Forenom Aparthotel Stockholm Kista

With its white tiled walls and compact counter seating, this restaurant couldn't look simpler, but it is not a place to be underestimated. Classic Japanese sushi preparations soar to a high level thanks to the exceptional quality of the local seafood ingredients. Diners are all served at the same time, omakase style, with the signature soy-cured egg and the sake tasting menu proving the highlights.

Two chefs, one Swedish and one Australian, are behind this homage to Japanese cuisine which sports the uncluttered, pared-back décor common to both Nordic and Japanese restaurants. Prime Swedish produce powers dishes that come from an ‘osusume’ menu and have a meticulous, delicate construction. Expect the eponymous broth to make several appearances – like as a marinade for amberjack – while desserts such as their take on a classic Mont Blanc are a highlight. Completing the Japanese culinary experience is a varied sake list that includes some rare selections.

With its pared-back feel, rustic exposed brickwork and buzzy vibe, this is just the place for a lively night out. It remains one of the hottest tickets in town, so try for a counter seat overlooking the kitchen if you haven’t booked. The concise menu includes modernised Swedish classics that are robust, well-composed and certainly deliver on flavour. Service is accommodating, warm and efficient.

The very definition of a neighbourhood restaurant, Babette is a lively, bustling spot with a buzzing atmosphere; arrive expecting to squeeze past chairs without stepping on dogs and to sit elbow-to-elbow with your fellow guests. The vibe is chilled, the music is good and the two chefs work away in the tiny kitchen completely unphased. Whether you’re popping in for a glass of wine and the pizza of the day or spending the evening over some ever-evolving small plates – such as ricotta Babette with mushrooms and potatoes or veal tartare with colatura and parmesan – you’ll have a great time.

Overseen by passionate chef-owner Johan Jureskog, this buzzy neighbourhood spot has been a staple of the Stockholm dining scene for nearly 40 years. The industrial-style décor comes courtesy of architect Thomas Sandell and designer Jonas Bohlin, and isn’t the only thing to take a bold approach; generously proportioned dishes have a classic heart and big flavours, and are a perfect match for their surroundings. Enjoy dishes like fish stew with shrimps, mussels, cream and aioli or red-wine braised ox cheek with truffle and potato purée – then walk it off with a stroll around Tegnérlunden Park.

The residents of Östermalm can count themselves lucky to call this charming restaurant run by a husband-and-wide duo their local – but whether you’re a regular or not, you’ll instantly feel the warmth of the team’s hospitality. The fully open-plan layout adds a unique touch, as it blurs the line between dining room and kitchen, where Lotta prepares unfussy, flavour-packed dishes such as blue mussels with onion, jalapeno and bergamot or ling with browned butter, hazelnuts and Brussels sprouts. Great value is to be found on the ‘Kvällens Fyra Favoriter’ menu, a four-course ‘Favourites of the Nig

With its lively atmosphere, classic Gallic menus and a long bar counter where 18 stools look into the open kitchen, Allegrine has something of a French brasserie style. Lunch is a simple affair offering one or two choices plus a dish of the day – perhaps ‘blanquette de veau’ (veal stew), bouillabaisse or onglet with béarnaise sauce. Dinner is more substantial, with the likes of frogs legs, steak tartare or halibut marinière with blue mussels, cucumber and snow peas. Some dishes have wider Mediterranean influences, and there’s a surprise menu for two if you can’t quite decide.