Konstnärsbaren

Konstnärsbaren, or KB as it is called by the locals, is a restaurant that serves traditional Swedish cuisine. Their menu features typical Swedish dishes such as pickled herring, and Toast Skagen, which is toast with shrimps in mayonnaise. We tried their seasonal menu options of asparagus for starters and the duck, which both were delicious.

Historically, Konstnärsbaren was a favorite hangout for artists, writers, and intellectuals. The name translates to “The Artists’ Bar”, reflecting its historical connection to Stockholm’s artistic community. The restaurant is located in Konstnärshuset, or “The Artists’ House”, founded by the Swedish Artists’ Association in the late 19th century. This building served as a gathering place for artists, hosting exhibitions, meetings, and other cultural events. 

Initially, KB was a dining café for the artists, serving mainly sandwiches and beer. It was conveniently located in the ground floor of the same building. In the 1930s KB was transformed into a full-fledged restaurant with a proper kitchen and a large dining room.

Today the restaurant attracts a mix of locals and tourists. It’s considered something of a Stockholm institution, having been featured in various cultural works and has maintained its popularity for decades.

The interior design is influenced by traditional Swedish ambiance, with dark wood interiors and walls adorned with artwork. The interior features numerous paintings and sketches, many of which were reportedly donated by artists in exchange for food and drinks in the past.