Over the last 13 years that I’ve been based in Stockholm, I’ve seen the city gain an increasing amount of international attention for being a hub of reinvented food traditions and a new wave of “real food” trends, from plant-based to Paleo.
One of my favourite things to do in Stockholm is discovering casual cafes and restaurants with a family-friendly vibe and an ability to cater to different dietary requirements. In Sweden, the term smultronställe (literally “wild strawberry patch”), refers to favourite locations and hidden gems. Here are a few of my casual dining favourites, most of which have a focus on plant-centric, seasonal and organic whole food cooking.
Sally Voltaire och Systrar.
This large and bustling award-winning modern restaurant is in the very heart of the city. With a focus on “green eating”, the menu is seasonal and changes from week to week – with a few popular staples planted firmly on the menu (good for those of us who are addicted to the Vegan Salad, for example!). All sandwiches are made on gluten-free bread and with its extensive menu, Paleo people, gluten-free eaters, veggies and vegans alike will all be very happy here. The shop in the centre of the restaurant also sells boutique homewares and pantry food items (such as smoked Icelandic sea salt).
Kalf & Hansen.
Kalf & Hansen are on a mission, combining a passion for delicious Nordic food with sustainable development, health and food knowledge. For the most part, the raw produce they use is local and seasonal – the names of the local farm and suppliers can be seen written on the walls! The produce of the season forms the base of all meals, and what cannot be grown in Sweden is sourced elsewhere, but always from ecologically produced and fair-trade-certified sources, if possible. With its 100 per cent organic profile and delicious, healthy take on modern Nordic cuisine, it’s hard to believe they consider themselves a fast food restaurant – but the service is indeed expeditious! All the meatballs are completely lactose and gluten-free, and there is a no-meat vegan version too (my personal fave). Any of the dishes can be ordered dairy and gluten-free, and the food passion and knowledge of the staff is outstanding.
The Plant – Food that Works.
This is the creation of vegan chef extraordinaire, Maximillian Lundin, who had the lofty long-term goal of making it “the most sustainable restaurant in Sweden”. One of the best things about this humble fast food style eatery is that all items on the menu are produced on premises using real food ingredients. So your veggie burger won’t contain a processed mock-meat patty, but rather braised smoked, tamari oyster mushrooms, house-made vegan mayonnaise with roasted chilli, fresh ginger and sugar-free pickled veggies. There are gluten-free dishes and all meals are refined sugar-free and organic.
Hermans.
Hermans is a local institution, known for its abundant veggie offering and famous for its all-you-can-eat plant-based buffet. In recent years, raw cakes and some gluten-free offerings have also made the menu. Not only does this place serve such a variety of tasty, veg-packed food that it’s virtually impossible for patrons to leave unsatisfied, but it also boasts what I consider to be some of the best restaurant views in all of Stockholm.
Unbakery’s Sthlm Raw.
This one made its name off the back of a thriving raw cake business, but there’s far more to it than bliss balls! Salads, smoothies and raw wraps are all made with a level of care and flair that only true plant-based aficionados can muster. It’s located in the Hornstull area of Södermalm (if islands were people, this would be the hipster of Stockholm), so there is plenty to explore in the vicinity.
Rosendals Trädgårdskafe.
In the green heart of the city, on one of the loveliest islands of Stockholm (Djurgården), you’ll find Rosendals Trädgårdskafe nestled in the midst of the gardens of Rosendal. This charming, organically-certified greenhouse café serves lunch dishes, drinks and Swedish fika (morning/afternoon tea) treats. Whenever possible they use their own biodynamically grown vegetables, and all the bakery goods are made in the artisanal bakery next to the café, including breads made in the woodfired stone oven.
Urban Deli, Cajsa Warg and Paradiset.
To combine grocery shopping and eating for a thoroughly immersive local food experience, I recommend Urban Deli, Cajsa Warg and Paradiset. Both Urban Deli and Paradiset offer wholesome dine-in /à la carte options, and all three offer healthy food perfect for when you’re on-the-go. Paradiset’s focus is organic produce (it’s our answer to Wholefoods), and Urban Deli and Cajsa Warg are great places to pick up an interesting edible gift for one of your fancy foodie mates… or a souvenir snack for yourself!
While I’ve only mentioned a few, there are literally a dozen (actually, many more!) other amazing places to visit. You’ll just have to visit Stockholm for yourself to discover your favourites!
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