Stockholm Calling

Stockholm is arguably one of the most beautiful capital cities in the world. Its grandiose architecture meets countless canals and rivers, creating breath-taking views in every neighbourhood. A thriving centre for art, music, fashion and culture, there are countless places to see and lots of activities to entertain you. And the food is pretty good too: whether you fancy traditional Swedish fare or international cuisine, you can be assured that most places are dedicated to good quality and hospitality.

Sturehof
€35-€40 / person
2, Stureplan
+46 8 440 57 30
http://www.sturehof.com/

Sturehof is almost an institution for the people of Stockholm as this restaurant has been around since the 1930s. Located in Stureplan, the political and economic centre of the city, this is a place frequented by politicians and celebrities for a truly decadent dining experience. The waiters are dressed in white jackets and the decor is incredibly ornate, making your occasion even more special.

The food is exceptionally good and it's a great introduction to traditional Swedish cuisine, if you are a first-time visitor, like I was. For starter, it's worth getting the three-in-one platter and choosing the prawns, cured meat and salmon combination to get a taste of local recipes. For main, it's difficult to choose as every fish and meat dish is enticing - I had the roast lamb with goat's cheese and beetroot salad which is a unique combination that will please your palate. For fish, I would recommend the turbot served with sugar snaps for something light but very very tasty.

Nam Kang
€20 / person
38 Birger Jarlsgatan
+46 08 6113292

Korean food is similar to Chinese food although it tastes much healthier with pickled vegetables and stews dominating the menu rather than greasy, stir-fried dishes. Also, whatever you order has the kick of chilli, which is added in rather generous amounts.

I chose a safe dish, given it was my first time in a Korean restaurant, and loved the stir-fried chicken with vegetables which did leave me teary-eyed but was delicious. Thankfully, all dishes were served with shredded radish and marinated beansprouts on the side. These vegetables were cool and refreshing, which soothed the tongue in between helpings of the chicken.

El Diablo
€40 / person
43, Norra Agnegatan
+46 08 650 50 69

Inspired by Latin American cuisine, El Diablo is wonderful fusion restaurant with very exciting and different dishes to choose from. It is also home to a wide range of tequilas and hosts the best margaritas in town, from Candy flavour to Smoky to Apple and Cinammon (I recommend all of them :))

The venue has impeccable design, with a funky bar, leather booths and unusual crockery and glassware, making up a trendy and sophisticated environment. I started with the scallops and chorizo sausage which is a divine combination. For mains, definitely try the duck salad with its addictive plum sauce, or the steak which is cooked to perfection and served with creamy mash potato and an unusual red pepper mousse.

Roppongi

€35 / person

76 Hantverkargatan

+46 08 650 17 72

It's reportedly one of the best Japanese restaurants of the capital, with great sushi and cooked dishes on offer. Before tucking into anything, it's worth trying the miso soup which is very aromatic and full of flavour. All the sushi rolls are wonderfully presented and taste good - I would recommend the prawn tempura. Then for main, there are lots of fish and meat dishes that are beautifully presented and served with rice and vegetables - for me, the chicken teriyaki with its aromatic sauce was yummy!