People often ask Claudio and Maj-La Pizzelli, the Italian-Swedish couple behind Stockholm’s ATP Atelier, what the best Italian restaurant in the Swedish capital is. Their answer is unequivocal: “Our apartment. It has the best food and it’s always fully booked.” Forty plus years in Stockholm may have changed Claudio’s style or way of speaking, but he’s as Italian as can be when it comes to food. “The problem here is that most Swedish people don’t understand what real Italian food is. A lot of garlic! A lot of peperoncino with tenderloin and a lot of truffles. Cream in the pasta… It only works with tortellini panna e prosciutto.”

The tides have turned in the last 10-15 years, however, with a wave of young Italians arriving in search of the economic opportunity that Scandinavia offers–and new restaurants, stores, and coffee bars have followed behind them. These architects, designers, doctors, and the like are “educated, curious, and open-minded,” says Maj-La… and yet the latest generation forgoes the city’s omnipresent specialty ice lattes for the espresso al bancone of the most Italian coffee bar in Stockholm, Il Caffè.  

Here, Claudio and Maj-La–a Milanese native and a Swede with a long love affair with Italy, respectively–share their top spots to eat, drink (coffee), shop, and visit when they need a dose of Italy in Stockholm. (Alternatively, if you’re an Italian visiting Stockholm and want to try traditional Swedish food, the couple recommends Pelikan, one of the city’s “most iconic restaurants”; the large, lively dining room, friendly service, and historic surrounds remind them of how Italy feels!)

WHERE TO EAT ITALIAN FOOD IN STOCKHOLM

La Vecchia Signora
Åsögatan 163, 116 32 Stockholm

This is hands down the best Italian restaurant in Stockholm, run by Swedish owners who really nail Italian culture. Here, they focus on Piedmontese cuisine with a well-curated menu from antipasti through to dolci–the agnolotti al plin is to die for. Their wine list is magnificent, featuring many great labels from smaller, less famous vineyards. The service is always top notch, provided by a knowledgeable, smiling, and friendly staff.

Café Nizza
Åsögatan 171, 116 32 Stockholm

This corner café isn’t technically Italian–the menu is focused on the cuisine of the eponymous French city–but Nice was actually once part of the House of Savoy; the owners are bringing that ancient tradition to Stockholm and reinventing it via dishes like ravioli with braised lamb and preserved lemon and a great wine list. Our favorite is the fermentata cacio e pepe, a new twist on the beloved classic with thick-cut homemade sourdough noodles tossed in a garlicky, lemony, buttery, cheesy sauce.

The Italian Cousins – Pizza al Taglio & Salumeria
Hornsgatan 68, 118 21 Stockholm

Owned by a pair of actual Italian cousins from Reggio Emilia, what started as a food truck is now a beloved local pizza chain with four locations in Stockholm. Their claim to fame is true pizza al taglio, featuring focaccia-like dough generously topped with the likes of gooey mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, veggies, and thinly sliced meat. Their antipasto misto of cold cuts, cheese, and olives is a great way to start the evening, and the incredibly light tiramisù is just as great a way to end it. They also offer aperitivo, which can be difficult to find elsewhere in Stockholm. 

800 Grader Slice Shop
Kocksgatan 3, 116 24 Stockholm

Here, pizza slices are at their best in Stockholm–Romana style with a perfectly crisp base. It’s counter service, but the inside is set up in a way that makes you want to stay, with string lights, a large window, and vibey music. Claudio chooses the simple Margherita, and Maj-La opts for the Farcita Romana, with mortadella and burrata.

Giro Pizzeria
Sveavägen 46, 111 34 Stockholm

The best pizza Napoletana in Stockholm. Wood fired exactly as it is in Naples, the crust is fluffy and the toppings simple. Their menu features both red and white pizzas, along with (tasty) gluten free and vegan options. Claudio always sticks to the Margherita, while Maj-La recommends the Parma, with prosciutto and arugula. 

WHERE TO DRINK ITALIAN COFFEE IN STOCKHOLM

Il Caffè 
Södermannagatan 23, 116 40 Stockholm

This coffee bar in Södermalm is where we go for the Italian way of meeting people spontaneously. The guests are always open for a chat, and many of them are regulars; it’s not a very Swedish place from that point of view. The espresso, cappuccino, and pastries are all good, but we come here especially for the people and the environment; it could just as easily be a neighborhood coffee bar in an Italian town. 

Sosta Bar
Sveavägen 84-86, 113 59 Stockholm

This was one of the first places in Stockholm–after the epic Tintarella di Luna–where you could drink real espresso and get authentic Italian pastries and panini. Years later, the hallway-sized bar is still one of the best in town for a darker roast and service al bancone. 

Poli Caffé
S:t Göransgatan 70, 112 38 Stockholm

Thanks to OGs Pino and Herman of Poli Caffé, espresso culture has truly expanded in Stockholm. It’s a real Italian bar, where you sip your coffee at the counter underneath black and white photos of Italian icons drinking espresso, or, in nicer weather, sit on tiny stools outside. Stepping inside makes it feel like you could be in Italy, and they boast some of the best coffee, Italian pastries, and panini in town. 

Sempre Espresso Bar
Jakobsbergsgatan 5, 111 44 Stockholm

Located in the center of Stockholm, opposite ATP Atelier’s flagship store at Jakobsbergsgatan, Sempre could just as easily be in Rome or Turin. A rounded banquet filled with coffee beans, panini, and all manners of pastries is topped with a gleaming espresso machine and oranges for spremuta, behind which waiters–speaking more Italian than Swedish–effortlessly whip up all sorts of espresso-based drinks the way they do in Milan. Stop by in the evening, too, for a great aperitivo. 

WHERE TO SHOP (FOR ITALIAN FOOD) IN STOCKHOLM

Eataly Stockholm
Biblioteksgatan 5, 111 44 Stockholm

Eataly is a beacon for many Italian expats abroad, including us. If we want to breathe and feel Italy while we are in the middle of Stockholm, this is where we come for all the original Italian food and groceries that we miss from home.

RADICI
Kungsholmsgatan 20, 112 27 Stockholm

Whenever I’m really missing Italy, I head to RADICI. This incredible Italian food concept store is run by our very best friend Amilcare from Napoli. RADICI brings together farmers and food producers and sells all sorts of imported Italian nuts, sauces, oils, preserves, pastas, and salami that are ethically produced, organic, and regeneratively grown.

Bondens Marknad
Skånegatan 70, 116 37 Stockholm

In the autumn months, this market reminds us of a real Italian mercato. Here in Stockholm, it’s not very often that you have the opportunity to buy homegrown and hand-harvested vegetables, honey, bread, focaccia, mushrooms, and much more. Even if you’re not shopping for fresh produce and ingredients, it’s worth a visit to enjoy the bright colors and delicious aromas of the market. 

WHERE TO SHOP IN STOCKHOLM

ATP Atelier Flagship
Jakobsbergsgatan 6, 111 44 Stockholm

WHAT TO DO IN STOCKHOLM

Italian Culture Institute
Gärdesgatan 14, 115 27 Stockholm

This is the best spot in Stockholm to get into true Italian culture and design. The institute–whose building and interiors are designed by Gio Ponti–acts as a bridge between Italy and Sweden with cultural activities like concerts, film screenings, conferences, and seminars each year, as well as various types of artistic exhibitions. Except for rare exceptions, all events are open to the public and are free of charge–a true jewel of Italian culture in the city of Stockholm.

Millesgården
Herserudsvägen 32, 181 50 Lidingö

Designed by world-renowned Swedish sculptor Carl Milles, this sculpture park and artists’ home is inspired by Milles’ many visits to Italy. Located on Lidingö–an island in the inner Stockholm archipelago northeast of Stockholm–the museum is known for its dramatic visuals, where the art interacts with the nature and water surrounding it. The references to mythology and Roman art make the experience grand, powerful, and timeless; Claudio really feels the connection to Italy when he walks the grounds.

Tele2 Arena
Arenaslingan 14, 121 77 Johanneshov

When Hammarby IF Football plays at the Tele2 Arena, Stockholm becomes like Milan when Inter plays at San Siro. Though it’s not necessarily as big a soccer country as Italy, the fans that come to games here are as passionate about their teams as those of Juventus, Lazio, or Napoli.