Top 5 Places to Find the Best Meatballs in Stockholm

If Sweden had to crown a national dish, meatballs would definitely be in the running — and honestly, we’re not mad about it. Juicy, tender, and packed with love (and a bit of pork for that perfect fat ratio), these little balls of joy are pure comfort on a plate.

Depending on where you are, you’ll find all kinds of twists: beef, pork, veal, wild game, even chicken and veggie versions for the plant lovers out there. And yes, we owe a tiny thanks to IKEA for making Swedish meatballs famous worldwide — they sold over a billion of them in just one year. That’s a whole lot of balls.

Where to Eat the Best Meatballs in Stockholm

There’s no shortage of restaurants serving meatballs in Stockholm. We’ll be honest — we haven’t tried them all (yet!), but a few of the ones we did get to really stood out, each in their own way.

Meatballs for the People

Map: Södermalm
Price level: Around €28 for a tasting menu

Located in Södermalm, this trendy eatery offers a variety of meatball options, from classic beef and pork to more adventurous choices like moose and bear. The tasting menu features four different kinds of meat — and with a slogan like “We love balls,” how could we possibly leave this spot off our list?

Pelikan

Map: Södermalm
Price level: Around €24

One of Sweden’s oldest taverns — has been welcoming guests since 1904 in its beautiful Art Nouveau–inspired space on Blekingegatan. Both Stockholmers and visitors flock here for their famously large, hand-rolled meatballs, served with creamy gravy, pickled cucumber, freshly stirred lingonberries, and silky mashed potatoes.

International Bar

Map (4 locations): Kungsholmen, Gamla Stan (Old town), Vasastan and City
Price level: Around €17

International Bar is a classic Stockholm dive bar, with four locations serving cheap beer and surprisingly good meatballs. It’s no-frills, all fun — perfect for a laid-back night without emptying your wallet.

Sturehof Matbaren

Map: Stureplan
Price level: Around €24

Sturehof Matbaren, just next to the main restaurant entrance, is a cozy spot for a casual lunch, after-work drinks, or dinner. Here you’ll find Swedish meatballs on the lunch menu, along with small and mid-sized seasonal dishes focused on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The menu changes often depending on what’s available in their own market, and yes — they’re open every day of the year.

Restaurang Prinsen

Map: Östermalm
Price level: Around €26

The meatballs at Restaurang Prinsen in Östermalm are a real classic. Juicy, flavorful, and served with creamy mashed potatoes, lingonberries, and pickled cucumber — exactly how you’d hope traditional Swedish meatballs should taste. Cozy setting, friendly vibe, and definitely worth a stop if you’re craving something authentic.