Step into the dimly lit arcade Birger Jarlspassagen and you’ll find yourself at the restaurant Misshumasshu. The name comes from the Japanese pronunciation of ‘mishmash’, perfectly capturing the restaurant’s blend of Tokyo and Stockholm.
The dining room is one of Stockholm’s most fascinating examples of contemporary Scandinavian interior design, and shows a modern version of a 19th century dining hall. There is room for about 70 guests, so it’s a fairly big place. On the side facing Norrmalmstorg square in Norrmalm district, there’s a bar, serving their signature cocktails, wine, beer, and sake. Visit after dark for the best atmosphere. Dim lighting and the hum of conversation transport you to a 19th century European café.
The restaurant is located inside Birger Jarlpassagen, a historic arcade that connects Birger Jarlsgatan street to Norrmalmstorg square. The arcade used to be a shopping destination with several stores before the new owners transformed it into a restaurant in 2019.
The surrounding area is still a shopping destination. Several Swedish brands have their stores facing the square, such as Acne Studios, Asket, HOPE and Rodebjer.
The arcade opened in the late 1800s and still has several of its classical design elements, such as the dark wood storefronts on either side of the dining hall – a hallmark of the late 1800s period, when ornate arcades like this were fashionable across Europe.
The experience
We visited on a Saturday evening and managed to get a table as a walk-in because we arrived early. Reservations are recommended during peak hours as the restaurant filled to capacity by the time we left.
The service was attentive and servers introduced each dish as it arrived.
We had the aonori rice cakes with hamachi topped with salmon and tuna, for starters, as well as the grilled chicken skewers (yakitori style), and beef carpaccio with yuzu koshō.
For the main dishes, we ordered steamed prawn and pork dumplings with a sweet-and-sour ume–yuzu salsa, and seared canette duck with fried cabbage and house kimchi.
We rounded off the dinner with dessert, sharing the caramelized plum tarte tatin – a nod to Japanese plum desserts – and a milk chocolate crème brûlée that added a twist to the classic.
The prices are mid-range for Stockholm. We paid about 850 SEK ($80 / €75 / £65) per person for three courses, including wine and beer. Given the food quality, setting, and overall experience, it felt like good value.
Our dishes were delicious. The flavors hinted at Japan, but the overall taste was more European.
The menu did come across as a mishmash of Stockholm and Tokyo. Stockholm in the European influences, and Tokyo in the seasoning and Japanese ingredients.
Misshumasshu is one of the restaurants by the acclaimed Swedish chef duo Adam Dahlberg and Albin Wessman. They run several restaurants in Stockholm, including the Michelin-starred Adam/Albin, and Solen, a Mediterranean restaurant whose name means “the Sun” – reflected in both the menu and the interior. Solen sits in a dramatic industrial space in the area Slakthusområdet, Stockholm’s former meatpacking district, currently evolving into a food and entertainment destination.
The bottom line
We had a great dinner experience at Misshumasshu. The food was excellent and the price tag was very reasonable. Attentive service and a comfortable, lively room made it a nice night out with friends.
Misshumasshu delivers on its name – a mishmash of cultures in one of Stockholm’s more atmospheric settings. Book ahead for weekend evenings, as it can fill up quickly.
Getting there
The nearest metro station is Östermalmstorg. Follow signs to Birger Jarlsgatan and take that exit. As you reach the street, continue south on Birger Jarlsgatan towards Nybroviken. The arcade entrance is on the right; the restaurant is about a 3-minute walk from the metro.
Practical information
Address: Smålandsgatan 10
Website: https://misshumasshu.se/
Reservations: Reservations are recommended for weekend dinners. Book online or call ahead.
Average cost: 800-900 SEK ($84-95 / €73-82 / £64-72) per person including drinks.
Best for: Couples or groups of friends for dinner.
