Sweden loves coffee, evident by the fact that its residents drink just over three cups a day on average. It is thus no surprise that traditions like fika and kaffeepaus (coffee break) are an integral part of local culture. Moreover, these minor daily events are partly responsible for keeping Sweden among the top countries on the World Happiness Index. Further helping locals and visitors achieve the live-and-let-live state of mind are the must-visit cafes in Stockholm.
As the capital of Sweden, Stockholm is the most famous tourist destination in the country. Packed with attractions for all ages, it is a bustling city that demands slow and thorough exploration. Cafes in Stockholm act not just as an excuse for a break from sightseeing. Instead, they are a part of the Stockholm lifestyle that incorporates good food and drinks to create unforgettable moments.
Café Foam
Address: Karlavägen 75, 114 49 Stockholm
Café Foam is a contemporary eatery that highlights Scandinavian minimalistic design aesthetics. However, it is also brave enough to go bold by using bright red and pink splashes to liven up the interiors. Foam’s eccentric without going hipster persona, conceptualized by John Eliasson, further challenges conventional design by mixing cane furniture with wooden bar stools and low-lying tables.
A corner cafe that offers curbside seating on sunny days, Foam is an ideal spot to indulge in fika – the Swedish tradition of enjoying coffee and cake with friends. The food at Foam is as visually impressive as it is tasty on the palate. First-time visitors should try their salads, portobello or pulled beef sandwich, cold brew, or chai latte.
Konditori Ritorno
Address: Odengatan 80, 113 22 Stockholm
Open since 1959, Konditori Ritorno is a journey back to the early days of the city’s cafe culture. Among the quintessential must-visit cafes in Stockholm, Ritorno exudes an alluring vintage charm. The fish tank in the corner, large chandeliers, painting and mirrors, carpeted floors, old leather sofas, and a cuckoo clock are all reminiscent of the past, concocting a warm and fuzzy environment.
Ritorno, meaning “return” in Italian, is an iconic destination among locals. Its almost cafeteria-like seating plan encourages mingling and creates a lively atmosphere. The menu at the cafe is equally reassuring. Returning customers come here for Ritorno’s freshly baked goods, pastries, chocolate balls, cream buns, almond hooks, and Turkish yogurt with granola.
Kaffekoppen
Address: Stortorget 20, 111 29 Stockholm
To experience the ultimate holiday in Stockholm, there are a few must-dos every tourist should plan. Arriving by ferry, for example, and is an unforgettable way to reach the city. Ferryscanner can help you with this, making it easy to book ferry tickets to Stockholm and back from ports in Scandinavian and Baltic countries. A walk around Gamla Stand, the city’s old town, is another unmissable adventure in Stockholm.
Although Gamla Stan has several eateries, Kaffekoppen is one of the best cafes in Stockholm. This popular establishment’s patio is an excellent place to sit and sip on sunny days. However, its 400-year-old cellar vault is incredibly romantic with its exposed brick walls and candlelit ambiance. The menu at Kaffekoppen compliments the cafe’s old-world charm with delights like hot white chocolate, kanelbullar, homemade ice cream, baked potatoes, warm pies, and mulled wine in the wintertime.
Drop Coffee
Address: Wollmar Yxkullsgatan 10, 118 50 Stockholm
Ranked among the top cafes in Stockholm, Drop Coffee is an organic-certified eatery with a passion for serving the very best of coffee. The multi-award-winning cafe recently took home the Swedish Gastronomy Prize for offering an outstanding “Barista Coffee Experience.” Situated in Södermalm, Drop Coffee roasts their own beans and sells them wholesale and retail. Their outlet also has brewing equipment you can buy to make that perfect cuppa at home.
Step inside Drop Coffee, and you’ll notice the cafe has simple interiors with clean lines and a cheerful vibe. They also have outdoor seating and separate study space with power points for customers wishing to use laptops. The focus in the cafe remains on coffee. On the menu, though, besides a vast range of coffee variations are sandwiches, fika, kombucha, and classics like avocado on toast. Moreover, Drop Coffee’s professional baristas are forever ready to recommend a drink if you are unsure about what to get.
Green Rabbit
Address: Tegnérgatan 17, 111 40 Stockholm
With so many eateries dotted around the city, there are bound to be some hidden gems. Green Rabbit is one of those quaint cafes in Stockholm that outsiders only ever stumble upon by chance. Located in Vasastan, the cozy neighborhood bakery is a passion project of chefs Mathias Dahlgren and Martin Berg. Green Rabbit has limited seating. Nevertheless, its interiors are dreamy beyond belief. The cafe’s décor has several vintage touches – checkered floor and a wooden display case, for instance. However, it’s not without a few eccentric additions – sheepskin as fabric on benches to sit on, or an old ladder placed nonchalantly in one corner.
Established in 2014, Green Rabbit specializes in organic rye bread and baked goods, both made fresh every day. The locals particularly love their bread, cinnamon buns, and coffee. Additionally, the old-school cafe with no wifi offers soup, breakfast items, and Danish smørrebrød for customers wanting a filling savory snack.
Mahalo
Address: Hornsgatan 61, 118 49 Stockholm
Stockholm’s very own vegan cafe has not one but two outlets in the city. Both the Södermalm and Vasastan cafes have classic industrial-chic interiors. However, the combination of metal and wood gets a little playful, thanks to distinct light fixtures, neon signs, and vibrant but soft color tones. The pet-friendly establishment also has courtyard seating and is among the best cafes in Stockholm for clicking photos to share on social media.
The menu at Mahlo is not the most extensive but covers an array of vegan options. Enticing customers with its eye-catching presentation, the food in the cafe excels in flavor as well. Some of the must-haves at Mahalo are their rawfood pizza, chia pudding, acai smoothie bowl, burger queen, and loaded fries.