosa is often listed as one of the city's best and most authentic Chinese restaurants. They call themselves Sweden's oldest Chinese restaurant, dating back to 1968. Lunch, dinner, à la carte, hotpot - they have several strings to their bow, and if you want a real Chinese experience, just relinquish control and let the chefs serve you their favourites from the menu.

Sjätte Tunnan – Restaurants in the Old Town
Sjätte Tunnan
Sjätte Tunnan – Restaurants in the Old Town
Sjätte Tunnan
Sjätte Tunnan – Restaurants in the Old Town
Sjätte Tunnan
Sjätte Tunnan – Restaurants in the Old Town
Sjätte Tunnan
Sjätte Tunnan – Restaurants in the Old Town
Sjätte Tunnan
Sjätte Tunnan – Restaurants in the Old Town
Sjätte Tunnan
Sjätte Tunnan – Restaurants in the Old Town
Sjätte Tunnan
Sjätte Tunnan – Restaurants in the Old Town
Sjätte Tunnan

Sjätte Tunnan

Back to the Middle Ages

Hop on a time machine and head back to the Dark Ages. Sjätte Tunnan serves traditional Swedish fare à la 1435 with rustic dishes and mead. The restaurant offers entertainment in the form of fire-eaters, belly dancers and magicians. The venue can also be booked for special occasions.

Sovel Kött & Grill – Restaurants in the Old Town
Sovel Kött & Grill
Sovel Kött & Grill – Restaurants in the Old Town
Sovel Kött & Grill
Sovel Kött & Grill – Restaurants in the Old Town
Sovel Kött & Grill
Sovel Kött & Grill – Restaurants in the Old Town
Sovel Kött & Grill
Sovel Kött & Grill – Restaurants in the Old Town
Sovel Kött & Grill
Sovel Kött & Grill – Restaurants in the Old Town
Sovel Kött & Grill
Sovel Kött & Grill – Restaurants in the Old Town
Sovel Kött & Grill
Sovel Kött & Grill – Restaurants in the Old Town
Sovel Kött & Grill
Sovel Kött & Grill – Restaurants in the Old Town
Sovel Kött & Grill
Sovel Kött & Grill – Restaurants in the Old Town
Sovel Kött & Grill
Sovel Kött & Grill – Restaurants in the Old Town
Sovel Kött & Grill
Sovel Kött & Grill – Restaurants in the Old Town
Sovel Kött & Grill

Sovel

A focus on meat

If meat's your thing, you may well already be familiar with Sovel – if not, it's high time to book a visit to this restaurant on Mälartorget. In charming surroundings with muted colours, they serve high-quality grilled meat cuts, accompanied by sides made from selected ingredients. If you want to start with a drink, there's a wine bar and a cocktail bar, and if you're looking for inspiration for something to cook for dinner, you can buy something tasty from the deli to take home with you.

Bistro Marie

Familiar, timeless bistro

Hang out over interpretations of French, Italian, American and Swedish dishes in cosy bistro surroundings at Bistro Marie. In addition to the dining room there's a wine and cocktail bar where you can enjoy a drink, as well as an outdoor dining area for sunny days.  

Stortorgskällaren – Restaurants in the Old Town
Stortorgskällaren
Stortorgskällaren – Restaurants in the Old Town
Stortorgskällaren
Stortorgskällaren – Restaurants in the Old Town
Stortorgskällaren
Stortorgskällaren – Restaurants in the Old Town
Stortorgskällaren
Stortorgskällaren – Restaurants in the Old Town
Stortorgskällaren
Stortorgskällaren – Restaurants in the Old Town
Stortorgskällaren
Stortorgskällaren – Restaurants in the Old Town
Stortorgskällaren
Stortorgskällaren – Restaurants in the Old Town
Stortorgskällaren

Stortorgskällaren

18th century meets the present day

If you've fallen for the cocktails at Pharmarium you shouldn't miss their slightly more classic sister restaurant Ebenist, housed in a former furniture factory next door. A snug restaurant with fine woodwork, Nordic/Southern European flavours and a wine cellar that first came into use some 500 years ago. Ebenist flirts with both the past and the present.

 

Restaurang Agaton – Restaurants in the Old Town
Restaurang Agaton
Restaurang Agaton – Restaurants in the Old Town
Restaurang Agaton
Restaurang Agaton – Restaurants in the Old Town
Restaurang Agaton
Restaurang Agaton – Restaurants in the Old Town
Restaurang Agaton
Restaurang Agaton – Restaurants in the Old Town
Restaurang Agaton
Restaurang Agaton – Restaurants in the Old Town
Restaurang Agaton
Restaurang Agaton – Restaurants in the Old Town
Restaurang Agaton
Restaurang Agaton – Restaurants in the Old Town
Restaurang Agaton
Restaurang Agaton – Restaurants in the Old Town
Restaurang Agaton
Restaurang Agaton – Restaurants in the Old Town
Restaurang Agaton

Agaton

Sponsored

Italian classic

Agaton serves pizza, pasta and other Italian classics in cosy, welcoming surroundings. The historic premises oozes Italian vibes, with red and white checked tablecloths and candlelight. Round off your meal with a glass of grappa if you want to add to the Italian feel.

Restaurant Reiss – Restaurants in the Old Town
Restaurant Reiss
Restaurant Reiss – Restaurants in the Old Town
Restaurant Reiss
Restaurant Reiss – Restaurants in the Old Town
Restaurant Reiss
Restaurant Reiss – Restaurants in the Old Town
Restaurant Reiss
Restaurant Reiss – Restaurants in the Old Town
Restaurant Reiss
Restaurant Reiss – Restaurants in the Old Town
Restaurant Reiss
Restaurant Reiss – Restaurants in the Old Town
Restaurant Reiss
Restaurant Reiss – Restaurants in the Old Town
Restaurant Reiss

Restaurant Reiss

Scandinavian menu in hotel surroundings

This inviting restaurant is tucked away within the Hotell Reisen and welcomes overnight guests and hungry diners alike. Restaurant Reiss serves Swedish dishes and international cocktails in relaxed and sophisticated surroundings, right on Skeppsbron.

Pharmarium – Restaurants in the Old Town
Pharmarium
Pharmarium – Restaurants in the Old Town
Pharmarium
Pharmarium – Restaurants in the Old Town
Pharmarium
Pharmarium – Restaurants in the Old Town
Pharmarium
Pharmarium – Restaurants in the Old Town
Pharmarium
Pharmarium – Restaurants in the Old Town
Pharmarium
Pharmarium – Restaurants in the Old Town
Pharmarium
Pharmarium – Restaurants in the Old Town
Pharmarium

Pharmarium

From medicine to mixology

On the site of Sweden's first apothecary, you'll now find this award-winning cocktail bar. Immerse yourself in the world of mixology and combine fabulous cocktails with perfectly-paired small dishes to create a complete taste experience. It's a good idea to book a table.

Kryp In

Ancient Origins

Krypin means a little hole in the wall in Swedish - and that's exactly what this restaurant with the same name is. The venue is historically old, and the menu serves typical Nordic flavours and Swedish ingredients such as plenty of fish, root vegetables, and seasonal vegetables.

Engelen – Restaurants in the Old Town
Engelen
Engelen – Restaurants in the Old Town
Engelen
Engelen – Restaurants in the Old Town
Engelen
Engelen – Restaurants in the Old Town
Engelen
Engelen – Restaurants in the Old Town
Engelen
Engelen – Restaurants in the Old Town
Engelen
Engelen – Restaurants in the Old Town
Engelen
Engelen – Restaurants in the Old Town
Engelen
Engelen – Restaurants in the Old Town
Engelen
Engelen – Restaurants in the Old Town
Engelen
Engelen – Restaurants in the Old Town
Engelen
Engelen – Restaurants in the Old Town
Engelen

Engelen

Sponsored

Stockholm classic

Hungry, thirsty and lively guests gather at this Old Town institution every day of the week, for lunch, dinner, drinks and live music. The restaurant serves classic à la carte dishes such as meatballs, salads, burgers and pasta. After dinner, just slip over to the bar and listen to the live music that plays every night.

Matrosen Smörrebröd

Danish open sandwiches

This tucked-away neighbourhood in Dångerska huset in Skeppsbron serves typical Danish smørrebrød open sandwiches - with a Swedish twist. This charming little restaurant has red and white checked tablecloths à la Lady and the Tramp. The atmosphere is welcoming, laid-back and cosy and is ideal for groups of friends and families.

The Bishops Arms Gamla stan – Restaurants in the Old Town
The Bishops Arms Gamla stan
The Bishops Arms Gamla stan – Restaurants in the Old Town
The Bishops Arms Gamla stan
The Bishops Arms Gamla stan – Restaurants in the Old Town
The Bishops Arms Gamla stan
The Bishops Arms Gamla stan – Restaurants in the Old Town
The Bishops Arms Gamla stan
The Bishops Arms Gamla stan – Restaurants in the Old Town
The Bishops Arms Gamla stan
The Bishops Arms Gamla stan – Restaurants in the Old Town
The Bishops Arms Gamla stan

The Bishops Arms

Food, beer and whisky

A stone's throw from the underground station,  The Bishops Arms gastropub focuses on seasonal pub grub and a large selection of beers and whiskies in a cosy pub atmosphere. Enjoy hamburgers, fish & chips, small plates and desserts to suit all tastes.

Tradition

Swedish homecooking

This light, airy restaurant on Österlånggatan serves top-notch Swedish and Scandinavian dishes. Simple, quality ingredients are transformed into pukka Swedish homecooking favourites every day of the week. Choose between typical Swedish classics and modern interpretations of favourites, such as meatballs with traditional accompaniments, Toast Skagen and kroppkakor - potato dumplings filled with pork.

Zum Franziskaner

One of the oldest restaurants in the world

With around 200 years on the clock, Zum Franziskaner is one of the city's, and the world's, oldest restaurants. The restaurant has been at the same address since the end of the 1800s, and you can still eat Swedish and German homecooking here as well as drink beer from independent breweries in Sweden and Germany. 

Barrels

Burgers made from scratch

Could these be the best burgers in the Old Town? Barrels' goal is to serve the best burgers in town, made with locally baked bread and meat that's freshly ground on site in the restaurant every day. All burgers are served medium to medium well and can be ordered served in gluten-free buns or in a lettuce leaf, or with vegetarian patties made from scratch.

Bistro Ruby Grill Ruby
Bistro Ruby
grillruby.com
Grill Ruby
grillruby.com
Bistro Ruby Grill Ruby

Classic sister restaurants

Bistro Ruby has been attracting restaurant-goers since the 1980s. The restaurant, on the pedestrian street Österlånggatan, offers a menu that features French and Swedish influences, and the cosy decor makes for a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. Ruby Grill, right next door, serves international dishes that enjoy a turn on the grill. The laid-back atmosphere draws in all kinds of diners.   

  • Österlånggatan 14, Old Town Österlånggatan 14, Old Town
    Bistro Ruby
    Österlånggatan 14, Old Town
    Grill Ruby
    Österlånggatan 14, Old Town
  • Bistro Ruby
    grillruby.com
    Grill Ruby
    grillruby.com
    Bistro Ruby
    08-20 57 76
    Grill Ruby
    08-20 60 15
  • Bistro Ruby Grill Ruby

Portofino

Authentic Italian

Portofino is constantly striving to offer as authentic an Italian experience as possible, with food that's prepared and served according to traditional Italian food culture, by staff who are passionate about it. The head chef serves up a taste of Italy to all guests, in the form of pasta, meat and fish dishes and antipasti. 

Mogge Sushi

Sushi favourite

Fast, quality sushi is the name of the game at Mogge. The menu includes fresh rolls, nigiri and bowls at this popular Old Town spot. They have very limited seating, so takeaway is usually the best idea. 

Restaurants in the Old Town – About the guide

The best restaurants in the Old Town - Our guide to the best restaurants in the Old Town is updated regularly. Feel free to get in touch if you feel that we should add a restaurant in the Old Town to our guide, or if you spot any mistakes in the guide. Have you visited any of the restaurants mentioned in the guide? Don't forget to write a review on Thatsup.

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At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.

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