Coffee is deeply woven into Swedish daily life. Swedes rank among the world’s top coffee drinkers, and the ritual of fika – a break with coffee and something sweet – is a cultural cornerstone. In Stockholm, that means you’ll find everything from traditional cafés serving filter coffee and cinnamon buns to small Italian espresso bars and modern specialty roasters experimenting with single-origin beans.
Here are some of the best places to explore the city’s coffee culture:
Drop Coffee (Södermalm)
One of Stockholm’s most respected specialty roasters, Drop Coffee is known for its light roasts and focus on transparency from bean to cup. Their Södermalm café has a minimalist feel, and it’s where you’ll find some of the best pour-overs in the city.
Address: Wollmar Yxkullsgatan 10See on map
Website: https://www.dropcoffee.com/
Johan & Nyström (Södermalm and Östermalm)
Pioneers of Stockholm’s third-wave coffee scene, Johan & Nyström roast beans with a strong focus on sustainability and flavor. Their flagship on Södermalm is often busy, and the quality is consistent whether you order a quick espresso or spend time with a slow brew.
Address: Swedenborgsgatan 7See on map
Website: https://johanochnystrom.com/
Kersh (Södermalm)
Kersh sits on Götgatan, in a building with the original “Tobak” signage still visible above the door, the address once a tobacco shop. The café itself is one narrow corridor in dark wood: a handful of leather-topped stools along a counter, barely room to pass someone coming the other way. Look for the door beside the building’s large closed double doors; it’s easy to walk past if you’re expecting a bigger storefront.
Kersh roasts its own coffee and supplies it to cafés, restaurants, and offices around the city, which is the reason to stop here. Order it as a filter (Swedish style) or an espresso-based drink; an espresso runs around 35 SEK. A short menu of sandwiches and cookies covers you if you want something alongside it, but the space isn’t built for lingering over a meal.
This is a stop for a quick coffee and for the coffee entusiasts they do know their coffee here.
Address: Götgatan 29See on map
Website: https://kersh.se/
Mellqvist Kaffebar (Vasastan)
A local institution in Vasastan, Mellqvist has been a favorite for years among writers, musicians, and coffee lovers. It’s more of a classic café than a specialty shop, but the espresso is strong and the atmosphere cozy without trying too hard.
Address: Rörstrandsgatan 4See on map
Website: https://www.mellqvistkaffebar.se/
Il Caffè (Södermalm and Kungsholmen)
Laid-back, a bit rough around the edges, and always buzzing, Il Caffè serves good coffee alongside sourdough sandwiches and pastries. It’s a go-to spot if you want something casual but reliable.
Address: Södermannagatan 23 | Bergsgatan 17
Website: https://ilcaffe.se/
Komet Café (Kungsholmen)
A small neighborhood café on Kungsholmen, Komet combines a relaxed vibe with a strong espresso game. It’s less famous than the bigger names, but worth seeking out if you’re nearby.
Address: Kungsholmsgatan 10
Website: https://kometstockholm.com/
Höga Kusten Kaffe Rosteri (Kungsholmen)
This roastery and café on Fleminggatan at Kungsholmen roasts beans in-house, with a focus on balance and clarity. A solid option for those who enjoy freshly roasted beans with a local touch.
Address: Fleminggatan 53
Website: https://hogakustenkafferosteri.se/
Volca Coffee Roaster (Kungsholmen)
Volca Coffee Roaster is specialty coffee shop, with some of Stockholm’s best coffee blends. Try the espresso or a filtered coffee. For fika they have a a good selection of pastries with flavours from south and Central America.
Address: Hantverkargatan 8See on map
Website: https://volcacoffee.se/
Beck Kaffebar (Södermalm)
Beck is a small coffee bar that’s serious about its coffee. Known for their skilled baristas and loyal following, it’s a good stop before exploring Södermalm.
Address: Tjärhovsgatan 3See on map
Website: https://beckkaffebar.se/
Café Pascal (Vasastan, Östermalm, Södermalm)
Café Pascal roast their own coffee and bake their own pastries. They offer a great coffee selection and have three locations in Stockholm.
Address: Norrtullsgatan 4, Skånegatan 76, and Sturegatan 8
Website: https://cafepascal.se/
Italian-style espresso bars
If you prefer a quick, no-nonsense espresso at the counter, Stockholm has several excellent Italian cafés. Good options include:
- Sosta (Sveavägen) – long-standing favorite for Italian-style coffee.
- Caffé L’Antico (Vasastan) – family-run, authentic, and compact.
- Felice cafè napulitano (Vasastan) – Neapolitan-inspired espresso bar.
- Sempre Espresso Bar (Norrmalm) – central and reliable for a quick shot.
- Caffellini (Gamla Stan) – a tiny espresso bar in the Old Town, perfect for a strong coffee before exploring.
Whether you’re after a carefully prepared pour-over, a traditional Swedish fika with filter coffee, or a quick Italian-style espresso, Stockholm has plenty of options.
Exploring the city through its cafés is a good way to experience local culture – and a perfect excuse to pause and enjoy a moment in between sights.
