There are just five main courses to choose from at Häktet, an edgy modern restaurant inside a former eighteenth century jail for petty criminals who couldn’t afford to pay their bail. Classic European flavours with a contemporary twist are on offer, with the menu typically changing several times a year to make the most of seasonal ingredients. Think turkey served with pumpkin puree and cabbage in a buttery sauce on a cosy winter’s evening, or freshly caught crayfish and mussel soup topped with dill during the summer. There’s a venerable cheeseboard available year-round, ready to load onto traditional Swedish crispbread with a large dollop of marmalade. Häktet’s home in the creative Södermalm district pulls in a clientele of local writers, artists and academics alongside younger media types happy to splash out at one of the best-loved venues in the neighbourhood.
Time Out tip: Don’t forget your dancing shoes; this place transforms into a buzzing bar after midnight and doesn’t close until 3am.