Konstnärsbaren, or KB as the locals call it, is a restaurant in the Norrmalm district 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 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. Stockholm considers it an institution, as various cultural works have featured the restaurant and it has maintained its popularity for decades.
Traditional Swedish ambiance influences the interior design, featuring dark wood interiors and walls that showcase artwork. Numerous paintings and sketches fill the interior, with many artists reportedly donating these pieces in exchange for food and drinks in the past.
| Additional Information | |
| Address | Smålandsgatan 7 (Google Maps link) |
| Food | Traditional Swedish cuisine |
| Price range | Expensive |
| Table reservation | Recommended |
| Website | https://konstnarsbaren.se/ |
