Stockholm’s Best Cafés: A Local’s Guide

Over the past 10 to 15 years, Stockholm has transformed into a city brimming with unique cafés on every corner. But believe me, it wasn’t always like this. As a local who has lived in Stockholm for most of my life, I’ve spent countless hours exploring the city’s endless café options, testing out most of the new spots that have popped up. In this blog post, I will share my favorite cafés in Stockholm, so you don’t have to randomly select a café and risk being disappointed.

The Tradition of “Fika”

Before we dive into my list of the best cafes in Stockholm, I find i appropriate to say a few words on the Swedish coffee culture or as we call i “fika”. The Swedish tradition of “fika” is a social coffee break that typically includes a sweet treat and is deeply ingrained in the Swedes daily lives. It’s more than just a break, for us it is a moment to relax, connect with friends, and enjoy a well-brewed cup of coffee. The history of “fika” dates back to the 19th century and originates from a playful inversion of the syllables in the Swedish word “kaffi,” an older spelling of “coffee” (now “kaffe”). The syllables were then reversed to “fi-ka,” which eventually became “fika. Interesting right?

Now that you know that lets dive into the list of the Best Cafés in Stockholm!

1. Rosendals Trädgårdskafé

Location: Djurgården

Let’s start with one of my absolute favorite cafes in Stockholm, a place a take friends or family that visited from abroad: Rosendals Trädgårdskafé (Rosendals Garden Café). Located on the beautiful island of Djurgården, this unique café is set within a lush, expansive garden, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Ambience: Garden Setting, Tranquil, Rustic

The café offers a serene garden setting with outdoor seating that lets you immerse yourself in nature. Its rustic decor and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal place to relax and unwind from sometimes hectic streets of Stockholm. Even during winter, Rosendals Trädgårdskafé remains a good place to visit thanks to its large greenhouses filled with tables.

Specialty: Organic Food, Garden-to-Table Dishes

Like many trendy cafés and restaurants around Stockholm, Rosendals Trädgård is dedicated to serving organic, garden-to-table dishes. Their menu features seasonal ingredients, often sourced from their own biodynamically grown vegetables, while all their bread is baked in their own artisan bakery.

Why Locals Love It: Natural Setting, Fresh Ingredients

My wife and I adore Rosendals Trädgård (especially my wife) for its beautiful natural setting and fresh, organic ingredients. Furthermore the café has a countryside feel to it, despite being just a stone’s throw from the city center of Stockholm. Djurgården is also perfect for a walk after enjoying your coffee or lunch.

2. Petite France

Location: Kungsholmen

Another café I visit regularly is Petite France, located in Kungsholmen (also the area where I live). This charming café brings a slice of Paris to Stockholm and is known for its authentic French and Swedish pastries. Their delicious foods and location near Norr Mälarstrand boardwalk makes place to enjoy breakfast or lunch after a walk around Kungsholmen.

Ambience: French-Inspired, Cozy, Quaint

The interior of Petite France is reminiscent of a traditional Parisian café, with cozy seating and charming decor. It even has food elevators to apartments that are located in the building! How cool is that?! The indoor seating area is small and fills up quickly on weekends. However, during warmer months, the café’s outdoor seating area, equipped with built-in heating, is open.

Specialty: French Pastries, Artisanal Bread

Petite France is known for their authentic French pastries, including croissants and macarons. Their artisanal bread, baked fresh daily, is also a highlight and perfect for accompanying a coffee or tea.

Why Locals Love It: Authentic French Flavors, Charming Atmosphere

I particularly love Petite France for their wide selection of breakfast and lunch dishes, as well as their mix of Swedish and French pastries. For the past 2-3 years, I have ordered breakfast for my colleagues from Petite France every month, which speaks volumes about the quality of this café!

3. Café Pascal

Location: Vasastan

Located in the heart of Vasastan near Odenplan lies Café Pascal, a cafe that exemplifies the perfect blend of modernity and coziness. From the moment you step in, you’re greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere, highlighted by its minimalist decor and the aromatic scent of freshly brewed coffee.

Ambience: Cozy, modern, good for work

The interior of Café Pascal is designed to make you feel right at home. The wooden furniture, combined with contemporary lighting and soft background music, creates a serene environment ideal for both work and relaxation.

Specialty: Handcrafted coffee, delicious meals

Café Pascal offers pastries that include all the Swedish classics you dream of, as well as innovative new flavors. They also have a great selection of healthy lunch dishes, making it a perfect place to enjoy a meal after strolling around town.

Why locals love it: Swedish pastries, quality coffee

What makes Café Pascal one of the best cafes in Stockholm is its wide selection of Swedish pastries, delicious and healthy lunch menu, and cozy setting, perfect for work and fika.

4. Vete-Katten

Location: Kungsgatan

Stepping into Vete-Katten is like taking a journey back in time. This historic café, located on Kungsgatan, has been a staple in Stockholm since 1928, and it continues to charm visitors with its timeless elegance and traditional Swedish offerings. Today, Vetekatten has become a chain of cafes and expanded rapidly with a total of 9 locations spread across the city.

Ambience: Classic, historic, elegant

Vete-Katten’s interior is a beautiful blend of classic and elegant design. The antique furnishings, chandeliers, and vintage decor create a warm and inviting atmosphere that take you back in time.

Specialty: Traditional Swedish pastries, afternoon tea

Vete-Katten is a traditional Swedish café and is renowned for its traditional Swedish pastries, including cinnamon buns, princess cakes, and cardamom rolls. For those of you who are looking for a pure Swedish café experience, Vetenkatten is a must-visit and also a place I take people whenever they visit from abroad.

Why locals love it: Timeless charm, authentic experience

For locals, Vete-Katten is a beloved institution that offers a taste of old Stockholm. The authentic experience and timeless charm make it a perfect spot for a leisurely fika or a special occasion.

5. Johan & Nyström

Location: Södermalm

Located in the trendy district of Södermalm, Johan & Nyström is a café for coffee enthusiasts, which also features its own coffee brand. Known for taking coffee brewing seriously, this café is become a hotspot for those seeking high-quality brews made with the finest beans.

Ambience: Trendy, Hip, Relaxed

The café’s interior mirrors the trendy vibe of Södermalm, with its industrial design, cozy seating areas, and overall relaxed atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for meeting friends, working on a project, or simply enjoying a quiet moment.

Specialty: Specialty Coffee, Innovative Drinks

Johan & Nyström is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of coffee brewing (they even offer coffee brewing courses!). Their specialty coffees are crafted with precision, using beans sourced from sustainable farms (see the trend there?). Besides traditional espresso drinks, they offer a range of innovative beverages, including cold brews and nitro coffee.

Why Locals Love It: Knowledgeable Baristas, Cool Atmosphere

What sets Johan & Nyström apart is the expertise of their baristas. They are passionate about coffee and eager to share their knowledge on making the perfect cup. The cool atmosphere and excellent coffee make it a favorite among locals.

6. Drop Coffee Roasters

Location: Mariatorget, Södermalm

Drop Coffee Roasters, situated in Mariatorget, Södermalm, is another café that first opened up as a coffee bar in 2009 and later expanded to creating their own roastery. Since then the café has gained international acclaim for its exceptional coffee participating in the World Coffee Roasting Championship.

Ambience: Contemporary, bustling, vibrant

The café’s minimalistic and contemporary design and a perfect place for socializing or working. The open layout and large windows make it a bright and welcoming space.

Specialty: Award-winning coffee, ethically sourced beans

Drop Coffee Roasters is renowned for its award-winning coffee, which is ethically sourced from sustainable farms. Their commitment to quality is evident in every cup which makes it a favorite among coffee aficionados.

Why locals love it: Passionate about sustainability, expert brewing

Just like Johan & Nyström, Drop Coffee Roasters are known for its dedication to sustainability and expert brewing techniques. You come here to enjoy an incredible cup of coffee rather than anything else.

7. Café Saturnus

Location: Östermalm

Located in the upscale district of Östermalm, Café Saturnus is known for its luxurious atmosphere and its weekend brunch menu. It’s a favorite spot for those looking enjoy something more than just a cup of coffee in a classy “fika” setting.

Ambience: Charming, French-inspired, intimate

Café Saturnus gives off charm with its French-inspired decor, intimate seating, and cozy ambiance. The soft lighting and elegant furnishings create a sophisticated setting for breakfast, lunch, or brunch on the weekends.

Specialty: Oversized cinnamon buns, brunch

One of the highlights of Café Saturnus is their oversized cinnamon buns, which are a must-try. They also offer a delicious brunch menu, while their breakfast on weekdays (from 8 am) is French inspired.

Why locals love it: Delicious treats, cozy atmosphere

I love Café Saturnus for its large selections of dishes on its menu as well as its classy atmosphere. It’s a place where you easily can spend a morning eating, drinking and eating some more.

8. Poli Café

Location: Kungsholmen

Poli Café is a charming, hole-in-the-wall spot located on a small side street near Fridhemsplan, Kungsholmen. This Italian-style café is perfect for grabbing delicious espresso drinks on the go.

Ambience: Italian, Simplistic Style

The café features a minimalist decor with no seating, only stand-up tables designed for a quick coffee or espresso before heading out.

Specialty: Specialty Coffee, Creative Desserts

Poli Café serves the best Italian coffee drinks, including cappuccino, americano, and macchiato. Additionally, they offer delicious prosciutto sandwiches and cannoli.

Why Locals Love It: Excellent On-the-Go Coffee

Locals love Poli Café for its excellent on-the-go coffee. If you’re near Fridhemsplan and want a quick bite and coffee before exploring the city, this is the place to visit. With a Google rating of 4.9 out of 5, Poli Café’s reputation speaks for itself, though its small size makes it more suited for a quick stop rather than a dedicated trip.

Conclusion

Stockholm’s café culture is rich and diverse, seemingly growing more and more with each passing year. There’s something for everyone: if you’re seeking award-winning coffee, be sure to check out Johan & Nyström or Drop Coffee Roasters. For a taste of famous Swedish pastries, visit Vetekatten or Café Pascal. If you need a break from the hectic city center, retreat to Rosendals Trädgårdskafé—you won’t be disappointed.

Each café on this list has its own unique charm and specialty, making them all worth a visit. As a local, these are the places that have stood out the most to me, and many of them keep me coming back again and again.

Happy fika!