Stockholm’s best bars

What is it? An iconic neighbourhood bar and cocktail bar in Hornstull on Södermalm that has regularly ranked among the world’s 50 best bars since 2012. Tjoget is a unique mix of cocktail bar, wine bodega, beer café and restaurant under one roof.

Why we love it? Tjoget is one of the few bars in the world that manages to be genuinely accessible and completely uncompromising at the same time. You’re welcome whether you’ve come for an after-work beer or an ambitious cocktail evening, and it never feels pretentious. The inspiration comes from southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, reflected in everything from the flavours of the drinks to the music playing through the speakers. The interior is rustic-industrial with a striking metallic bar counter and chequered floor, and it’s precisely the contrast between the stripped-back and the polished that makes Tjoget so special. The cocktail menu is quite literally world-class, but you can just as easily order an ice-cold lager.

Time Out tip: Sit at the bar and chat with the bartenders, they’re genuinely knowledgeable and happy to share what’s most exciting on the menu right now.

Address: Hornsbruksgatan 24, Hornstull, Södermalm. Opening hours: Mon–Fri 9.00–01.00, Sat 11.00–02.00.

What is it? A three-storey cocktail bar and restaurant in the red building by Sergels Torg, opened in 2021 by veteran bartender Hampus Thunholm. In 2025, Röda Huset ranked number 35 on the World’s 50 Best Bars list.

Why we love it? It’s not often a place in Stockholm makes you forget where you are, but Röda Huset is one of them. The panoramic windows facing Sergels Torg offer an almost cinematic view, and the drinks are just as impressive as the scenery. Hampus Thunholm’s philosophy is simple but radical: use Swedish ingredients, capture the seasons and traditions in a glass, and never compromise on flavour. The cocktail menu is presented as a map, with the origin of each ingredient noted – plums from the Persson family in Skåne, raspberries from Hampus’s mother. It’s personal, playful and authentic. On the ground floor you’ll find a more relaxed restaurant and wine bar with fantastic food, perfect for a laid-back dinner.

Time Out tip: Book a table in the second-floor cocktail bar well in advance, it’s small and popular. Downstairs in the restaurant, you can usually walk in and grab a drink at the bar with a view of the square.

Address: Malmskillnadsgatan 9, Norrmalm/City. Opening hours: Mon–Tue 16.00–00.00, Wed–Thu 16.00–01.00, Fri–Sat 12.00–01.00, Sun 14.00–00.00.

What is it? The bar of Grand Hôtel since 1874, named after the hotel’s founder Régis Cadier. It sits in one of Stockholm’s most beautiful locations with direct views of the Royal Palace, Gamla Stan and the harbour entrance.

Why we love it? There are bars that are beautiful, and there are bars that are experiences – Cadierbaren belongs to the latter. The oak-panelled room with soft seating, discreet lighting and a view unlike anywhere else in Stockholm creates an atmosphere straight out of a novel. Yet the mood is disarmingly warm and welcoming, just as popular with locals as with visiting hotel guests. The cocktail menu, titled Interactions, highlights a blend of classic craftsmanship and modern creativity, always with Nordic ingredients shaping the flavours. The bartenders are top-tier and take pride in making every drink perfect.

Time Out tip: Book a window table overlooking the water in advance, especially in the evening. The view of the palace and Gamla Stan is magnificent year-round, but in winter, with atmospheric lighting, it’s truly magical.

Address: Södra Blasieholmshamnen 8, 111 48 Stockholm. Opening hours: Mon–Wed 11.00–01.00, Thu–Sat 11.00–02.00, Sun 11.00–01.00.

What is it? One of Stockholm’s most legendary restaurants, founded in 1867. Today a living classic in Vasastan with wood-panelled interiors, chandeliers, white tablecloths and a bar – Tennbaren – where everything from darts to gossip unfolds in harmony.

Why we love it? Tennstopet is where you go when you want to show someone what Stockholm really is. Not the trendy Stockholm of small plates and natural wine, but the old Stockholm serving gubbröra, frothy beer and well-cooked traditional dishes to journalists, artists, celebrities and locals alike. The atmosphere in the bar is unique: high ceilings, laughter and chatter, and staff who recognise regulars but take just as good care of first-timers. Tennbaren has had a refresh but kept its patina, and you can order from the full menu even if you’re just sitting at the bar.

Time Out tip: Arrive early at Tennbaren if you want a corner for your group, it’s popular and packed most evenings. The staff are often just as entertaining as the guests.

Address: Dalagatan 50, 113 24 Stockholm. Opening hours: Mon–Tue 11.30–23.00, Wed–Thu 11.30–00.00, Fri 11.30–01.00, Sat 12.00–01.00, Sun 12.00–23.00.

What is it? Stockholm’s oldest British pub, opened in 1969 on Grevgatan in Östermalm. Named by Daily Telegraph and British Airways as the world’s best British pub outside the UK.

Why we love it? Tudor Arms is exactly what it claims to be: a proper British pub right in the heart of Östermalm, without a trace of irony or kitsch. The space is perfectly worn-in, the regulars are loyal and the fish and chips are among the best in Stockholm. The staff switch effortlessly between English and Swedish, and there’s a genuinely welcoming atmosphere – the kind that can only be built over decades. On match nights, fans gather around the screens with a pint in hand, and quiz nights are a firm favourite.

Time Out tip: Book a table if you’re a group, it’s rarely empty at Tudor Arms. Try the fish and chips with a Guinness: a perfect match on Grevgatan any given Wednesday evening.

Address: Grevgatan 31, 114 53 Stockholm. Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11.30–23.00, Fri–Sat 11.30–23.00, Sun 13.00–20.00.

What is it? A stylish little deli, bar and restaurant on Nybrogatan in Östermalm, inspired by New York deli culture and southern European wine bars. The bar is created by the team behind Babette and Café Nizza.

Why we love it? Schmaltz is one of those places you want to keep secret, but can’t help talking about. In the small space on Nybrogatan – with its wood-panelled bar and fragrant delicacies on display – you can sip a glass of natural wine, eat the best Reuben sandwich in Stockholm, or just have a coffee and stay for another drink. There’s no agenda here: you can stay for five minutes or five hours. The wine list is thoughtful and ever-changing, the staff knowledgeable and warm, and the atmosphere that of a place that isn’t trying to be anything other than exactly what it is. Winner of Best Short List of the Year Sweden 2023.

Time Out tip: There’s a wine cellar downstairs that can be booked for groups in the evening. Otherwise, it’s walk-ins. Arrive early in good weather, the outdoor seating along Nybrogatan is one of Östermalm’s most underrated sunny spots.

Address: Nybrogatan 19, 114 39 Stockholm. Opening hours: Mon–Fri 11.00–23.00, Sat–Sun according to schedule.

What is it? The bar at Michael Andersson’s modern grill restaurant Sperling & Co near Stureplan in Östermalm, opened autumn 2024 by the Chef of the Year winner and former head chef at Michelin-starred Celeste.

Why we love it? The best restaurant bars are the ones where you can linger without feeling like you should really be having dinner, and that feeling comes immediately at Sperling. The restaurant is elegant without being stiff: an open kitchen, beautiful wood and the scent of charcoal and fire drifting from the grill make the craving for food inevitable. The cocktail menu focuses on classics with character – a Bellini here is top-tier – and the wine list is just as considered as the meat selection on the menu. It’s a bar for grown-ups who appreciate when every detail has been thought through.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss the speakeasy bar behind the unmarked door by the entrance – Stockholm’s best-kept secret and a hotspot, with loud music and a fun crowd. Those in the know know!

Address: Sturegatan 6, 114 35 Stockholm. Opening hours: Mon–Tue 16.00–late, Wed–Thu 16.00–late, Fri 11.30–14.00 & 16.00–late, Sat–Sun 16.00–late.

What is it? A natural wine bar on Tegnérgatan in Vasastan – by day one of Stockholm’s best cafés, by night one of the city’s most beloved wine bars with a constantly rotating list of natural wines from small producers.

Why we love it? Savant is one of those places that makes a city feel like a city. It’s small, intimate, almost always full and yet never stressful. Owner Markus only sources natural wines from small producers that are often hard to find elsewhere in Sweden, and the list changes almost daily. You never know exactly what you’ll find, but you know it’ll be good. The food is almost entirely vegetarian and made with care. Try the mushroom mousse with grilled bread if it’s on the menu. The Chef’s Table on Saturdays is worth booking if you’re a small group.

Time Out tip: No bookings – it’s walk-in only except for the Chef’s Table. Arrive a bit early in the evening to secure a spot at the bar. Let the staff choose your wine: they know exactly what’s most exciting right now.

Address: Tegnérgatan 4, 113 58 Stockholm. Opening hours: Open daily (closed Sunday).

What is it? A small, stripped-back wine bar on Katarina Bangata on Södermalm, run by wine importer Wine Trade. Natural wines and classics in a no-glitz, no-glamour setting – just as it should be.

Why we love it? Bar Ninja is the kind of place you look for but rarely find: genuine and unpretentious, with a wine-savvy team behind the counter and a list that actually tells a story. The space is simple but thoughtfully designed, the atmosphere relaxed and it’s easy to strike up a conversation with your neighbour at the bar. With 80 percent natural wines and 20 percent classics, Bar Ninja offers one of Söder’s most varied wine experiences – and the food to go with it is simple but well made. Great DJs play regularly.

Time Out tip: No bookings. First come, first served. Bar Ninja is open Tuesday to Saturday, and on sunny days the outdoor seating is one of the cosiest on Söder. Ask for recommendations by the glass: they really know their stuff.

Address: Katarina Bangata 29, 116 39 Stockholm. Opening hours: Tue–Fri 16.00–00.00, Sat 14.00–00.00.

What is it? The little sibling to the legendary Riche on Birger Jarlsgatan, opened in 2022 on Götgatan 40 by the buzzing Slussen. A bar and restaurant aiming to be a platform for food, drink, art and music for a new generation.

Why we love it? Riche Fenix has pulled off something tricky: taking the legacy of a well-known brand and planting it on Söder without it feeling forced. The place has a genuinely relaxed vibe with art on the walls, a menu full of sharing plates you actually want to share, and a bar mixing well-crafted cocktails and wine with equal enthusiasm. The space is open and social – perfect for mingling – and on weekends DJs play to a stylish, clued-up crowd. Chef William is considered one of Stockholm’s most exciting names right now, and the hot dog is genius.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss the arancini and order a couple of extra dishes to share. Keep an eye on their Instagram – Riche Fenix has a habit of coming up with fun happenings announced at short notice.

Address: Götgatan 40, 118 26 Stockholm. Opening hours:
Open daily – follow @richefenix for current hours.

What is it? A relaxed neighbourhood pub and restaurant on Bondegatan 50 in SoFo on Södermalm. Run with genuine local dedication and a feeling that you’re always welcome.

Why we love it? Harvest Home is the place you think of when you say ‘my local’. A mixed crowd of regulars and curious newcomers, a cosy corner with atmospheric lighting, a wide beer selection including Guinness on tap, and food that’s simple but well executed – mussels, steak, pies on the blackboard. It’s a living room with a licence, full of regulars and cultural figures. The atmosphere is open, relaxed and never snobbish.

Time Out tip: Book a table if you’re a group, it’s often full in the evenings. Ask what’s best on the blackboard: the daily offerings reflect what’s in season and are usually the most exciting on the menu.

Address: Bondegatan 50, 116 33 Stockholm. Opening hours: Mon–Thu 16.00–01.00, Fri–Sat 16.00–01.00, Sun 16.00–01.00.

What is it? A bar and restaurant by the leafy Lilla Blecktornsparken in Skanstull on Södermalm, famous for its fantastic outdoor seating and popular with everyone from hipsters to families.

Why we love it? Bleck is one of those places that proves location can make all the difference. The park, the lush outdoor seating, the nearby mini golf and the evening sun that lingers make for a hard-to-beat combination. But Bleck is more than just a summer spot: the glass veranda stays open year-round. The menu focuses on small plates influenced by Europe, alongside natural wines and classics, all served with an easygoing attitude that makes you stay longer than planned.

Time Out tip: Arrive early in summer if you want a good outdoor spot, the terrace fills up quickly. No bookings, walk-ins only. If it rains, head into the glass veranda and enjoy a glass of wine with a park view.

Address: Katarina Bangata 68, 116 42 Stockholm. Opening hours: Open daily – seasonal hours, see restaurantbleck.se.

What is it? A small bar and restaurant on Bysistorget on Södermalm, with natural wine on tap and Mediterranean-inspired dishes served with a generous dose of laid-back charm.

Why we love it? Bar Europa is one of those places that really leans into its charm – and wins. The menu is presented as a receipt, natural wine flows from the tap, and the outdoor seating on Bysistorget is one of Söder’s best spots for people-watching on warm evenings. Inside, it’s tight and cosy in a way that makes you linger longer than planned, and the food – bread, butter, charcuterie, hot dishes – is simple but thoughtful.

Time Out tip: Try to sit outside on the square if the weather allows, it’s one of Södermalm’s most underrated sunny spots. Let the staff recommend a glass of natural wine: they always have something fun going on.

Address: Bysistorget 6, 118 21 Stockholm. Opening hours: Tue–Thu 16.00–23.00, Fri 16.00–01.00, Sat 14.00–01.00.

What is it? A relaxed gastropub on Södermannagatan in Skanstull, with influences from British pub culture and the French bistro. Classic dishes, wine and beer in a stripped-back but genuinely warm setting.

Why we love it? Duvan is the neighbourhood spot you always come back to. It’s the stripped-back, straightforward approach that defines it: the menu is written on the blackboard, the food is simple but considered, and the beer selection naturally includes Guinness. The menu reflects French and British cuisine – pies, mussels, fish – and changes often. It’s a place for those who appreciate things done properly without making a fuss about it.

Time Out tip: Walk-ins only, but on popular nights it’s worth arriving early. Try the Sunday roast if you get the chance, it’s a true Söder ritual.

Address: Södermannagatan 53, 116 66 Stockholm. Opening hours: Tue–Sat 17.00–00.00, Sun 17.00–22.00.

What is it? Omaka brewery’s new beer bar by Nytorget on Södermalm, opened in March 2026 in collaboration with restaurant Ponti. Brewmaster Hedda Spendrup brings her experimental beer culture to Söder for the first time.

Why we love it? Omaka has quickly become one of Södermalm’s most exciting new additions. Hedda Spendrup – one of the country’s youngest and most celebrated brewmasters – has long wanted to open a beer bar on Söder, and now it’s finally happened. The concept is simple: craft beer at the centre, served fresh and with care, without unnecessary rules about how it should be. The menu is complemented by pizza and snacks from Ponti. It’s a place without pretension, but with a real passion for flavour – just like Omaka’s slogan says: flavour before style.

Time Out tip: Ask what’s just been tapped from the brewery – the selection changes continuously and there’s always something new to try. And get a pizza: they’re made by the team behind Ponti.

Address: Nytorget 13, 116 40 Stockholm. Opening hours: See omaka.beer for current hours.