Restaurant
Frantzén
Björn Frantzén's three-Michelin-star restaurant in Norrmalm, where an evening starts in a top-floor lounge and continues at counters facing the chefs.
Meatballs for the People
Södermalm restaurant devoted to handmade organic meatballs, from classic beef and pork to moose, reindeer, wild boar and fish varieties.
At a glance
- Type
- Swedish meatball restaurant
- Area
- Södermalm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Opening
- Open daily
- Official site
- meatball.se
Good to know
- Eat in or take away
- Vegetarian options
- Bar and deli
- Online booking
Why we recommend it
Meatballs for the People does exactly what its name suggests. This restaurant, bar and deli near Nytorget on Södermalm is devoted to Sweden's best-known dish, and it describes itself as Sweden's first and only meatball restaurant. Its meatballs are handmade and organic, using high-quality, locally sourced meat, and the range goes far beyond the version most visitors know. The restaurant is part of the Bockholmen group of Stockholm restaurants.
The menu lists more than a dozen kinds of meatball, grouped by type. Land meats include beef, pork, lamb, calf, ox and horse, while the game section covers deer, moose, roe deer, reindeer, wild boar and even bear. There are chicken and rooster meatballs, and fish and seafood versions made with pike, haddock, salmon or cod, as well as vegetarian options. The classic dish comes with cream sauce, and the full menu, with sides, is available as a PDF on the website. Ordering a couple of different types to share is a good way to compare flavours, and the game varieties are the ones you are least likely to find elsewhere.
The setting is casual, with a bar and a deli counter where you can buy meatballs to take away. It is a good place to try Swedish game meat in an approachable form. Drinks include beer and wine to go with the food.
The restaurant suits families, curious eaters and anyone who wants a relaxed, reasonably priced meal with a clear Swedish identity. It is open every day from 11:00, closing at 22:30 from Sunday to Thursday and at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Book a table online through the website, especially for weekend evenings, as the restaurant is popular with both locals and visitors. Takeaway is a handy option for a picnic on a fine day.
Nytorgsgatan runs north from Nytorget, the square at the heart of the area known as SoFo, south of Folkungagatan. The nearest metro stations are Medborgarplatsen and Skanstull on the green line, each about a ten-minute walk away. The streets around Nytorget are full of cafés, vintage shops and bars, so it is easy to spend an afternoon or evening in the area.
Meatballs for the People FAQs
What kinds of meatballs are served?
Beef, pork, lamb, calf, ox and horse, game such as moose, reindeer, wild boar and bear, poultry, fish and vegetarian versions.
What are the opening hours?
Daily from 11:00, closing at 22:30 Sunday to Thursday and at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Can I take food away?
Yes. You can eat in or take meatballs to go from the deli.
Are the meatballs organic?
The restaurant says its meatballs are handmade and organic, using locally sourced meat.
Do I need to book?
Booking online is recommended, especially for weekend evenings.
Are there vegetarian options?
Yes. Vegetarian meatballs are on the menu.
Where is Meatballs for the People?
At Nytorgsgatan 30 on Södermalm, near Nytorget.
How do I get there?
Walk about ten minutes from Medborgarplatsen or Skanstull metro stations.