Since the Copenhagen culinary conference of 2005 and the implementing of the “New Nordic Cuisine” manifesto into Scandinavian restaurants and cooking, the Swedish fine dining experience has undergone a massive resurgence in food quality and preparation, as well as the dining experience.  Restaurants are a fusion of Swedish culture and heritage with some of the purest, locally-sourced ingredients in the world.  Sweden is the leader of this rebirth of the regional cuisine; it is natural and simplistic yet sophisticated and inventive.  The minimalist restaurants layouts and world class service are a far cry from some of its pretentious, underwhelming competitors.  With an emphasis on natural, sustainable cooking, visitors will be in no doubt why the country’s cuisine always sits near the top of the world’s fine dining hierarchy.
 
Fäviken, Jarpen
 
This tiny, isolated restaurant located amongst the picturesque setting of the graceful farmlands of Sweden’s central county epitomises sustainable food sourcing and preparation.  The head chef, Magnus Nilsson, can regularly be seen foraging in the meadows and foothills for ingredients.  With laboratory precision, the restaurant oozes comfort and hospitality. One of its many standout dishes is a Swedish pork dashi (Japanese-style broth) garnished with nettles pulled from underfoot served alongside tiny raw mussels and gently poached cheese curd.
 
Restaurant Frantzén, Stockholm
 
In the Old Town of the capital, this compact restaurant is steeped in the history of the medieval city.  Service is charming, intimate and full of humour, giving a spectacular show for food connoisseurs with the well-refined techniques and well-mastered flavour combinations.  With an emphasis on seasonal produce, visitors are not given a set menu; instead, head chef as of May 2013, Bjorn Frantzén produces a menu based on what ingredients are at peak condition on the day.  Dishes may include beef hung for eight weeks and served with smoked eel, cream, French caviar and foie gras with a little pure melted tallow fat.
 
Gastrologik,Stockholm
 
Perhaps the quintessential showcase of new Nordic gastronomy of this aptly named restaurant in the heart of the capital.  Again the menu is not set and is dictated by the season, the day, and the table, or the diners; this lack of specificity encapsulates the very personal feel to the service.  The all-white minimalistic layout and design aesthetic is a fine balance of class and intimacy.  The restaurant’s dishes pair the seasonal larder and stocks with locally-sourced meat and fish – a fine exemplar of this practice is gossamer pork fat draped on a scape of young garlic picked from the adjoining gardens.  
 
Esperanto,Stockholm
 
One for the couples, this restaurant has a strikingly timeless quality with a real romantic air.  With spectacular entertainment with dashes of humour, carefully selected produce and innovative dishes, Esperanto is the just the right balance of decadence and simplicity.  Drawing inspiration from other food cultures such as French and Asian cuisines, the restaurant sustainably source their ingredients without the stubbornness. Coupled with the dynamic and extensive wine list, a particular highlight would be baked silky tofu with caramelised cauliflower and old soy for a distinctive Swedish-Japanese dish.
 
Swedish Bars
 
Dining out to any one of these innovative, stylish restaurants will certainly leave you begging for more.  The daring, bold and creative Gondolen bar in Stadsgården, Stockholm is perched precariously above the water giving wonderful views of the wharf’s pier.  The interior is sleek and modern with dashes of traditional furnishings offering stylish, inspired drinks and cocktails.  For a taste of the celebrity lifestyle, the legendary wine bar and nightclub, Café Opera, is ruled by decadence and offers an elaborate VIP treatment for its high-profile guests.  The fresh and clean décor of the 1900 Bar and Restaurant is the epitome of Scandinavian chic which oozes class.  In addition to expertly mixed cocktails, they offer a wide selection of Swedish organic beers, perfect for the sophisticated and style-minded.  
 

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