Exposed red brickwork, low-hanging metal lampshades and daily specials scrawled on paper posters set the tone for this understated neighbourhood restaurant in the Vasastan district. Lilla Ego translates as “small ego” in English, but its self-effacing efforts exist in parallel with a major buzz around its dishes. Locals clamber to get a table here—bookings are taken up to 90 days in advance and the small wooden tables are packed tightly together. There’s a short seasonal menu with a strong focus on Nordic root vegetables, fish and seafood, like a lobster dish with celery and ginger, slow-cooked pork accompanied by cauliflower, or chanterelle mushrooms with elder and buttered turbot.
Time Out tip: There are usually a few unreserved drop-in seats at Lilla Ego’s bar. If that fails you’re a seven-minute walk from one of the city’s best unbookable options, Flippin’ Burgers, a gourmet fast-food joint which has a bar where you can wait until you get a table.