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Cafe at the quay

Photo: Henrik Trygg

Categories: Restaurants

Sunny open-air restaurants

Publish date: 11 July 2024

Spend a lovely summer evening with good food and drinks in a sunny outdoor restaurant. Visit Stockholm guides you to some of the most beloved summer bars and restaurants in Stockholm.

After a dark winter, with short days, Stockholm's open-air bars and restaurants fill up fast with locals starved for sunlight. Luckily there are plenty of outdoor servings to choose from.

When the sun shines on Stockholm there's nothing that beats enjoying a cup of coffee, a glass of wine, or an entire feast alfresco. Generally, the season for open-air restaurants and cafés starts in early April and lasts until late October. Most start setting the tables for outdoor guests sometime in April or May.

Restaurants with a great view

Pelago
Pelago

  • Solstugan – Classic outdoor restaurant that's been around for over 100 years. Great view over Lake Mälaren from Kungsholmen.
  • Mosebacketerrassen – Estemed cultural establishment on Södermalm with several floors of bars and dance floors. The terrace is a beloved summer hotspot.
  • Pelago – Rooftop bbq-restaurant and bar in Katarinahuset, overlooking central Stockholm, Old Town, and Djurgården.
  • Hermans – Popular vegetarian -and vegan buffet on Södermalm. Their terrace is open during summer, with a great view over Saltsjön.

Restaurants by the water

Debaser Pontonen
  • Debaser Pontonen – Debaser's floating outdoor bar Pontonen opens in May in the waters by Hornstull. All-summer bar and restaurant that also hosts smaller concerts, movie screenings, and other events.
  • Mälarpaviljongen – Beloved summer hotspot and seasonal bar located by the water in Rålambshovs Park.
  • Skrovet – Cozy and quiet outdoor-serving area, located along the walking path between Skanstull and Tantolunden. Perfect if you enjoy boatspotting!
  • Eden – Restaurant and wellness destination located on Smedsudden. There's a beach nearby, and Eden also runs a kayak/SUP rental service.

Buzzy inner city restaurants

The courtyard at restaurant Häktet. Several tables are set up on the little square between the old prison buildings.
Häktet
  • Häktet – A 19th-century debtor's prison on Hornsgatan, turned restaurant and bar. Opens a popular outdoor area in its inner courtyard in the summer.
  • Münchenbryggeriet Beer Garden – Large bier garten, located on Södermalm. Great view over Kungsholmen, Riddarholmen and City. Open June-August.
  • Strandvägen 1 – All-day bistro with an international menu, located next door to The Royal Dramatic Theatre. Its outdoor patio is a popular destination on sunny days.
  • Stjärtilleriet – Restaurant Artilleriet's (the restaurant at the Army Museum) cocky sister bar. Innovative cocktails and a great vibe in Östermalm.

Restaurants in parks and green areas

Lasse i Parken
Lasse i Parken
  • Bleck – Family-friendly summer restaurant in Lilla Blecktornsparken on Södermalm. Close to a playground, outdoor gym, and paddling pool.
  • Lasse i Parken – Cozy restaurant on Södermalm, located in an old 18th-century cottage, with a large outdoor area.
  • Omnipollos Flora – Summer bar in Humlegården, run by craft brewery Omnipollo. Burgers, beer, and soft-serve ice cream.
  • Boulebar Rålambshov – Drinks, food, and petanque in green surroundings. You'll find several Boulebar locations in Stockholm; both outdoors and indoors.

Find more places offering outdoor service and great ambiance in the list below.