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The Nordic tradition of throwing crayfish parties is essentially a festive late-summer excuse to wear goofy paper hats, sing drinking songs off-key and devour cold, dill-marinated freshwater crayfish with your bare hands. Many people enjoy the seafood feast at home or at their summer cottages, but the tradition is also a big deal at many of Stockholm’s restaurants and bars.
From classic Stureplan spots like Sturehof and Teatergrillen, both in the heart of Stockholm’s upscale dining and nightlife district, to a ferry feast and some more modern take like Tak’s izakaya, here are some of Stockholm’s best spots for a crayfish party.
Here’s when and where you can attend a crayfish party in Stockholm:
Ulla Winbladh, Djurgården
The historic Ulla Winbladh has been welcoming guests on Djurgården since 1897, and here you can enjoy a truly classic crayfish party. The menu kicks off with chanterelle toast, followed by half a kilo of Swedish crayfish and finished off with almond cake and peach sorbet.
Dates: August 6-16. Price: SEK 850. Book at: ullawinbladh.se/kraftor/
Rökeriet, Fjäderholmarna
At Rökeriet, crayfish parties are in full swing from early August until mid-September. Fjäderholmarna is close to the city and easy to reach, making this a lovely day trip where you can get a taste of the Stockholm archipelago alongside your snaps. A bit touristy, but still good fun.
Date: now – september 14. Price: SEK 995. Book at: rokeriet-fjaderholmarna.se/en/crayfish-party
Tennstopet, Odenplan
Of course Stockholm’s stalwart of traditional Swedish cooking is throwing a crayfish party. Tennstopet keeps the menu suitably traditional, serving the boiled crustaceans with classic sides like baguette, mayonnaise and spiced cheese. Dessert, however, is a little more modern: a caramelised pear tartlet with salted caramel and vanilla ice cream.
Date: August 13. Price: SEK 985, minimun 2 persons. Book at: tennstopet.se/
Sturehof, Östermalm
Sturehof is throwing a classic crayfish party with all the trimmings. Drinking songs, accordion music and a live orchestra are on the agenda, while the crayfish come with all the classic sides, plus creamy chanterelles on butter-fried toast to start and melon sorbet for dessert.
Date: August 13. Price: SEK 995. Book at: sturehof.com/
Restaurang J, Nacka
This restaurant sits right on the waterfront just outside Stockholm and is easily reached by a short ferry ride. The party takes place on a decorated veranda and includes a welcome drink, crayfish with all the classic trimmings and live music.
Date: August 15. Price: SEK 1,090. Book at: restaurangj.se
Sue Ellen, Vasastan
This neighbourhood restaurant throws a slightly rowdier crayfish party in its courtyard, with flavours from the American South, live music and American brewskies. Chanterelle toast is swapped for corn and spicy sausage, and the feast includes a whole kilo of crayfish per person.
Dates: August 15, 22 & 29. Price: SEK 1,090 including a welcome drink. Book at: sue-ellen.se/
Stockholms Stadshotell, Södermalm
Celebrate crayfish season in the elegant surroundings of the relatively new Stockholms Stadshotell. Alongside classic crayfish and all the trimmings, there's also steak minute on the menue. Perfect for groups where not everyone is entirely convinced by the joys of crayfish.
Dates: August 21 & 22. Price for the crayfish menu: SEK 890. Book at:stockholmstadshotell.com/?menu=1
Ulriksdals Värdshus, Solna
Feast on crayfish at this historic inn in a beautiful waterside setting just outside the city. Classic flavours and traditional sides are on the menu.
Date: August 22. Price: SEK 995. Book at: ulriksdalsvardshus.se/
Gondolen, Slussen
Gondolen is celebrating crayfish season for three days, with live jazz setting the mood on opening night. Elegant surroundings come with magnificent views over the city, thanks to Gondolen’s perch 33 metres above the ground. Alongside half a kilo of crayfish, the menu includes dishes such as a tartlet with Västerbotten cheese cream and vendace roe.
Dates: August 27-29. Price: SEK 1,250, with an optional drinks pairing for SEK 750. Book at: gondolen.se/en/
Pelago, Slussen
The crayfish party at Stockholm’s largest rooftop restaurant, just above Gondolen, even has a song leader to get everyone singing traditional drinking songs. You can either pre-book a larger crayfish menu in the pergola or simply drop in and order a bucket of crayfish from the bar.
Date: August 28. Price: SEK 695. Book at: pelagosthlm.se/en/
Tak, Norrmalm/City
Here’s another tip for an elevated crayfish party experience. At Tak, perched on the 14th floor above Brunkebergstorg, Swedish flavours of dill and lemon meet Asian influences. Think salmon sashimi, nigiri and yuzu cheesecake to finish.
Dates: August 28-29. Price: SEK 945. Book at: tak.se/
Teatergrillen, Östermalm
This Stockholm institution is putting on a traditional crayfish lunch accompanied by a jazzy dance band. The menu, also served at Lilla Baren at Riche, keeps things classic, starting with seafood canapés, followed by crayfish and finishing with a raspberry frangipane. The expected vibe? Equal parts sophisticated and rowdy.
Date: August 29. Price: Crayfish menu at Teatergrillen SEK 1,295 / Lilla Baren SEK 1,195. Book at: teatergrillen.se/
Musikflotten, Stockholm’s waterways
For a truly unique crayfish party in Stockholm, check out Musikflotten’s floating feast. Bring your own crayfish and drinks, grab a seat on one of the benches and set off on a two-and-a-half-hour cruise through Stockholm. Along with beautiful views, hats, drinking song booklets and live music are included.
Dates: August 29 & 30. Price for the cruise: SEK 400. Book at: musikflotten.se/