Uppsala

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Cafes and Restaurants

Popular eateries offering a mix of Swedish cuisine and international options for both casual and fine dining.

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Comprehensive Guide to Cafes and Restaurants in Uppsala, Sweden

Uppsala, Sweden’s fourth-largest city, is a vibrant hub of history, culture, and academia. Its culinary scene reflects this diversity, offering everything from traditional Swedish fare to international cuisines, cozy cafes, and modern fine dining establishments. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate Uppsala’s food scene.

1. Popular Categories of Dining in Uppsala

A. Fine Dining

Uppsala has a growing fine dining scene, with restaurants offering innovative takes on Swedish and Nordic cuisine. These establishments often emphasize seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

  • Notable Places:

    • Villa Anna: A high-end restaurant located in a historic building near Uppsala Cathedral. Known for its elegant tasting menus featuring Nordic flavors. Price range: SEK 800–1,500 per person.
    • Aaltos Italian Grill & Garden: A fine dining spot with a focus on Italian cuisine, offering a mix of traditional and modern dishes. Price range: SEK 400–800 per person.

  • Tips: Reservations are highly recommended for fine dining, especially on weekends. Many restaurants offer prix fixe menus, which are a great way to experience a variety of dishes.

B. Casual Cafes

Uppsala is home to numerous cozy cafes, perfect for fika (the Swedish coffee break tradition). Cafes often serve coffee, pastries, and light meals.

  • Notable Places:

    • Café Linné Hörnan: A charming cafe near the Linnaeus Garden, known for its excellent coffee and homemade pastries.
    • Konditori Fågelsången: One of Uppsala’s oldest cafes, offering a wide selection of cakes, sandwiches, and traditional Swedish cinnamon buns (kanelbullar).

  • Tips: Fika is a cherished Swedish custom, so take your time to relax and enjoy your coffee and pastry. Most cafes don’t require reservations.

C. International Cuisine

Uppsala’s international food scene is diverse, reflecting the city’s multicultural population.

  • Notable Places:

    • Jay Fu’s: A unique fusion of American and Asian cuisines, offering dishes like sushi burgers and ribs. Price range: SEK 200–400 per person.
    • Tikka Masala: A popular Indian restaurant with a wide range of curries and vegetarian options. Price range: SEK 150–300 per person.

  • Tips: Many international restaurants offer takeout and delivery options. Check their websites or apps like Foodora for convenience.

D. Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Uppsala is very accommodating to vegetarians and vegans, with many restaurants offering plant-based dishes.

  • Notable Places:

    • Kafé Kardemumma: A vegetarian cafe located in the Uppsala City Library, serving soups, salads, and vegan desserts.
    • Fröjas Sal: A vegan-friendly restaurant with a focus on organic and sustainable ingredients.

  • Tips: Look for the words “vegetarisk” (vegetarian) and “vegansk” (vegan) on menus. Many places are happy to customize dishes to suit dietary preferences.

E. Traditional Swedish Cuisine

For a taste of Sweden, Uppsala offers several restaurants serving classic dishes like meatballs, herring, and gravlax.

  • Notable Places:

    • Domtrappkällaren: A historic restaurant located in a medieval cellar, offering traditional Swedish dishes with a modern twist. Price range: SEK 300–600 per person.
    • Hambergs Fisk: A seafood restaurant specializing in fresh fish and shellfish, including Swedish classics like pickled herring. Price range: SEK 400–800 per person.

  • Tips: Swedish cuisine often highlights seasonal ingredients. In summer, look for dishes featuring fresh berries and new potatoes, while winter menus may include hearty stews and game meats.

2. Typical Costs

Dining in Uppsala can range from budget-friendly to high-end. Here’s a general breakdown:

  • Casual cafes and bakeries: SEK 50–150 for coffee and a pastry or light meal.
  • Mid-range restaurants: SEK 150–300 for a main course.
  • Fine dining: SEK 800–1,500 for a multi-course meal with wine.

Tipping is not mandatory in Sweden, as service charges are included in the bill. However, rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for excellent service is appreciated.

3. Making Reservations

  • When to Reserve: For fine dining and popular restaurants, it’s best to book a table a few days in advance, especially on weekends or during holidays.
  • How to Reserve: Most restaurants have online booking systems on their websites. Alternatively, you can call or use apps like TheFork (known as Bookatable in Sweden).
  • Walk-ins: Casual cafes and many mid-range restaurants accept walk-ins, but it’s always a good idea to check availability during peak hours.

4. Local Dining Customs

  • Fika Culture: Fika is an integral part of Swedish life. It’s more than just a coffee break—it’s a time to slow down, socialize, and enjoy a treat.
  • Lunch Specials: Many restaurants offer affordable lunch deals (dagens lunch) on weekdays, typically priced between SEK 100–150. These often include a main dish, salad, bread, and coffee.
  • Seasonal Menus: Swedish cuisine is highly seasonal. In December, look for julbord (traditional Christmas buffets), while in August, crayfish parties (kräftskiva) are popular.

5. Unique Aspects of Uppsala’s Food Scene

  • Historic Settings: Many restaurants and cafes in Uppsala are housed in historic buildings, adding a unique charm to your dining experience.
  • Student-Friendly Options: As a university town, Uppsala has plenty of budget-friendly eateries catering to students, such as food trucks and casual pizza places.
  • Outdoor Dining: During the warmer months, many cafes and restaurants set up outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy your meal while soaking in the city’s atmosphere.

6. Seasonal Considerations

  • Summer: Outdoor dining is at its peak, and many cafes serve fresh berries and ice cream.
  • Winter: Cozy up in a cafe with a warm drink and a saffron bun (lussekatt), a seasonal treat during Christmas.
  • Spring and Fall: Look for dishes featuring seasonal produce like asparagus in spring and mushrooms in fall.

7. Highly Recommended Places

  • Stationen: A brasserie located in Uppsala’s old train station, offering a mix of Swedish and European dishes. Great for brunch or dinner.
  • Saluhallen: Uppsala’s food hall, where you can sample a variety of cuisines and shop for local delicacies.
  • Guntherska Hovkonditori: A historic bakery and cafe known for its luxurious pastries and cakes.

8. Tips for Enjoying Uppsala’s Culinary Culture

  • Try Local Specialties: Don’t miss out on Swedish classics like smörgåstårta (sandwich cake) or semla (a cream-filled bun available during Lent).
  • Explore Beyond the City Center: Some of the best cafes and restaurants are located in quieter neighborhoods or near Uppsala’s parks and gardens.
  • Ask for Recommendations: Locals are often happy to share their favorite spots, so don’t hesitate to ask for suggestions.

With this guide, you’re well-equipped to explore Uppsala’s diverse and delightful dining scene. Whether you’re indulging in fine dining, enjoying a casual fika, or sampling international flavors, Uppsala offers something for every palate and budget. Bon appétit—or as the Swedes say, Smaklig måltid!