Classic Deli Vibes at Schmaltz

Schmaltz Bar & Delicatessen offers a nostalgic trip back to classic New York-style delis with their old-school charm and inviting ambiance. The black-and-white tiled floors, warm wooden furnishings, and deep green leather booths create a timeless and cozy atmosphere. Soft jazz playing in the background enhances the experience, adding to the restaurant’s effortless vintage appeal.

The meal started with a simple, light, and hearty chicken soup. While comforting, it fell a little short on the depth of flavor; a stronger broth or additional seasoning could have elevated it. However, the Comté with apricots was a standout. The nutty richness of the cheese paired beautifully with the sweet, slightly tart apricots, creating a delightful contrast of flavors.

Schmaltz offers a great mix of atmosphere and food. While the chicken soup could have used more flavor, the Comté with apricots was delicious. Its classic decor and cozy feel make it a great spot for anyone who enjoys a traditional deli experience.

Schmaltz Bar & Delicatessen

Nybrogatan 19, 114 39 Stockholm, Sweden

A Classic Fika at Ahlströms Konditori

Located on Korsgatan, Ahlströms Konditori is Gothenburg’s oldest patisserie, serving cakes, sandwiches, and light lunches since 1901. The café offers a cozy indoor space and a charming patio for outdoor seating on nice days.

Known for its classic Swedish pastries, Ahlströms serves favorites like Princess Tårta, Semla, and their famous Cortina cake, made with pistachio marzipan, cream, and almond marzipan topping.

I ordered a chocolate truffle cake and rooibos tea. The cake had a rich chocolate flavor but was a bit dry and too sweet for my taste. The tea was smooth and comforting, balancing out the sweetness.

While the cake wasn’t my favorite, Ahlströms Konditori is a great place to experience Swedish fika. Next time, I’d love to try their Cortina cake or a classic Semla!

Ahlströms Konditori

Korsgatan 2, 411 16 Göteborg, Sweden

A Cozy Stop at Bergstrands Bageri

Near Odenplan Station in Stockholm, Bergstrands Bageri is a charming neighborhood café with a great selection of sandwiches, bread, and pastries. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff is friendly and welcoming.

I ordered a ham and cheese croissant and a coffee. The croissant was flaky and buttery, filled with savory ham and melted cheese—simple yet delicious. The coffee was smooth and well-balanced, making for a satisfying break.

With its cozy setting, lovely service, and fresh, high-quality baked goods, Bergstrands Bageri is a great spot for a relaxed coffee break or quick breakfast near Odenplan. Definitely worth a visit!

Bergstrands Bageri

Frejgatan 46a, 113 26 Stockholm, Sweden

Swedish Classics and Antique Charm at Den Gyldene Freden

Den Gyldene Freden has been around since 1722, serving timeless Swedish classics in a historic setting. The restaurant’s old-time façade sets the tone, offering an authentic old-world atmosphere that transports you back in time. The antique furnishings add to the charm, creating a nostalgic experience that feels like stepping into another era. Located in the heart of the Old Town, the restaurant is a true gem.

While the service was a bit slow due to having only two waiters, the overall ambiance made up for it. The classic decor, with its warm candlelit glow and elegant candle chandeliers, adds a cozy and inviting touch to the experience. Dining at Den Gyldene Freden feels like a journey through history, where every detail contributes to an unforgettable atmosphere.

The meatballs are soft and flavorful, with a perfect blend of seasoning and texture. The mashed potatoes have a creamy, smooth consistency with just the right amount of salt and butter, making them the perfect comfort food. The lingonberries add a subtle sweetness, while the pickled cucumber offers a delightful tanginess, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The plating is beautifully done, with vibrant colors that make the dish visually appealing and appetizing. The entire combination is not only delicious but also well thought out in terms of taste and presentation.

Österlånggatan 51, 111 31 Stockholm, Sweden

Open fire cooking at EKSTEDT

Ekstedt is a one-Michelin-star restaurant led by Niklas Ekstedt. It specializes in Nordic wood-fire cooking techniques. Situated on Humlegårdsgatan, next to Sturegallerian, the restaurant’s ambiance combines rustic charm with elegant sophistication. It features mood lighting, rustic wooden furniture, and metal accents.

The restaurant offers a set menu exclusively, with the option to include drink pairings. Dietary adaptations for allergies can be accommodated, but advance notice is required prior to your visit. The staff are attentive, professional, and welcoming, with excellent English communication skills.

Dining Experience

The journey begins in the lounge, where guests are offered a drink and a starter (drinks are not included in the set menu unless you choose the drink pairing).

We were then escorted to the kitchen for an immersive dining experience. We met the head chef and the culinary team there, who shared insights into the restaurant’s cooking philosophy. The kitchen exclusively uses charcoal, hay, and organic Swedish birch wood, known for its ability to produce minimal smoke while burning longer. All dishes are prepared over fire, with the exception of a few that are cooked on their sole stove, dating back to 1923.

Starters

In the kitchen, we enjoyed three starters and a palate-cleansing drink:

Mushroom, Charcoal Cream, Raw Leek, and Fried Leek
Smoky, slightly tangy, with a rich umami flavor—an excellent start.
Swedish Flatbread
Cooked in cast iron and served with fermented butter, smoked emulsion, pickled onion, and vendace roe—perfectly balanced and satisfying.
Yellow Fish Tail (Oyster Substitute)
As I don’t eat oysters, they served me a yellow fishtail cooked in tempered fat, paired with roasted stock onion and leek oil. The dish was creamy, fresh, and light.

Palate Cleanser
A choice of juice or wine; I opted for the fermented blueberry juice, which was refreshing and invigorating.

After the starters, we moved to the dining room, where I was seated at the rustic stone bar. This bar also serves as the station where chefs apply the finishing touches to dishes before service. Watching the chefs and service staff work in harmony was a fascinating experience. While waiting for my food, I had a delightful conversation with the floor manager from Kyoto, Japan. He shared that the restaurant employs a multicultural team, with staff members from Spain, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Britain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Courses

Birch-Fired Green Peas and Broad Beans with Woodruff and Gooseberries
This dish was fresh, summery, and had a vibrant green flavor with a touch of salinity.

Sourdough Bread with Butter and Smoked Whey
The bread was baked in a wood oven using a sourdough starter that dates back to the restaurant’s opening 12 years ago. It was fragrant and rustic, with a nice crust and a soft, chewy texture. The slight tang and deep flavor made it unforgettable.

Main Seafood Courses
While I appreciated the quality and creativity, these dishes were not entirely to my taste, as I prefer my seafood thoroughly cooked.

Smoked Turbot with Flowering Quince and Mangalica Pork Fat
The flavors were rich and smoky, but the texture wasn’t for me.
Seaweed-Fired Norwegian Langoustine with Celeriac and Solaris
First baked and then steamed, served in a langoustine-head broth with pine cone oil. The broth was flavorful, but the langoustine texture felt underdone for my preference.

Juniper-Smoked Reindeer Saddle

The next course featured a juniper-smoked reindeer saddle, perfectly paired with chanterelles and blackcurrants, which added a hint of tart contrast to the rich, smoky flavors. Alongside was a croissant-like pastry designed to soak up the velvety sauce—a thoughtful addition that elevated the dish. The reindeer itself was tender, with a delicate smokiness that complemented the earthy chanterelles.

Smoked Yoghurt, Cucumber, and Rhubarb
A lighter dish followed: smoked yogurt, cucumber, and rhubarb. The combination was both refreshing and sophisticated, with the yogurt’s slight smokiness enhancing the tangy-sweet rhubarb and crisp cucumber. It acted as a palate cleanser, preparing the taste buds for the next indulgence.

Wood-Oven-Fired Cep Mushroom Soufflé
The next course showcased the restaurant’s mastery of fire cooking with a wood-oven-fired cep mushroom soufflé. The soufflé was airy yet rich. It was paired with spruce and blueberries, adding a touch of Nordic forest essence to the dish. The subtle sweetness of the blueberries and the herbal notes of the spruce balanced the dish beautifully.

After the savory courses, guests were invited back to the lounge for drinks and dessert, creating a seamless transition from the dining area.

Mignardises
Dessert was a visual and sensory delight. Mignardises were served on a striking tree-like serving plate, adding an artistic and natural touch to the presentation. These small, bite-sized treats included a variety of textures and flavors—sweet, tangy, and nutty—that offered a perfect conclusion to the meal. Each piece was meticulously crafted, showcasing the restaurant’s attention to detail.

Overall, Ekstedt offers a truly unique and immersive dining experience. While some dishes were not to my personal taste, the dedication to wood-fire techniques, the quality of ingredients, and the storytelling behind the meal made it a memorable evening.

Humlegårdsgatan 17, 114 46 Stockholm, Sweden

Elevated Mexican Cuisine at Tinze

Tinze is a fine-dining Mexican restaurant located in the vibrant Olivedal district. It offers an elevated take on traditional Mexican cuisine. Having only experienced Tex-Mex before, I was eager to dive into authentic Mexican flavors.

The decor immediately evoked the Mexican landscape, with earthy tones reminiscent of deserts. The elegant setting was complemented by soft Mexican music, and the walls featured framed fabrics and patterns reflective of the country’s culture. The experience began with a captivating storytelling element, adding a unique, interactive twist to the evening.

The staff was lovely—patient, graceful, and incredibly warm. Although I unfortunately forgot her name, one waitress stood out for her kindness. When she discovered it was my first visit to Gothenburg, she took the initiative to ask her colleagues for recommendations and returned with a list of must-see spots.

The meal kicked off with Mexican canapés. First, baby corn coated in lime and chili emulsion with popcorn from Mexico. The flavors were a delightful mix—sweet, zesty, and with just the right amount of heat. Then came a pig-shaped tortilla stuffed with chorizo—playful and flavorful.

Next was the Tortitas de Papa: trout rillettes with piquín and guajillo mayo topped with trout caviar, served with crisp potato cakes. The food had a delicate crunch and was served in beautiful earthen and wooden dishes.

The vegetarian tostada followed, featuring guacamole and cooked watermelon. The combination was smoky, sweet, savory, and spicy all at once.

The plantain molote was a delightful dish, made from plantain dough stuffed with a sweet banana purée and cheese, then fried to perfection and served on a bed of rich corn sauce. Thanks to the natural starch content of the plantain, no flour was needed—the dough was simply kneaded with a touch of salt. The result was a soft, slightly crispy outer crust with a gentle crunch, while the cheese inside had a smooth, stretchy texture reminiscent of mozzarella. The combination of flavors was both sweet and savory, offering a perfect balance.

One of the highlights of the meal was the homemade mole, a treasured recipe from head chef Wendy’s mother, who came to help when the restaurant first opened. This rich sauce, made from four types of chilies, chocolate, nuts, and seeds, takes over a day to prepare. It was served with caramelized turkey confit and a salad of chayote and “ejotes.” The mole’s flavor was complex—charred, spicy, and umami, difficult to describe but absolutely mesmerizing. The turkey was the softest I’ve ever had, with a lovely crisp skin, and the corn tortillas were outstanding, with a fresh, pure corn flavor. I was shown two ways to eat it: roll it like a cigar or tear and dip it into the mole.

To finish, the crème de la crème— Tres Leches. This classic three-milk cake, soaked in a blend of regular, condensed, and evaporated milk, was served with a side of silky strawberry ice cream. The cake had the perfect balance of richness and sweetness, while the smooth ice cream provided a refreshing contrast. It was an incredibly satisfying end to the meal, capping off a truly memorable dining experience.

Fjärde Långgatan 3, 413 05 Göteborg, Sweden

Victor Von G

Victor Von G is located on the 2nd floor of Feskekörka, an indoor fish market and restaurant. The restaurant is named after Victor von Gegerfelt, the city architect who designed Feskekörka. The name comes from the building’s similarity to a neo-Gothic church.

At Victor Von G, I found myself in an elegant modern setting, seated by the window on a gorgeous sunny afternoon with a view of the water. The food presentation was captivating, combining inventive elements with vibrant colors.

The menu features a chef’s selection set menu alongside a small à la carte offering, which includes starters, main courses, and desserts.

For my meal, I chose the poached lemon sole, accompanied by summer cabbage, cauliflower mousse, roasted hazelnuts, bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, and brown butter. The fish was perfectly cooked—fresh, tender, juicy, and delicate in flavor. The combination of the creamy, umami-rich elements with the crunchy, nutty texture created a fascinating balance of flavors.

For dessert, I enjoyed a chocolate mousse featuring licorice herb, blackberry, roasted hazelnuts, and tempered chocolate. The mousse was smooth and sweet with a chocolaty richness, balanced by a tangy, fruity twist.

Fisktorget 4, 411 20 Göteborg, Sweden

Lillebrors Bageri: A Gem on Rörstrandsgatan

Lillebrors Bageri is located on Rörstrandsgatan, a street that turns car-free during the summer. It’s a popular spot, so it’s best to go early to avoid long lines. I arrived shortly after they opened at 8 a.m., with only a few customers ahead of me. But it wasn’t long before more people started to arrive, and a line quickly formed. Fortunately, service is fast, so the wait goes by quickly.

As a big fan of cardamom buns, I was eager to try Lillebrors after reading so many positive reviews. A simple outdoor seating area with a wooden bench and a tree stump as a table adds to the charm.

I ordered a cinnamon croissant and a cardamom bun. The cinnamon croissant was buttery and chewy with a satisfying crunch, while the cardamom bun was perfect—soft, chewy, sweet, with just the right amount of cardamom, exactly how I like it.

The café only serves brewed coffee with dairy and non-dairy milk options, and it paired well with the pastries, helping to balance out the sweetness.

Although Lillebrors doesn’t offer a wide variety of baked goods, its offerings are top-notch. It has easily become one of my favorite bakeries in Stockholm.

Rörstrandsgatan 10, 113 40 Stockholm, Sweden

Sweets By Camilla

Sweets By Camilla is a charming and chic café run by Swedish pastry chef Camilla Hamid. I discovered it by chance after dining at a nearby Persian restaurant, hoping to satisfy my sweet tooth. The place was bustling, which made me optimistic about its offerings.

Stockholm has two locations: one on the first floor of Sturegallerian and the other on Torsgatan. I visited the Torsgatan location.

The café features a variety of treats, including palm-sized cookies, mud cakes, buns, carrot cake, and a unique “crookie” (a croissant-cookie hybrid), along with a selection of coffee and cold beverages.

I opted for a slice of carrot cake and a Matcha latte. The cake was soft and crumbly without being dry, topped with a cream cheese frosting that had a nice texture. However, I found the frosting a bit too sweet, especially since the cake itself was already quite sugary.

If you’re a fan of sweets, this cozy spot is definitely worth a visit.

Torsgatan 31, 113 21 Stockholm, Sweden

South Indian food in Stockholm

Saravanaa Bhavan

Saravanaa Bhavan is a globally renowned South Indian vegetarian restaurant chain known for its authentic and flavorful dishes. Founded in Chennai, India, it has expanded internationally and offers a wide variety of traditional South Indian fare, such as dosas, idlis, sambar, and chutneys.

Saravanaa Bhavan is located on St Eriksplan. It’s a small restaurant with a few tables. While the small space provides a cozy setting, the decor feels somewhat outdated and could benefit from a modern refresh to create a cleaner, more vibrant ambiance.

I ordered a rasam soup, vada, and plain dosa.

The rasam soup was spicy, tangy, and packed with a variety of bold spices, offering a warming and flavorful start to the meal.

The vada had a thin, crispy layer with a soft, pillowy interior, mildly spiced but perfectly balanced and delicious.

The dosa was served with sambar and two variations of coconut chutney, one more traditional and the other slightly sweeter. While the dosa was well-prepared and crispy, it lacked the distinct sourness typically associated with fermentation. However, the accompanying sambar and chutneys complemented the dish well and were flavorful.

Sankt Eriksgatan 66, 113 20 Stockholm, Sweden

MahaBelly Taste Of Kerala

MahaBelly is a South Indian restaurant specializing in Kerala’s rich and diverse cuisine. The lighting inside was somewhat dim, but as soon as I entered, I was greeted by the inviting aroma of Indian spices, immediately setting the tone for a flavorful experience.

The service was warm and welcoming, with the waiter offering a friendly smile and attentive hospitality.

The extensive menu features a wide selection of seafood and meat dishes, biryanis, various dosas, breads, and the traditional Kerala Thali. After hearing about Thali but having never tried it before, I decided to go for the non-vegetarian option. The Thali included an assortment of chicken, fish, and vegetable curries, soup, pickles, and a sweet dessert, all served with red rice and pappad.

Each dish on the Thali was bursting with flavor, offering a delightful balance of sweet, savory, sour, and spicy notes that complemented one another perfectly.

I also couldn’t resist ordering a masala vada—crispy, deep-fried lentil fritters made with chana dal, onions, curry leaves, and spices. The vada had a satisfyingly crunchy exterior and a dense, crumbly inside, delivering a burst of flavors with a subtle hint of spice.

The restaurant is clearly a favorite among the Indian community. By the end of my meal, every table was filled with Indian diners, further testament to the authenticity of the food.

I’m truly glad I had the chance to enjoy such authentic South Indian cuisine right here in Stockholm.

Mahabelly-Taste of Kerala, Hantverkargatan 65, 112 31 Stockholm, Sweden