Sweden - Becky Ohlsen [61]
Republik (Map; 54 59 05 50; www.restaurant-republik.com, in Swedish; Tulegatan 17; lunch Skr79-89, mains Skr135-235; lunch Mon-Fri, dinner Tue-Sat) Republik’s buzzing bar was voted Stockholm’s best a few years ago, yet the ultimate indulgence here is the restaurant. Clued-up staff, a metro-chic vibe and a seriously smooth Euro-fusion menu will leave you glowing.
Lao Wai (Map; 673 78 00; Luntmakargatan 74; lunch Skr80, mains Skr125-185; lunch Mon-Fri, dinner Tue-Sat) Tiny, herbivorous Lao Wai does sinfully good things to tofu and vegetable combos, hence the faithful regulars. Nosh virtuously on dishes like Sichuan-style smoked tofu with shitake, chillies, garlic shoots, snow peas and black beans.
Bakfickan (Map; 676 58 08; mains Skr135-275; 11.30am-11pm Mon-Fri, noon-10pm Sat) Calling the Opera House home, the ‘back pocket’ of fine-dining darling Operakällaren (below) is crammed with opera photographs and deco-style lampshades. Dexterous old-school waiters serve comforting Swedish husmanskost and the counter seats make it a perfect spot for solo supping. Come late at night and you just might stumble across a bitching soprano.
TOP END
Pontus! (Map; 54 52 73 00; Brunnsgatan 1; bar menu Skr95-270, mains Skr185-420; lunch Mon-Fri, dinner Mon-Sat) While we adore the literary-themed, custom-made wallpaper, the real stars here are the mouth-watering nosh, crafty cocktails and glam-hip vibe. Down Thai mojitos and super sushi at the trendy bar, or head one floor down for luxe dining at chi-chi circular booths. French and Swedish cooking collide, with fair-trade, organic and local produce transformed into the likes of boiled lobster with smoked Swedish duck, brioche and preserved plum. From Thursday to Saturday, DJs spin soul, electronica and vintage disco.
Grill (Map; 31 45 30; Drottninggatan 89; starters Skr125-230, mains Skr175-310; 11.15am-2pm & 5pm-1am Mon-Fri, 11.15am-2pm & 4pm-1am Sat, 3-10pm Sun, closed early Jul-early Aug) Kick-started by culinary stars Melker Andersson and Danyel Couet, this outrageous restaurant-bar features differently themed spaces, from Miami art deco to AstroTurf garden party. The menu is a global affair, innovatively arranged by grill type. Vegetarians aren’t overlooked, service is casual and accommodating, and there’s a popular Sunday grill buffet (Skr295).
Operakällaren (Map; 676 58 00; Jakobs Torg 10; starters Skr235-295, mains Skr250-450, tasting menu Skr950; 6-10pm Tue-Sat) Inside Stockholm’s show-off Opera House, the century-old Operakällaren is another gastronomic event. Decadent chandeliers, golden mirrors and exquisitely carved ceilings set the scene for French-meets-fusion adventures like seared scallops with caramel, cauliflower purée, pata negra ham and brown butter emulsion. Book at least two weeks ahead.
Grands Veranda (Map; 679 35 86; Grand Hôtel Stockholm, Södra Blasieholmshamnen 8; breakfast buffet/ smörgåsbord Skr245/425, mains Skr155-365; 7-11pm, smörgåsbord 1-4pm & 6-10pm Sat & Sun Feb, 6-10pm Mon-Fri, 1-4pm & 6-10pm Sat & Sun Mar, Apr & Sep-Nov, noon-3pm & 6-10pm Mon-Fri, 1-4pm & 6-10pm Sat & Sun May-Aug; Christmas buffet Dec) Head here, inside the Grand Hôtel, for the famous breakfast buffet or the gluttonous smörgåsbord. Get in early for a window seat and tuck into both hot and cold Swedish staples, including gravadlax with a moreish mustard sauce. It’s like a belt-busting crash course in classic Nordic flavours.
Mathias Dahlgren (Map; 679 35 84; Grand Hôtel Stockholm, Södra Blasieholmshamnen 6; matbaren mains Skr245-395, matsalen mains Skr325-455, 6-course tasting menu Skr1300; matbaren noon-1.30pm & 6pm-midnight, matsalen one sitting only 7pm-midnight) Chef Matthias Dahlgren is hot property and his namesake newcomer has foodies in a flutter. Set in the Grand Hôtel, it’s divided into three spaces: a luxe bar, Matbaren (Food Bar) for casual noshing, and the more formal