Some of Södermalm’s best wine bars and local eateries are tucked away on forgotten backstreets, where half the neighborhood gathers for a relaxed hangout. When the florist on the little side street has brought in the flowers and closed up shop for the day, he naturally grabs a seat on the wine bar’s outdoor patio next door. The vibe is almost French – and totally familiar. Södermalm is dynamic, youthful, and refreshingly unpretentious – but in a very intentional way.
We braved a chilly June afternoon and spent a full day exploring eastern Södermalm. Come along to four great restaurants and wine bars that are as friendly as they are affordable!
Folii – Gold dragon winner with outdoor seating
In recent years, several cool restaurants have popped up on Erstagatan, such as Ai Ramen and Voisine. Voisine's back pocket is the wine bar Folii, which in addition to having won Gulddraken for best bar also has been mentioned in the New York Times. The place is a bit off from the subway, but that only makes it even nicer.
The wine list is solid and it is impressively possible to get most wines by the half glass, glass, half/full bottle. Very nice! The vast majority of wines come from France, which for us makes the visit even more enjoyable. The latest updated wine list can be found at Folii – Star Wine List.
You can also order small dishes such as warm sandwiches, olives, or ricotta with chili honey, basil oil and roasted pine nuts (which we ordered). For larger dishes, you can slip into Voisine instead.
There is a small outdoor terrace (without heaters) where dogs are welcome.
Folii wine bar can be found at Erstagatan 21, read more at Folii – Wine bar at Erstagatan 21.
NoFo Hotel & Winebar – New York feel north of Folkungagatan
Nofo Hotel has been on Söder for 10 years and underwent a major renovation in 2019, giving the rooms and the entire hotel a more boutique feel. Today, you will find a large courtyard with parasols and heaters, but also a delicious indoor wine bar where the different rooms in the bar take you on a style journey. From austere industrial to luxurious velvet-saturated.
The wine bar serves about 20 wines by the glass and the menu changes frequently. It's small-scale and exciting and there's bound to be some new acquaintance on the menu that you haven't met before. I would have liked to have been able to sit outside, but it felt a little too chilly despite the heaters. Inside it was all the warmer and the red velvet and decadent decor offered a nice feeling.
The menu also includes small dishes such as oysters, fries, charcuterie and tarte flambée – so you don't have to leave here hungry.
NoFo hotels can be found at Tjärhovsgatan 11Read more and see the latest menu at Wine Bar – NOFODogs welcome even indoors.
Ponti – Newly opened Italian restaurant
For the past three months, Italian restaurant Ponti has been nestled just below Nytorget, in a brand-new building. The place is run by a restaurateur duo who previously worked together at Babette – and you can sense the high level of ambition.
We grabbed one of the round tables and ordered olives and wine. Unfortunately, the wine list isn’t available online for a pre-read, but it offers plenty of interesting options, mainly from France.
The menu is pleasantly traditional with a starter, main course and dessert. But for those who prefer something small to share with a glass of wine, there are also tempting pizzas.
Ponti you can find at the address Nytorget 13D and the menu can be found on their website. Restaurant Ponti of Nytorget Stockholm — Restaurant Ponti.
Ponti also has a small back pocket on the patio for nice evenings. Dogs are welcome indoors.
Mamma o. jag – Cramped and cozy neighborhood restaurant
Mamma o. jag is not a wine bar, but rather a cozy neighborhood bistro, but the outdoor seating's small tables along the wall are perfect for a glass of wine and some snacks in the sun.
Mamma o. jag is run (as the name suggests) by a mother and daughter who together run the entire restaurant. The place has a few tables and it is just loud enough to be able to talk to your tablemates without hearing anything from the table next to you.
We ordered 2-3 midsize dishes per person and were very satisfied and more than full. There are real feel-good dishes on the menu, not ones that surprise and try to be fancy, but ones that you just love. A dish that should not be missed is the tartare of Swedish beef fillet with soy-fried mushrooms, pickled onions, Almnäs Tegel, mayonnaise & butter-fried bread. It has been on the menu for several years and I hope it remains on the menu for at least as long.
The wine list by the glass is limited, but there is something for everyone at reasonable prices. Dogs are welcome.
Mamma o. jag lies on Tjärhovsgatan 50 and their website can be found here: Bistro at Tjärhovsgatan – Mom and Me
