In this post, I’ll introduce you to eight hidden cafés in Stockholm where you can enjoy excellent coffee, homemade pastries, and a relaxed vibe far from the tourist crowds. If you want to experience Stockholm like a local, these spots are a perfect start.
Best cafés within Stockholm
Rosendals Trädgårdscáfe
Rosendals Trädgårdscáfe is an organic garden café on Djurgården offering homemade cakes and pastries, with ingredients sourced from their own gardens that surround the area. This cafe really shines in the summer with plenty of outdoor seating outside the greenhouses among the flowers. You can even bring your own picnic blanket and enjoy your treats in the apple orchard.
Rosendal also has a lunch restaurant that serves from 11:00-15:00. Plus, it’s a cozy place to visit in the winter, as the food is served inside one of several greenhouses, which also hold tables to escape the chill with warm coffee and treats.
Fosch Artisan Pâtisserie
Fosch is a newer café that’s been gaining popularity among students and the community in Östermalm. Founded by a classically-trained French pastry chef and a Swede with a passion for baking and top-quality produce working in restaurants across the globe, they not only serve amazing pastries, but also excellent sandwiches and salads.
They have two locations, one on Birger Jarlsgatan and another near Stadion tunnelbana station. And if you’re around the area early in the morning, check out some of their amazing breakfast croissants!
Gunnarsons Specialkonditori
Gunnarsons is a classic old-school bakery on Södermalm known for its authentic Swedish pastries like semla, princess cake, and small cookies. It’s been a local favorite since it opened in 1946.
They have a large selection of pastries and tables that cover two floors, so it’s a good place to sit and have a fika. Be ready to take some photos because the display window at Gunnarsons is always a treat and changes to reflect what type of pastries are currently in season.
Vete-Katten
While Vete-Katten might not be quite a “hidden spot”, what might be less known to tourists is how charming the original (since 1928) location is at Kungsgatan 55. You can find Vete-Katten’s delicious pastries at several locations (like Södermalm, pictured above) in Stockholm, and the original location is a delight with several charming rooms to indulge in their high quality pastries.
This classic Stockholm pastry house with cinnamon buns, cakes, and sandwiches and plenty of gluten and lactose-free options.They even have their own tea blends in case you want something a little different.
Tössebageriet
Located near Karlaplan in Östermalm, Tössebageriet is famous for some of the best semlor in town (and is also the originator of the semmelwrapen) and a wide range of traditional cakes and pastries.
The building in which the cafe is located is from 1885 and Tössebageriet has been there since 1920. During the summer, there is additional outdoor seating, but in the winter months, it may get a bit crowded. Of course, that’s no reason not to order take-away!
Lilla Espresso Bar
Lilla Espresso Bar is a charming, Italian-inspired café tucked away near Mariatorget. Inside, you’ll find a warm, inviting space that’s perfect whether you’re looking for a peaceful coffee moment or a quick shot of espresso at the counter.
The highlight here is their signature pistachio affogato, paired beautifully with their buttery pistachio croissants. With its stylish, minimalist interior and wallet-friendly prices, Lilla Espresso offers an authentic taste of Italy right in the heart of Stockholm.
Under Kastanjen
Under Kastanjen is truly a hidden gem, as it’s located off the tourist path, but still in the old town of Gamla Stan. This cozy location is open year round. You can get coffee, pastries and even breakfast, lunch and dinner at this cafe “under the chestnut tree”.
Johan & Nyström
Johan & Nyström, with several locations including Södermalm, is a specialty coffee shop known for serving some of the finest coffee in the city. With a relaxed and modern interior, it’s a great spot to linger over a cup or meet up with friends. If you’re in a hurry, their expertly crafted coffee is also perfect to take away and enjoy as you stroll through the neighborhood.
Need something more to satisfy your sweet tooth? Check out 15 Delightful Dessert Spots in Stockholm.
Best cafés just outside of Stockholm
Svinderviksbrygghus
In the area of Nacka, just outside of central Stockholm, you will find a cozy café nestled by the water in historic Svindersvik. Located in a picturesque garden beside a historic manor, this café offers homemade cakes, pies, soups, and light lunches made with seasonal ingredients. The presentation and number of pastries in the front room is a definite photo opportunity.
Without a car, you can take the tram (tvarbanan) to Sickla where it’s just a 12 minute walk to the cafe. You can also take Saltsjöbanan or a bus to Nacka station and walk 10 minutes from there.
Robin Delselius Bageri in Gamle Enskede
Robin Delselius Bageri is another cáfe with several locations to visit, but the most charming one is a local neighborhood bakery and café, in Gamle Enskede, just south of Södermalm. The nearest tunnelbana station is Sandsborg. Simply take a right upon exit and walk about 5 minutes (going through a tunnel under a busy intersecting road) and until you find yourself in a delightful neighborhood from the 1900s.
Gamle Enskede is filled with picturesque low-rise houses along winding streets, and Deselius Bageri is one of them. Have a pastry, sandwich or soup of the day, then take a walk around this beautiful suburb.
Enskedeparkens Bageri
This is yet another popular cafe in the suburb of Enskede. Located in a gardener’s villa from the 1700’s, this little cafe makes everything on-site with organic, additive-free ingredients. Some of their most popular creations are their sourdough breads, pain au chocolat, and äppelbulle, which is a cinnamon bun filled with almond cream and apple compote.
The cafe has limited seating, so it’s best to visit during good weather, though be sure to check opening hours online, as they do close for a bit during the summer and winter breaks. The closest tunnelbana station is Enskede gård and then a 5-minute walk.
Nockeby Bageri
Nockeby Bageri is the perfect spot for a cozy Swedish fika. Take the Nockebybanan (tram) from Alvik to the Nockebytorg stop to reach this cafe located in a cute, little neighborhood square.
Sit outside with a coffee when it’s sunny and enjoy the charm of the Nockeby Line trams passing just a few meters away. Inside, you’ll find excellent bread, fresh sandwiches, and all the classics that make this neighborhood bakery a favorite. It’s a uniquely local experience.
Final Thoughts on the Best Cafés in Stockholm
As you can see, Stockholm’s hidden cafés are where the city’s charm truly shines. From aromatic brews to lovingly baked pastries, each café on this list offers a slice of everyday Stockholm life, away from the bustle of the main streets. Be sure to save this guide so you’ll always have these gems at your fingertips. And don’t forget to share it with fellow coffee and pastry lovers!