Lunch at Östermalm's Saluhall

I had a meeting last week in the Östermalm district and, as it ended right before lunch, I took the opportunity to drop in at one of my favorite spots in town for lunch (and more): Östermalms Saluhall. This is an indoor food market with restaurants. While Stockholm has a few other indoor food markets, this is definitely the city's most famous, historic and beautiful market. You can often find it on lists of the best food markets in Europe. Well worth a visit!

Östermalmshallen, as it is also called, was actually closed between 2016 and 2020 for renovations and repairs. During these years, they had a temporary food market on the square in front. It was nice, but it is great that the original food market has reopened. They have done a great job in keeping the original details and historic feel. Last year, Stockholmers actually voted the newly renovated food market as "building of the year", so the locals seem pleased as well! 

Besides fishmongers, butchers, confectioners, tea shops and cheese sellers, they also have several restaurants within the market. While the market itself closes in the early evening, some of the restaurants are open later. Check their individual websites, linked here, to see exact opening hours. If you are planning on eating during peak lunch/dinner hours, then I advise to book a table. But if you are one or two persons during slower hours, you can easily drop in for a bite.

This is exactly what I did. I was by myself, so I grabbed a spot at the food bar at Lisa Elmqvist seafood restaurant. I chose this restaurant as I had a craving for a delicious Toast Skagen and they make one of the best ones in town! Toast Skagen is a creamy mixture of shrimps, dill and mayonnaise on roasted bread. I splurged and got the Toast Skagen topped with löjrom (bleak roe) from Kalix. Mmmmm...

It is quite easy to get to Östermalms Saluhall from the Hotel Rival... just take the subway (red line) four stations to Östermalmstorg. There you exit following the signs for the square Östermalmstorg. The food market is located on the square and you can't miss the red brick facade. If you are interested in other food markets then we also have Hötorgshallen and Söderhallarna.