While most hotel restaurants play it safe with international menus, Villa Dahlia takes the opposite approach: authentic Italian small plates served in a Scandinavian-minimalist space overlooking a quiet park. The 2024 opening brought serious Italian cooking to a neighborhood better known for modern international eateries and wine bars.
As we enter, we’re greeted by a chic hotel lobby with interiors in a Scandinavian-Italian fusion style. It feels like stepping into an elegant summer house, in clear contrast to the building’s modernist exterior.
The park outside is tucked away enough that you don’t feel you’re right next to the busy shopping street Drottninggatan. You’ll find the restaurant and bar just beyond the lobby, overlooking the calm green park. In the summer, there is outdoor seating on the roof terrace.
The experience
We went for brunch on a Saturday. While they call it brunch, they actually serve their regular à la carte menu, with a few brunch-style options such as toast Benedict and avocado toast. The restaurant focuses on Italian dishes, divided into verde (greens), fritto (fried items), pizzette and pasta. There are also a few vegetarian options among the main courses.
We decided to go with the à la carte menu. For starters, we had the tuna carpaccio with avocado, plums and yuzu. The thick-cut tuna melted on the tongue despite its firm appearance, while creamy avocado and tart yuzu dressing balanced the fish’s richness. Thin slices of golden plum added unexpected sweetness – an elegant, palate-waking portion that set us up nicely for the main courses.
For the main course, we went with three different dishes. The signature club sandwich arrived stacked high with grilled chicken wrapped in lavash bread and black pepper mayo, messy but worth it. The tagliatelle with slow-cooked ragù had that fall-apart texture you’d find in Bologna, while the vodka rigatoni delivered actual heat (not just the name).
A handful of other tables were occupied – two larger groups of friends, a couple beside us – giving the restaurant that ideal half-full energy where it feels alive without being loud. Servers moved efficiently between tables, conversations hummed at a comfortable volume, and background music stayed just soft enough to talk over.
Prices here are reasonable, in the mid-range for Stockholm. We paid about 750 SEK ($80 / €69 / £60) per person for three courses, including wine.
The bottom line
We enjoyed our weekend brunch at Villa Dahlia. The setting, food, ambience, and service all came together into a relaxed, enjoyable experience. It’s in a quiet part of the city, while still being very central.
The Italian cooking here focuses on fundamentals done well: a proper ragù with hours-braised meat, al dente vodka rigatoni with real heat, and quality ingredients throughout. But they’re not rigid about tradition. The signature club sandwich uses lavash bread instead of toast, and the tiramisu comes with raspberries. It’s their own take on Italian cuisine with Nordic influences.
Our server balanced professionalism with personality, recommending wine pairings for our chosen dishes, calling the tuna ‘my personal favorite,’ and returning to ask how we liked it. When we noticed the tiramisu had raspberries, she didn’t oversell it: “It’s not traditional, maybe shouldn’t even be called tiramisu – but I love it.” That casual honesty felt more trustworthy than scripted enthusiasm. She timed her check-ins well, never interrupting conversation, and let us set the pace between courses.
Getting there
The nearest metro station is Rådmansgatan, on the green metro line. Take the exit towards the street with the same name: Rådmansgatan. Turn a left when exiting the metro and follow the street upwards towards the stairs. Walk about 6 minutes and take a left on Teknologigatan. You’ll now be in the park Tegnérlunden, and Villa Dahlia will be just on your left.
Practical information
Address: Tegnérlunden 8
Website: https://hotelvilladahlia.com
Reservations: Reservations are recommended for weekend dinners. Book online or call ahead.
Average cost: Expect about 750 SEK ($80 / €69 / £60) for a three-course meal with wine, or about 850 SEK ($90 / €78 / £68) for three courses with wine and cocktails ($90 / €78 / £68).
Best for: Couples or groups of friends, for brunch or dinner.
