If you’re ever in Stockholm, there’s a charming place that should be on every food lover’s list, Operabaren. With its long history and commitment to traditional Swedish cuisine, this restaurant is not just about food; it’s about experiencing Sweden’s rich culinary heritage.
History of the Restaurant
Operabaren also known as The Opera Bar is located in the heart of Stockholm. It has welcomed guests since the spring of 1962. It sits close to cultural landmarks and the beautiful grand park of Kungsträdgården, making it a perfect spot for both locals and visitors to unwind.
The restaurant boasts a neighbor called Bakfickan, which translates to The Hip Pocket. This small, intimate eatery is famed for its cozy ambiance.
It only seats 28 guests at the bar or at the tables surrounded by charming decor and creates a friendly and inviting atmosphere. During summer, an open-air seating area also springs to life.
Simple, Delicious, and Full of Love
This restaurant isn’t just a place. It is an experience. It’s where you can savor old-time favorites like the famous Swedish meatballs, dishes that have been perfected over time with lots of love and high-quality ingredients.
It’s not uncommon to find a lively crowd enjoying the traditional dishes that this Swedish kitchen is known for. From perfectly boiled potatoes to the rich, creamy gravies that Sweden’s cuisine is celebrated for, each bite at this place promises a burst of homely flavors.
The Menu – A Celebration of Swedish Goodness
Operating since the early ’60s, Operabaren has become synonymous with providing classic Swedish delicacies at reasonable prices. The restaurant is best known for its traditional Swedish dishes served in a way that makes you feel right at home.
Their menu showcases the timeless appeal of Swedish cooking, offering items that not only cater to a refined palate but also encapsulate the essence of Sweden’s culinary aesthetics. Whether it’s a plate of iconic meatballs or other savory specialties, you can taste the dedication and care poured into each dish.
Let’s take the main categories of the menu and highlight some standout dishes. As per the website, the main dishes are divided into three categories: Starters, Classics, and Desserts.
| Category | Dish | Description | Price (SEK) |
| Starters | Oysters Fine de Clair | These are fancy oysters that taste like the sea | 45/each |
| Starters | Hashbrown with Bleak Roe, Red Onion, Chives and Smetana | It’s a delicious potato pancake served with fish eggs and tangy cream. | 410 |
| Starters | Fried Egg with Mushroom Broth and Truffle Mayonnaise | This dish is a tasty fried egg served with a warm mushroom soup and a special mayonnaise. | 195 |
| Starters | Steak Tartare with Capers, Beet Roots, Red Onion, Mustard and French Fries | This starter is raw chopped meat served with small pickled greens, beetroot, onion, mustard, and fries. | 195 |
| Classics | Cured Salmon with Dill Creamed Potatoes | This is a tasty fish dish served with creamy dill potatoes. | 295 |
| Classics | Swedish Meatballs in Cream Sauce with Potato Puree, Lingonberries, and Pickled Cucumber | This is a traditional Swedish dish of meatballs served with creamy mashed potatoes, sweet lingonberries, and pickled cucumber. | 265 |
| Classics | Grilled Entrecote with Bearnaise Sauce, Tomato Salad and French Fries | This dish is a tasty grilled steak served with a creamy sauce, tomato salad, and fries. | 525 |
| Desserts | Oscar II’s Cake – Butter Cream and Meringue Cake with Almonds | It’s a yummy layered cake with soft buttercream, light meringue, and crispy almonds. | 125 |
| Desserts | Baked Chocolate with Dulce de Leche, Vanilla Ice Cream and Milk Chocolate | A rich chocolatey dessert with sweet caramel, creamy ice cream, and more chocolate. | 145 |
| Desserts | Creme Brulee | A traditional custard dessert with a hard caramel top. | 135 |
Service at the Restaurant
Service at this place is more than just serving food. It is about hospitality that comes from the heart. The staff is known for their attention to detail and the warm welcome they extend to every guest. It’s a place where memories are made, as this restaurant doesn’t just feed the stomach but also feeds the soul.
Bakfickan, its closest companion, operates on a no-reservation policy, making it an ideal spot for impromptu dining. This approach adds to the inclusive and flexible nature of the establishment, inviting passersby to drop in for a meal or a drink without a moment’s hesitation.
Every aspect of this place spells a journey of passion for food. The interplay of tastes and textures in its dishes translates to a rich history being carried forward through time on the plate.
It’s the culmination of years of practice, an innate love for Swedish traditions, and a commitment to quality that sets this restaurant apart.
How To Reach and Contact Operabaren?
The restaurant is in the beautiful city of Stockholm, Sweden. You can find it at ‘Jakobs Torg 12’. It’s a very well-known place. You can ask any local to find the right way.
But, if you use a map app, like Google Maps, follow these steps:
- Copy ‘Bakfickan, Jakobs Torg 12’ into your map search box.
- The app shows you the best way to get there from where you are.
- Follow the map’s directions.
The restaurant is well-placed in the city, close to ‘Jakobs Torg 12‘ in Stockholm, offering urban convenience and an unforgettable dining experience.
It’s open Monday to Saturday, with hours extending from lunch well into the evening, Moreover, to match the modern pace of life, Bakfickan is a cashless restaurant, highlighting Operabaren’s seamless blend of tradition and contemporary convenience.
To contact the restaurant, you can contact them as per the below-mentioned details.
Phone Number: 08-676 58 09. Dial this number, and a staff member will help you.
Email Address: [email protected]. You can send them an email with your message.
But remember, they’re in a different time zone if you’re not in Sweden. So, if you phone, check the time first. They are always happy to help.
Ending Note
Whether you’re a resident or a traveler, a meal at this restaurant is a true Stockholm experience. It’s more than just eating out. It’s about enjoying a slice of Swedish history, one bite at a time.
From its intimate seating to the heartwarming service and from its legacy of traditional flavors to its blend of past with the present, Operabaren tells a story. A delicious, inviting story waiting to be part of your own adventure in Stockholm.
