Lifestyle

The restaurants, bars and cafés Stockholm fashion insiders love

By Allyson Shiffman

Whether you're looking for a power lunch, a quick coffee or a place to spend an endless evening eating and drinking, Vogue Scandinavia has got you covered with all of the Stockholm bars, cafés and restaurants the fashion set frequent

Here in Stockholm, there is an unspoken selection of bars, restaurants and cafés favoured by the fashion set. Some have stood the test of time, some are brand new. Some are bold and brash, others fly under the radar. What they all have in common is they serve as a hub for stylists, designers, influencers, editors and It people. Go-to dining and watering holes for locals and fashion-forward visitors alike.

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The sort of Stockholm spots beloved by fashion industry insiders span from considered and chic to effortlessly no frills. While some spots are revered for the food on offer, others are vibe-forward, celebrated simply for the scene itself. There are more than a few Instagram-friendly corners, more than a couple celebrity chefs or scene-y owners. Yes, there are also meatballs.

Below, we present seven Stockholm dining and drinking destinations favoured by fashion folk. We’ll see you there.

1

Riche, Lilla Baren and Riche Fenix

Photo: @restaurantriche

Founded in 1893, Riche, a meatball-forward restaurant of classic Swedish fare, is still going strong. Located on a central Stureplan corner near the likes of Prada and Bottega Veneta, Riche (and it’s adjoining bar, Lilla Baren) is a favourite amongst industry veterans (some of which hold the almighty stammis card, offering a friendly price on all food and drink). It’s open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks, making it a convenient stopover at all times of the day. Plus, according to Riche, it invented the toast Skagen.

New to the scene is Riche Fenix, Riche’s hipper Södermalm counterpoint. Conveniently located just by the Slussen metro stop, Fenix is a bit louder and a bit younger, with a casual snack menu and free-flowing drinks. On the weekends, DJs and occasionally live music make this go-to hangout a full-blown party.

2

Babette

Pizza

Photo: @linnlindvall

Babette has strong “if you know, you know” energy. A neighbourhood restaurant favoured by fashion industry locals, Babette offers wood-fired pizza and an excellent wine selection and has remained a go-to for the discerning Vasastan crowd for years. In fact, it’s still tricky to snag a table, but don’t fret – grab a glass while you wait and take a seat at the bar.

3

Schmaltz

Flowers and wine gloves

Photo: @schmaltzdelicatessen

This super charming cafe offers up chicken soup and reuben sandwiches in an Instagram-friendly space. Though it can be rammed at lunchtime and afterwork with a fashionable crowd, with a bit of patience one can often find a seat at the bar (or on the patio, during Stockholm’s scant summer months).

4

Brutalisten

Photo: Lars Brønseth

Renowned artist Carsten Höller’s concept restaurant serves up single-ingredient dishes in an art-filled space. Höller, who counts Miuccia Prada as a friend and collaborator, runs in an attractive crowd of artists, actors, musicians and fashion folk who stop by to dine from time to time. While going full “brutalist” may not be for everyone’s day-to-day, one can also stop by for a glass of natural wine and a snack. Also new to the restaurant: lunch.

5

A Bowl & Plates

Photo: Yoye Lapogian

Those looking for a casual, scene-y lunch spot in Södermalm, look no further than A Bowl & Plates. On any given weekday, find an attractive crowd of trendy locals munching on (truly delicious) lunch bowls. At dinner time, the casual share plates come in.

6

Café Klotet

Photo: @cafeklotet

The newest offering from Svenska Brasserier (also behind Riche), Café Klotet in Södermalm is yet another casual, share-plates spot with a sizeable wine list attracting a fashion-forward scene. The special sauce? The massive patio with expansive water views sure to make this a true hot spot come the warmer months.

7

Soho House

Photo: Soho House

Located in a converted church in the centre of town, Stockholm’s very own Soho House is, unsurprisingly, teeming with fashion industry folk (especially those who don’t have an office) at all hours of the day. The plush couches in the Church Hall are a great place to leisurely work, bump into people you know and sip coffees until it’s time to sip cocktails. Yes, you have to be a member (or know a member) to enter but that’s, of course, the enduring appeal.