I was in Stockholm for a day. After checking into my hotel I walked around looking for something to eat. This place was rated highly. So I stopped in and had dinner. One of the things I liked is that the restaurant is part of the building where the old opera house is and there are old opera posters covering the walls. This place seems to be very busy with mostly locals and some visitors. It's always a good sign when I walked in and just about everybody was speaking Swedish. The restaurant isn't that big, but seems normal in Europe. I grabbed a seat at the bar. The people working gave me a menu that was both in Swedish and English. I liked how they spoke Swedish to me first,then apologized when I apologized and said I didn't speak Swedish. Very friendly. They offered me some suggestions on what was good on the menu. Most of us have probably had Swedish meatballs before at Ikea, or elsewhere. The Swedish meatballs here were the best I've ever had. The cream sauce was rich but not heavy. It was served with whipped potatoes, ligonberries which were very fresh and not canned, and pickled cucumbers. A local couple told me to try the dish with everything mixed together as that's how the swedes eat it. Every bite was a bite of meaty,creamy,slightly tart berries bliss. The dish was very filling and along with a local draft beer, one of the best meals I've had in a long time. It cost about 30 usd for the meal and beer. All in all an excellent meal and well worth it for the quality and care I'm making the dish. They also had some really good sounding Swedish dishes on the menu. If I had been in Stockholm longer, I would have gone back again for dinner. I paid with Swedish crowns (krona), not sure if they take credit cards or not. Highly recommended! read more

My Swedish meatball experience was excellent. I ordered the classic dish. Meatballs with gravy with whipped mash and Lingonberry and house made pickles. A+ The waiter Viking was soooo helpful and created an elevated experience for my group. I believe this was a locals spot so we felt a little lost. My girlfriend has many restrictions such as no dairy, anything cow, etc. she has ibs. Viking was able to suggest a few items on the menu and she ended up getting the duck. I've never seen her eat food the way she did last night. My other friend ordered the steak tar tar and she said it was delicious. The food is amazing here and I definitely recommend this restaurant. They also have a great selection of beer and wine :) read more

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Thanks to Yelp, this was our first stop in Stockholm. Meal was exceptional and wait staff was stern at first but opened up once we asked about the name and it's history. Service was top notch and two other waiters hopped in when ours was busy. Pose linens and clean outdoor dining area. Sat alfresco and was delightful w no car noise/traffic. Watching bikers glide by and taking in how the Swedes live was lovely. This meal will live with me for a long time or until I visit again. read more

Bakfickan - Scandinavian Near Me - Stockholm, Alberta

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Just had a few days in stockholm and was staying about 15k away in a sleepy suburb. Borrowed a bike from the hotel, meandered down to the vasa, amazing! Then the rain started, by the time I got to bakfickan I was wet and hungry. Had to get the Swedish meatballs, they were okay until I poured the lingonberries over top, which transformed them to divine. Had a nice house wine and the shrimp toast appetizer. It hit the spot, but I was really hungry, for dessert the roasted peaches in panna cotta could be skipped. It was a cold parfait, jello topping and rubbery panna cotta. My neighbors vanilla scoop looked much more interesting and half the price. Service and the meatballs kept this at 5 stars! read more

Bakfickan - Scandinavian Near Me - Stockholm, Alberta

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Had my first meal in Sweden at Bakfickan and now just worry it will be hard to eat anywhere else because they set the bar so high. Everything was phenomenal from the old world charm of the ambiance, the sensible seating arrangements which made it easy to find a seat for one at the bar, to the incredible quality of the food. Could not believe how reasonably priced it was for a delightful meal. read more

Excellent food. Great decor and service. Swedish meatballs with elderberries was great. Salmon gravlax with potatoes was so refreshing. Pickled herring with "normal" potatoes (best little potatoes, so buttery) was good to taste different herring styles. Almond cake was good, with fresh berries, the sorbet that came with it tasted savoury, kind of like pink peppercorn, which was weird but interesting. read more

First time visiting in Stockholm, so I had to try what Yelp has rated as the best Swedish food in the downtown area. I wasn't disappointed. The restaurant has clearly mastered a much wider palette than merely Swedish food. The crème ninon starter was wonderful. Assembled in front of me, it was delicate and flavorful. Then I went for the Swedish meatballs, since the only other version I've had are those that caterers serve at American weddings. This was also a very nice experience. Good meatballs, a rich cream sauce, and what apparently are the best sides to pair with it, pressgurka (pressed cucumber), rårörda lingon (lingonberry sauce), and outstanding potatismos (mashed potatoes). I've just ordered the crème brûlée and expect to be very satisfied. It's also a good location. I love people watching while I eat, and I never once felt rushed. Very friendly wait staff. It is a bit expensive, but you do get what you pay for. Update: That créme brûlée was to die for. Silly smooth vanilla crème and perfectly evenly toasted sugar, topped with fresh strawberries and blueberries. Magnifique! Er...magnifik! read more

Bakfickan - Scandinavian Near Me - Stockholm, Alberta

Girlfriend told me she wanted Swedish Meatballs so I got her meatballs and unfortunately I'm not from Sweden so she found this place instead.... Everyone was not kidding, this place is small and it was rather difficult to find. It's a door with a small sign right outside. We ordered two things: Swedish Meatballs and Pork Belly Confit. I'm not a food guru so I'll save that for the experts, but I would make it an effort to come back to Bakfickan. Service is fantastic with staff communicating with you in English. read more

Traditional Swedish style restaurant that dates back to the previous century seemed cool so we decided to check it out. Seating is very limited so I wouldn't recommend coming with a party larger than 4 unless you want to wait. I tried the most recommended meatball dish and it was pretty good. A bit salty but it's what I prefer. Service is a bit poor. We had to ask the waiters to order, for bread, for butter and everything else at separate times. read more

Bakfickan - Carlsberg on tap - Scandinavian Near Me - Stockholm, Alberta

A-mazing food. Hands down the best meal I had in Stockholm. Came for the meatballs and they were superb! Started with the Shiraz and the lobster bisque, both which were delicious. The Swedish meatballs were insanely good! Finished the meal with the butter almond cake which was half butter. Like actual layers of butter. Definitely check this place out! read more

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Pro tip- if you're in Stockholm on a Saturday night, MAKE DINNER RESERVATIONS IN ADVANCE. I made the mistake of not having a reservation and after calling and walking to probably ten other places in old town, this was the only place that was taking walk ins. It's a small casual, dineresque spot with mostly bar seating. We were set on the Swedish meatballs until our neighbors was served an amazing leg of pork with shaved truffles on top (apparently they saw another group eating it - the benefit of communal seating!) we promptly changed our order and left happy and full with leftovers that lasted through the next day. read more

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This restaurant counts its roots back to the early 1900's. There are good reasons they continue to prosper. Outstanding food, by every measure.. Swedish meatballs and steak are mmmm good. Good and friendly service. Definitely worth a visit. read more

Dear Sweden, You have a beautiful place to live in, have a family, enjoy the indoors which other countries could only dream of. How many want that... Only you have that. Shelley read more

Yum yum comforting food after walking around all the tourist sights! The foie gras with apple was bright and buttery. The Swedish meatballs were amaze balls and come with the most delicious, tummy warming bowl of mashed potatoes. (Also lingonberries and pickled cucumber) The steak and potatoes were a hardy solid dish but I'd go meatballs! read more

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Great place for authentic Swedish food. The food was great and a great atmosphere to. I had the filet of reindeer which was delicious and very tender. Would recommend this as a great place for anyone read more

Fantastic atmosphere, delicious food, open kitchen, kind service, and great location. We were not expecting to be so entertained by this unique eatery in the heart of Stockholm. It is a bit hard to find but well worth the effort. Beautiful park views, and generous portions of satisfying Swedish menu selections. read more

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This was a solid restaurant pick while we were in Stockholm for two days. The Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes, lingonberries and pickles were amazing, the best that we had while we were there. My friend had the reindeer with Jerusalem artichokes which was good, but the meatballs were better. The service was not overly friendly, but it was fine. We were there for a late lunch around 2:30 so it wasn't that crowded and we were able to sit at the bar right away. It is a small venue so I can't speak to how it is during popular lunch or dinner times. read more

Bakfickan - Scandinavian Near Me - Stockholm, Alberta

Food was delicious! I had the Swedish meatballs. Servers spoke English and English on menu. Service is a bit slow but if you sit outside you have a pretty view of St James church. read more

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The service here was great and the Swedish meatballs were good, not great just good. Although I'm not Swedish and the only meatballs I've had were from Ikea lol , I can still tell the difference between good and mediocre. read more

Yes Yes Yes. Go here. I could stop the review there and you'd be fine. But I will tell you that I had steak with potatoes au gratin which was fabulous. I'm talking you put it in your mouth and you can't eat it fast enough because you want another bite. It's THAT kind of fabulous. It's just that flavor with everything cooked to perfection gives a meal that is hard to top. I don't care if you go to a Michelin star place, your money is better spent here. Word of caution, it's pretty small, but worth the wait. Staff is very friendly, and yes they speak English. read more

Not bad, but skip. Service is two-star (aloof would be a generous description). The food is a 4 but service was a disappointment. The pickled herring was meh... but then again how does one make a good pickled herring? The pork neck was flavorful and executed well. The pasta with egg and mushroom was delicious (the generous arugula was a nice touch) The chicken caesar salad was good. It took over 20 minutes for our waitress to take our order and our water and bread were never refilled. read more

Delicious Swedish food for locals and tourists alike! As an American, I would call it VERY elevated IKEA food lol but worth the trip read more

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A very nice small restaurant with really good food. You don't have a long list to choose from but the quality of the food is superb!! I had a carpaccio for entrance and aspargus, halumi and paprica for main dish. Great choice. read more

This place was so cute and cozy! My husband and I went to Stockholm for our honeymoon, and this was our first meal there. We started with the pickled herring starter, and it came with four pickled herring flavors, cheese, and potatoes. I don't eat a lot of fish, but I'll admit. This starter was pretty tasty. I ordered the obligatory Swedish meatballs, and they were delicious. I tried other meatballs during our trip, and I didn't think they compared to Bakfickan's. The meat was juicy and not too salty. The gravy it came with was so good that I spooned it up after eating my last meatball. My husband got the arctic char and finished his whole dish. Overall, great experience, and great ambiance. read more

Bakfickan - pickled herring starter - Scandinavian Near Me - Stockholm, Alberta

I heard so many good things about this place from multiple people it was on my short list. After a long night of drinking previous to Swedish National Day I figured that Bakfickan would be an ideal late lunch spot on a perfect day. I arrived sometime after 14:00 and already knew I wanted some good herring and meatballs. I ordered both of these items. The service was quite good, and very friendly. They have outdoor seating, but the space is very small. The herring was amazing, all of the various ways they prepared it, extremely soft and delicious. The meatballs were also great, from the meat, to the sauce, and the lovely potatoes. They bring a side of berries and pickles which pair perfectly with the food. Excellent spot, superb food. read more

Daily lunch specials and amazing swedish meatballs. If you're staying in gamla stan and want an affordable (relatively) and quick lunch in a not so loud/bustling environment, definitely come here! The staff is very friendly, and they make an effort to make their food look as good as it tastes!! Highly recommend. read more

The food was good and i was happy with it. I tried the swedish meatballs like every tourist. They brought our food to someone else who came in after and ordered the same things though so we had a long wait and were late for our excursion planned afterwards. I went to a bar later on my trip and a friend got swedish meatballs that looked better than these ones so maybe keep looking around! Its not too far from Old town though if u are staying there , so if you are nearby to this place I think its definitely a good choice. read more

I went in not expecting much and without any prior information on either its popularity or specialities. I set the bar low as being in the centre of all tourist attractions, I expected it to be a tourist trap. Boy, was I wrong!!! I am a vegetarian but if you happen to not be, make sure you get the speciality meat balls. It comes with the best mashed potatoes I have had. I think I would kill for it :) I had the seasonal asparagus but my mouth was watering for the mashed potatoes of my companion. I hear the meat balls were a killer too. When in Stockholm, back to Bakfickan :) read more

You can't go wrong here for the Swedish staples - fish, fish, and Swedish meatballs. I got a big ass array of herring, like 6 different ways, and it was good (though it's a lot of herring). Great location, inside and on the front terrace. We got out for just over $100 USD for 4. read more

My travel partner and I stumbled upon this gem when wandering the Kings Garden listening to live music and watching locals dance to traditional Scandinavian music. We waned a place that served classic Swedish dishes and Bakfickan certainly did. Upon entering the small, quaint, outdoors atmosphere the wait staff was extremely busy but nothing short of hospitable. Our waitress was extremely helpful when explaining the menu and even waited for me to return from the restroom to bring out the traditional Swedish bread basket which we got to choose a few slices from. The melt memorable of the breads was the Kavring, a classic brown bread that was exquisite. Our server was able to constantly check in on our meal even when she was extremely busy. For our main courses we got the traditional Swedish meatballs and the lightly salted salmon entrees. The Swedish meatballs were delectable, covered in the brown gravy served with a side of the lingonberry and pickles cucumbers and puréed potatoes. The potatoes tastes like pure butter they were rich and delicious. The salmon entree was the freshest salmon I have ever had (and thats saying a lot because I eat plenty of salmon!) it came with a side of creamed dill potatoes that were perfectly cooked. After our meal we were both so full we couldn't bear to think about dessert. Bakfickan is set in a quiet street behind the opera and after my experience I would go back again and again. If I ever find myself in Stockholm in the future I will 100% have dinner here. read more

Heard of such great things about this perfectly located place. Lots of celebrities photos with very European wooden counters. Came here with my two very well behaved kids. Service was terrible. Unbelievably terrible, comparing to the other Stockholm restaurants we've frequently on this trip. The food was OK but nothing to write home about. I liked the location because it had a beautiful park and church nearby, and I've heard such exceptionally wonderful reviews so I thought it was worth checking it out. I don't think I'll return. There are many excellent Stockholm restaurants, I can use less of sloppy service and better food. read more

First of all, let me be clear that the food at Bakfickan is wonderful. I ordered the shrimp and crayfish toasts for an appetizer, and the Swedish meatballs. They were fantastic. I don't need to explain it, just read the other reviews if you want to know what to expect. Now, the service. After ordering, the waitress brought our toasts fairly quickly, and also a bottle of water to share and some bread. We slowly enjoyed the appetizers and bread, but noticed after some time that a customer who arrived after us received their main course and we hadn't. I looked at my watch and realized that roughly 20 minutes had passed since we ordered, but figured that the other customer had simply not ordered appetizers or that there was just a mixup in the kitchen. And then another 20 minutes passed, and the few other customers, all of whom had arrived after us, received their food as well. We immediately looked for our waitress, who hadn't stopped at our table since the appetizers were delivered some 40 minutes ago, but couldn't find her. The manager (owner?) was available and we brought the issue to her attention. She seemed agitated and said that they were extremely busy which resulted in the missed order. Ok, but 1) there are only maybe 10-12 tables outside, and I counted three waitresses covering the area, and 2) our waitress didn't even bother to stop and check on us, and several times passed us without even making eye contact. I told the manager that we didn't intend to pay full price and at first she again seemed agitated, then somewhat reluctantly offered only to comp the entrees but not the appetizers "since you already ate those". At the end of dinner I was extremely disappointed because we really wanted to have an enjoyable experience, given the great reviews, but were really let down by the service. The food was good, but there are other fantastic restaurants in Stockholm and I'll choose them over this place the next time I am in town. read more

Of the traditional Swedish restaurants we tried while in Stockholm, Backficken stood out for presentation. Dishes came to the table with finesse and looked very appetizing. We had the Biff Rydberg and also the Spring Chicken with foie gras sauce and of the two entrees the Biff Rydberg was a hit and the Spring Chicken while beautifully presented was hard to eat and the vegetables were, unfortunately, oily and the foie gras sauce didn't add much to the plate. The restaurant is small with tables for two ringing the bar so plan ahead as it can fill up fast. The service for us wasn't bad but unattentive, which seemed to be the norm in Stockholm. I was hoping for help in making an entree choice and the Biff Rydberg definitely requires some explanation for a novice, what with its egg yolk in a dish staring at you. Granted, we arrived before the rush so when things picked up I'm sure our server was stretched. 3 Stars because If I were in the area and looking to make dinner plans I would definitely eat here again. It could have easily been 4 stars had the service been better or if the chicken had been more appetizing to eat - so it really depends on what you order. read more

The location is perfect right next to the operan, which one can deduce that many guests having their dinner here will later on go to the opera house to see a show. The staff is so friendly and one can even hear the laughter coming from the kitchen. The Bakfickan is seperatet into two parts. One in front serving as a bistro and one part more fancy in the back. We were sitting in the fronter part and had a good view into the kitchen which made the wait more desireable. The food starting from the bread and finishing off with coffee was just divine! Everything tasted so good and it was a shame the portion sizes were so big because eventhough I was starving before the food came, I could not finish my main course due to its enormous size.. I don't regret spending so much money here because it sure was worth it! read more

Bakfickan - Herring appetizer - Scandinavian Near Me - Stockholm, Alberta

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If you are near the opera house, then Bakfickan is easy to find. Go for the Swedish meatballs which is served with potato puree, lingonberry preserve and pickled cucumber slices. I had the fried pickled herring with potato puree; I prefer the meatballs. The pickled herring is slightly sweet and more sour. The locals love it but I couldn't finish my plate. We were seated right away when they opened for lunch, just prior to the lunch crowd of mostly businessmen. Service is friendly and professional. Our plates were brought to our table within 10 minutes. read more

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Perfect introduction to Swedish meatballs. Well balanced and great texture, thanks to the condiments- mash potato, cranberries and pickled gherkins. Had a lovely glass of cotes du rhone and to follow an espresso (coffee was great too!). Great ambience - relaxed and interesting pictures from the opera. Well worth a visit! read more

Bakfickan - Perfect introduction to Swedish meatballs - Scandinavian Near Me - Stockholm, Alberta

YOU MUST EAT HERE!!! Amazing food and service! We had the meatballs, coming with mashed potatoes and berries, and the sausages with savory potatoes: they were absolutely perfect! For dessert we had the cherries sorbet and soufflé: we can't describe how good they were!!! You should absolutely stop by and experience the food here. You pay for the quality but it's totally worthy. Also, I suggest you to eat inside because the atmosphere and the place is unique and the service is great! read more

YUMMY! Came to Bakfickan on our recent trip to Stockholm and it did not disappoint! This place is kinda small with a U-shaped bar in the middle and a few 2-person tables on the sides of the room. When we arrived the restaurant was POPPIN so we had to split into 2 and 4 (we had a group of 6). We got the meatballs (must), baked pork (the night's special) and the beef tartare (bomb). The food here was SO GOOD! The ligonberry and the pickles that accompanied the meatballs were soo delicious!! The baked pork was a bit over baked imo since it was kinda hard to chew but the flavors were tasty! The beef tartare...no words, just get it. When you are visiting this place, make sure to go to the doors on your LEFT! Bakfickan is the restaurant on the left. The restaurant on the right (that has fewer patrons and a "fancier" feel) is another restaurant. It can be a bit confusing since they both share the same entrance but doesn't really specify which restaurant is which. But I believe the restaurant on the right is michellin rated so I suppose the food must be good also. Bakfickan and this restaurant share the same kitchen hence the same entrance? Anyway our waiter was super friendly and overall we had an enjoyable and delicious dinner here. read more

Swedish meatballs, ok, have to try if you are traveling here right . So we followed yelp to find this one, great I think:) read more

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Really enjoyed my meal here. Set up is five tables for two, the rest is eating around the bar watching the kitchen, or at the small bar looking out of the windon. I started with the herring selection which was very good, some of the best herrings I have had in Sweden. Good presentation, fresh, delicious herring. lovely little rounds of rye thin bread. For main I had the meatballs, which were very good, meatballs can sometimes be heavy and hidden in a cloying cream sauce, but these were lovely light, soft creations, good flavour, homemade cucumber pickle was very good also. Very enjoyable meal, I will be back. read more