Fine Dining in Stockholm

When people think of Swedish food, many imagine heavy, rich meals of Swedish meatballs or pickled herring. The uninitiated may even picture a bag of red gummy Swedish fish serving as a typical meal. In the past, Swedish food has been light on spices and heavy on fat, in order to fuel the country's manual laborers. However, a renaissance has seen Swedish chefs transform their creations with modern takes on traditional foods, and influences from all over the world. Nowhere is this more evident than in the fine dining of Stockholm, where you'll find four- and five-star luxury, serving high end food that has been spiced by international inspiration. Here are the best locations to experience fine dining in Stockholm, which will give you a taste of the city's cutting edge gastronomical offerings.

F12

F12 is at the forefront of fine dining in Stockholm, with an ultra-trendy interior and menu that mixes tradition with innovation. Guests are greeted by high ceilings, lime green walls, and minimalist design. Think Ikea in overdrive. The menu tends to change monthly, and it is influenced by whatever overall theme that the team of award-winning chefs decide to create. As one might expect, this theme is often guided by the weather, which is reflected in the foods that are served. F12's menu includes locally-oriented items like Norwegian cod and duck's liver with grilled rhubarb, as well as internationally inspired dishes that include Wagyu beef brisket with sunflower roots and licorice. For starters, try the lobster salad, which has plenty of delicately sweet lobster meat. To finish your meal, indulge in one of F12's many excellent desserts, which can include a cloudberry or apple soufflé or fresh blood orange with ice chocolate.

F12 is located in the heart of Stockholm's business district, and it is just a short walk to Sheraton Stockholm Hotel, which offers some of the largest rooms of any hotel in Stockholm. With its recent renovation and signature Sheraton Sweet Sleep beds, you're sure to have a restful and relaxing stay.

Mathias Dahlgren

Mathias Dahlgren is the grandfather of fine dining in Stockholm. It is located at the five-star Grand Hotel, which has served visitors to the Swedish capital for over 130 years. Chef Mathias Dahlgren, after whom the restaurant is named, opened his restaurant with the intent to transform fine dining in Stockholm. He emphasizes natural produce and fresh ingredients, which means that the menu changes each day to reflect the best products available every morning. The inside of Matsalen, or the dining room, reflect his desire to mix international and Swedish tastes, with red velvet sofas, leather chairs, and a traditional Swedish kitchen lamp to light the room. The menu is a la cart, and has included dishes like langoustine wrapped in pork cheek, raw salmon over whitefish roe, and horseradish pickled herring. You may also dine at the Matbaren, or food bar, which serves many of the same dishes as the dining room, but in a more casual setting. When it comes to fine dining in Stockholm, you can do no better than Mathias Dahlgren.

Strand Restaurant & Lounge

If you're looking for fine dining in Stockholm with a more relaxed atmosphere, try the Strand Restaurant & Lounge at the Radisson Blu Strand Hotel. The restaurant offers views of central Stockholm and boats in the archipelago, letting you dine while gazing upon the past and present of the city. Strand is best known for its grill, which serves top quality steaks and other meaty fare in the evenings. Afterwards, retire to the hotel's new bar to enjoy a drink. Strand also has a sumptuous brunch on the weekend, which is widely regarded as the best in Stockholm.

Now that you've found a great place to eat, find a great Stockholm hotel, too.