Review: Lisa Elmqvist Restaurant, Stockholm, Sweden

The Elmqvist family has been celebrated for its dedication to fresh seafood and traditional Swedish fare for almost 100 years. Lisa was the daughter of a fisherman and started trading her products in a street market near the sea before moving to Östermalm’s Saluhall, which was renovated in 2020 and is located in Östermalmstorg in central Stockholm.

Four generations later, Lisa Elmqvist’s name now has a significant presence within the food hall, which has several food stalls, a restaurant and a wine bar.

Food

The first thing to note is that Lisa Elmqvist is trusted by the King of Sweden, the only fish and seafood shop in the country with a Royal Warrant. Then, it is better to take a fish restaurant in the capital?

Among the starters, we tried the Skagen toast – a Swedish classic that is a mixture of shrimp, mayonnaise and dill, served on toast, garnished with trout roe and accompanied by a wedge of lemon. A popular appetizer and, prepared like this with quality ingredients, it’s easy to see why.

If you want a wide range of tastes, the kitchen’s selection of five delicacies is a delicious option. It includes Skagen toast and other classic Swedish delicacies such as cured salmon, pickled herring, and smoked eel.

Mains include everything from fish and chips served with green pea purée and tartar sauce…

…optionally, which was seared halibut served with butter-fried chantarelles, beans and kohlrabi, salmon roe and Sandefjord sauce infused with dill. The fish was cooked to perfection – delicate and tender – and the sauce was a rich and comforting accompaniment.

Another recommendation would be my wife’s butter-seared fillet of salmon that came with a parmesan and herb crust, roasted pumpkin puree and ginger-infused red wine broth.

While I skipped dessert, if I hadn’t, I probably would have chosen the children’s choice of chocolate cake with salted caramel cream and whipped cream, although warm berries with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and almond flake. it sounded tempting.

The cook

Lisa retired from the business in 1968 and lived another 10 years, but her knowledge, experience and recipes live on today, thanks to the guidance of four generations of Elmqvists, and a team of talented chefs with a genuine interest. handling and processing of fish and shellfish. The open kitchen allows you to see their skills at work.

The weather

When you enter the dining hall, the aromas grab your senses. Lisa Elmqvist’s restaurant is located between the walkways used by shoppers and diners alike, and the food stalls that set the scene for a more relaxed atmosphere.

Costs

Starters are priced from 145 SEK, about $14 USD (for silltallrik – a herring plate of three types served with black rye bread and Västerbotten cheese) up to 1,290 SEK (for Lisa Elmqvist Royal Siberian Caviar).

Mains are usually around the 300-400 SEK range ($30-$40), but obviously it depends on what you choose. Expect to pay more for a shellfish platter, for example.

Final decision

Lisa Elmqvist is a name that has become synonymous with first-class fish and seafood – and with good reason, earning its excellent reputation and culinary heritage over the past century. If you love seafood delicacies, we highly recommend visiting the restaurant for lunch or dinner to sample what is – literally – a product deemed fit for a King.

Disclosure: Our tour is sponsored by Lisa Elmqvist and our tour is kindly supported by Visit Stockholm.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is the Editor of the Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for over 30 years. He is the winner of the Innovation in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog was also voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best in luxury” by The Telegraph.