Midsummer is fast approaching, and in Sweden, that means one thing: time to slow down and celebrate the season in all its floral, sun-drenched glory. It’s when locals swap office chairs for garden benches, head out to summer cottages or archipelago hideaways, and gather with loved ones over long lunches that stretch late into the light-filled evening. While many restaurants in Stockholm shut up shop for the holiday weekend, not everyone flees the city – and thankfully, not every kitchen closes. A handful of welcoming, queer-friendly spots stay open to serve seasonal favourites and summery plates for those sticking around. Whether you’re a visitor in town or a local wanting to do something different, these are the restaurants serving good vibes and even better food this Midsummer in Stockholm.
Firstly, what is Midsummer?
Midsummer (Midsommar in Swedish) is one of Sweden’s most beloved holidays – a joyful, flower-filled celebration of light, nature, and togetherness. It’s held each year around the summer solstice, with the main festivities always taking place on a Friday between 19 and 25 June, when the days are at their longest and the sun barely dips below the horizon.
Traditionally, it’s a time to escape to the countryside, wear flower crowns, dance around the maypole, and gather with friends and family over a table full of seasonal dishes like pickled herring, new potatoes with dill, gravlax, and strawberries and cream.
For many Swedes, it’s a nostalgic and almost sacred ritual, rooted in childhood memories and family traditions. That’s also why so many restaurants and shops in Stockholm close their doors for the weekend. But if you’re staying in the city, there’s still plenty of Midsummer magic to be found at the following restaurants.
Gondolen
Perched high above Slussen with panoramic views of the water and city rooftops, Gondolen is one of Stockholm’s most iconic dining destinations, and this Midsummer, they’re making sure those of us staying in town don’t miss out on the festivities.
To mark the occasion, Gondolen is serving an exclusive four-course Midsummer menu across the holiday weekend, putting a refined spin on seasonal flavours. Expect dishes like Paté Choux with Västerbotten cheese, grilled pork and entrecôte, and a bright, celebratory strawberry cake that’s as photogenic as it is delicious.
Riche
Leave it to Riche to turn Midsummer into a magical culinary experience. From 17–21 June, the restaurant hosts Midsummer Bloom, an annual in-house exhibition that transforms the space into a riot of colour and scent—think fresh flowers spilling in from their garden at Ulriksdals Värdshus, arranged with theatrical flair.
Beyond the visuals, the bar gets a seasonal refresh too, with summery cocktails infused with ingredients like rhubarb, bird cherry, lilac, and lemon verbena, all harvested straight from their own cultivation.
Restaurant Långa Raden
A fork’s throw from the waterfront and surrounded by greenery, Hotel Skeppsholmen’s onsite restaurant Långa Raden makes a strong case for staying put in Stockholm over the Midsummer holiday weekend.
The kitchen leans into fresh, locally sourced ingredients, many of which are handpicked from the restaurant’s own garden, resulting in dishes that feel effortless, elegant, and perfectly in tune with the flavours of early summer. Highlights include steak tartare with dijonnaise, a perfectly roasted breast of Swedish duck from Söderslätt, and a classic crème brûlée that’s every bit as satisfying as it should be.
For those looking to stretch the experience beyond a single meal, Hotel Skeppsholmen is the perfect base to explore Stockholm during Midsummer. Set in a heritage-listed building on a peaceful island, it offers just the right amount of seclusion while still being in easy reach of the city’s attractions.
Sturehof
Sturehof has long been a reliable favourite for those celebrating Midsummer in Stockholm. Set right on the edge of Stureplan, this charming brasserie has made a habit of celebrating the holiday with its guests year after year, welcoming both familiar faces and newcomers to join in the seasonal spirit.
On the menu, you’ll find classic Swedish summer dishes, served with all the usual Midsummer essentials, and, naturally, a generous selection of schnapps to toast the occasion. Whether you’re a longtime patron or a first-time visitor, the restaurant delivers a Midsummer celebration that’s both authentic and memorable… Skål!.