Anna Östman (1974)

The first time I visited Roxy I was amazed by the great food and fantastic service. It was love at first sight. And the love is still there. I really cannot find a bad word to say about this place.

Whenever I come here I cannot understand why I don’t eat here every day. Maybe because that would ruin me. But I would be happy every day. Finding gold so close to home is always a sweet, sweet feeling. What’s really the use of using my own kitchen then?

The last time I was here I brought some friends from my home town. I knew they would be impressed, and I wasn’t wrong. Even one friend who is quite picky with her food was more than happy with what she ordered. The tuna I had was to die for. It’s a fairly small place and you cannot really bring a big company to this restaurant. We were six people and occupied the largest table then. But I guess that’s what makes it so nice too. The small intimate feeling.

And if you’re lucky you can even spot some Hollywood stars here. Jodie Foster enjoyed dinner here this summer the rumour says. 

A couple of years ago someone came up with the nickname for the Eastern area of Södermalm, Sofo. This area is south of Folkungagatan (A square with Folkungagatan-Götgatan-Renstiernasgata-Ringvägen as borders), hence the name Sofo. Ridiculous said some, brilliant said some.

Anyway, this area is packed with small shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. And the last Thursday every month they make a big happening in the area – Sofo night. During this evening the shops stay open until 21:00 or 22:00. Some shops give you a complimentary glass of wine or beer. You don’t even have to buy anything to get your glass. But you might have to ask for it. Or you miss it, like me and my friend. Strange. Some shops have special discounts these nights too.

But most of all are people out on the streets enjoying the positive vibe Sofo nights give. It really brings more life to the area and make it different and a bit more special than other areas in Stockholm. Sofo is quite lively the rest of the month too, but this adds to it.

Going to Caliente when it’s getting more and more frio here in Stockholm is a great escape from the real world outside. Sure, it’s beautiful when it’s white and snowy here, but I don’t really like the cold. That’s when I just want to indulge myself in good food to be happy again. Which is what you get at Caliente.

I have been to Spain a few times, but I have to say I almost like the Spanish food at Caliente more than the Spanish food in Spain. The tapas at this restaurant are absolutely delicious. I haven’t tried them all, but I cannot remember that I have had any that I didn’t like. I cannot even pick out any favourites. I like them all and try to taste as many as possible. That’s why I have to keep coming back here. To make sure they all have been tasted.

Usually when I come here with my friends we pick about three different tapas each and a couple of extra depending on how many there are of us. All of them to share in between us. The tables are small so it will be overflowed with food and I cannot help feeling like a child in a candy store. Never knowing which one to start with.

To make it a little more like Spain you can order a jug of Sangria with your food or a nice Rioja wine. No matter what you choose, you won’t leave here disappointed.

Placed on the ground floor in Skrapan this is a spacious and bright café. Not very cosy and quiet, but perfect for hanging out a for while and watching all the people shopping in Skrapan shopping centre.

For some reason me and my friend often end up here when we’re out for a coffee or something quick to eat. So I guess it’s time I admit I actually like the place. There are plenty of seats so you are pretty certain that there is always room. Even during weekends when it’s very busy at most places.

If you’re not happy with just people spotting you can pick up one the many books on the big table in the middle of the place and dream of exotic hotels or diving spots. I actually think the books are one of the reasons why I tend to come back here.

Even though I often come here for just a coffee and maybe something sweet I would probably more recommend their sandwiches and salads. The salads are big and very tasty. They also have a few hot dishes every day that taste just as good.

They also have two sister cafes now, one in Gallerian on Hamngatan, called Hamngatan Stories and one at Kulturhuset, called Kulturhuset Stories.

Stockholm is supposed to be a trendy city. People in this city are supposed to be very aware of what is trendy. But sometimes we let our hair out and forget all about trends. That’s when we go to Lemon Bar.

Lemon Bar is small, crowded, sweaty and the music is not the best of the newest club music. But that’s why it’s so much fun. I would think that this is one of the happiest bars in town. There is no room for snobs and pretentious people here. Just happy and dancing people.

There is a bar and a dance floor in the basement too so people don’t have to dance on the tables any more. Like they did a couple of years ago. But everybody is still very happy.

So, what’s the deal with the music? There are a lot of Eurovision song contest-music, old Bon Jovi-songs and some Bryan Adams. You get the picture. But everybody sings a long and pretend (or not) that they love it. Even me. There is no room for being a music snob here. Which is great fun at some occasions.

If this is not what you are looking for, but you are in the area, you can always turn to Lokal. A nice, more “mature” bar next door.