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.
Rolfs Kök
Vasastan bistro with a fully open kitchen and bar seating, serving seasonal Swedish cooking without frills and a wine list of more than 800 bottles.
At a glance
- Type
- Modern Swedish bistro
- Area
- Vasastan, Stockholm, Sweden
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Opening
- Open daily
- Official site
- rolfskok.se
Good to know
- Open kitchen
- Bar seating
- Wine list of over 800 bottles
- Online booking
Why we recommend it
Rolfs Kök is a long-running favourite in the streets between Norrmalm and Vasastan, known for good food in an informal setting. Its philosophy, as the restaurant puts it, is simplicity and quality. The founder's idea was to invite guests into the kitchen, and the kitchen is fully open, so diners at the bar can watch the chefs at work just a few feet away. The result is a lively room that feels like a neighbourhood bistro rather than a formal restaurant.
The menu is created by the restaurateur Johan Jureskog and the head chef Magnus Johansson and follows the seasons, with Swedish produce at its heart. The food is served, in the restaurant's words, without frills, which means generous, well-cooked dishes rather than elaborate presentation. Lunch is served on weekdays, and the evening menu is a good place to try modern Swedish cooking at a level below the tasting-menu restaurants in both price and formality.
Wine is a particular strength. The list runs to more than 800 wines, and the restaurant manager Klas Ljunquist and his team suggest a wine to go with each dish, which takes the effort out of choosing from such a long list. If you are eating at the bar, ask the staff for advice; they will help you find a glass to suit both the dish and your budget.
Rolfs Kök suits couples, friends and solo diners, who will feel at home at the bar. It is open from 11:30 to midnight from Monday to Thursday and until 01:00 on Fridays, and from 16:30 at weekends, closing at 01:00 on Saturdays and at midnight on Sundays. Book through the website, as the restaurant does not accept table bookings by email. If you are bringing a pram, call or email in advance, because space is limited.
If you want the full experience, ask for seats at the bar facing the kitchen when you book. Tegnérgatan is a short walk from Rådmansgatan metro station on the green line, and from the northern end of Drottninggatan. The Strindberg Museum on Drottninggatan is nearby, and the location makes it an easy dinner after a day spent in the city centre.
Rolfs Kök FAQs
What kind of food does Rolfs Kök serve?
Seasonal Swedish cooking served without frills, from an open kitchen.
What are the opening hours?
Monday to Thursday 11:30 to 00:00, Friday 11:30 to 01:00, Saturday 16:30 to 01:00 and Sunday 16:30 to 00:00.
How do I book a table?
Book through the restaurant's website; table bookings are not accepted by email.
Can I sit at the bar?
Yes. The bar faces the open kitchen, so you can watch the chefs at work.
How big is the wine list?
More than 800 wines, with suggested pairings for each dish.
Can I bring a pram?
Space is limited, so call or email in advance if you are bringing a pram.
Where is Rolfs Kök?
At Tegnérgatan 41, a short walk from Rådmansgatan metro station.
Is it good for solo diners?
Yes. Bar seating facing the kitchen suits solo diners.