Restaurant Ramblas at Mariatorget

A group of friends and I went out for dinner last night and we decided to try the relatively new restaurant Ramblas (Mariatorget), right around the corner from the Rival Hotel. While this restaurant has only been open for less than a year, it is actually the second location for the restaurant. The original Ramblas (Hornstull) proved to be such a popular concept that they opened at a second location. Speaking of the concept... as the name suggests, they serve Spanish cuisine at Ramblas. More specifically, they serve tapas. Tapas, in case you are unfamiliar with them, are small dishes (hot or cold) that either work as appetizers or, when put togther, as a meal. It is a very civilized way to dine. You order a few tapas and if you are still hungry you order a few more. Great for sharing when you are several people at the table.

Paella, patatas, calamares and esparragos...

Many of the popular tapas dishes are found on their menu... dishes that people recognize like tortilla española, patatas con aioli, gambas picantes, calamares a la romana and more. They even have larger dishes like paella valenciana (which we ordered to share with our tapas). Each tapas costs around 40 to 60 SEK and a full dinner is actually quite inexpensive by Swedish standards. Spanish wines, cava, beer and sangria are also on the menu in case you want the full Spanish experience. Click here for the menu (Spanish/Swedish).

Olé!

As I mentioned, the restaurant is located just around the corner from the Rival and the other Ramblas is located in Hornstull. Both are on the island of Södermalm. Keep in mind that both of these restaurants are very popular with the locals, so booking a table in advance is a good idea. I would say that the popularity is the only downside as the wait staff can seem a bit overwhelmed at times. Click here for more restaurant recommendations.

Restaurant Ramblas at Mariatorget

Posted by zlatin

A group of friends and I went out for dinner last night and we decided to try the relatively new restaurant Ramblas (Mariatorget), right around the corner from the Rival Hotel. While this restaurant has only been open for less than a year, it is actually the second location for the restaurant. The original Ramblas (Hornstull) proved to be such a popular concept that they opened at a second location. Speaking of the concept... as the name suggests, they serve Spanish cuisine at Ramblas. More specifically, they serve tapas. Tapas, in case you are unfamiliar with them, are small dishes (hot or cold) that either work as appetizers or, when put togther, as a meal. It is a very civilized way to dine. You order a few tapas and if you are still hungry you order a few more. Great for sharing when you are several people at the table.

Paella, patatas, calamares and esparragos...

Many of the popular tapas dishes are found on their menu... dishes that people recognize like tortilla española, patatas con aioli, gambas picantes, calamares a la romana and more. They even have larger dishes like paella valenciana (which we ordered to share with our tapas). Each tapas costs around 40 to 60 SEK and a full dinner is actually quite inexpensive by Swedish standards. Spanish wines, cava, beer and sangria are also on the menu in case you want the full Spanish experience. Click here for the menu (Spanish/Swedish).

Olé!

As I mentioned, the restaurant is located just around the corner from the Rival and the other Ramblas is located in Hornstull. Both are on the island of Södermalm. Keep in mind that both of these restaurants are very popular with the locals, so booking a table in advance is a good idea. I would say that the popularity is the only downside as the wait staff can seem a bit overwhelmed at times. Click here for more restaurant recommendations.

Pitcher's Sports Bar & Restaurant

Last week I was at the premiere of a new restaurant, called Pitcher's, which opened up next door to the Rival Hotel. Welcome to the neighbourhood! This is a combination restaurant, pub and sports bar. In fact, it is part of a Sweden-wide franchise... though this is the first one in Stockholm. It is quite a large locale with two floors and several bars. I talked to a member of the staff on opening night and he explained that they are a "soft" sports bar, which means that, while they do have TVs showing live sporting events, the sound is muted so that diners can still enjoy their meal. He did mention that if there is a big sporting event going on (playoffs, world championships, grand slam, etc;) then they will have the sound on in certain parts of the restaurant. As I mentioned, it is a large locale!

Restaurant area, with booths...

As it was the premiere evening, I didn't have a chance to try the menu, except for the hors d'oeuvres they served... but I had a look at the menu and it seems to be a mix of classic Swedish and American dishes (including several "gourmet" hamburgers). The interior of the newly renovated locale resembles an upscale British golf pub... with brass, leather, dark wood and tartan.

Bar area...

 As a concierge I am happy with the addition of a sports bar in the neighbourhood, even if it is a "soft" sports bar. We do have two sports TV channels at the hotel, but every once in awhile we do get guests who are interested in a sporting event that is not being shown on either Swedish TV or one of the sports channels. For example, a rugby game (not popular in Sweden) or maybe a more obscure Italian Serie A football match. Now our guests don't have to go too far to enjoy the game! There are, of course, many other sports bars and pubs in the city (like the newly opened Tolv Stockholm at Tele2 Arena)... just talk to me, if you are staying at the hotel, and I will give you some options. In the meantime, you can have a look at the list put together by What's Up Sthlm (in Swedish, but with Google translate option in the upper right hand corner).
Click here for more options of restaurants near the Rival Hotel!

Pitcher's Sports Bar & Restaurant

Posted by zlatin

Last week I was at the premiere of a new restaurant, called Pitcher's, which opened up next door to the Rival Hotel. Welcome to the neighbourhood! This is a combination restaurant, pub and sports bar. In fact, it is part of a Sweden-wide franchise... though this is the first one in Stockholm. It is quite a large locale with two floors and several bars. I talked to a member of the staff on opening night and he explained that they are a "soft" sports bar, which means that, while they do have TVs showing live sporting events, the sound is muted so that diners can still enjoy their meal. He did mention that if there is a big sporting event going on (playoffs, world championships, grand slam, etc;) then they will have the sound on in certain parts of the restaurant. As I mentioned, it is a large locale!

Restaurant area, with booths...

As it was the premiere evening, I didn't have a chance to try the menu, except for the hors d'oeuvres they served... but I had a look at the menu and it seems to be a mix of classic Swedish and American dishes (including several "gourmet" hamburgers). The interior of the newly renovated locale resembles an upscale British golf pub... with brass, leather, dark wood and tartan.

Bar area...

 As a concierge I am happy with the addition of a sports bar in the neighbourhood, even if it is a "soft" sports bar. We do have two sports TV channels at the hotel, but every once in awhile we do get guests who are interested in a sporting event that is not being shown on either Swedish TV or one of the sports channels. For example, a rugby game (not popular in Sweden) or maybe a more obscure Italian Serie A football match. Now our guests don't have to go too far to enjoy the game! There are, of course, many other sports bars and pubs in the city (like the newly opened Tolv Stockholm at Tele2 Arena)... just talk to me, if you are staying at the hotel, and I will give you some options. In the meantime, you can have a look at the list put together by What's Up Sthlm (in Swedish, but with Google translate option in the upper right hand corner).
Click here for more options of restaurants near the Rival Hotel!

Italian Restaurant: Nostrano

Yesterday evening I had dinner with a colleague at Nostrano, a cosy Italian restaurant just a couple of blocks from the Rival Hotel (click here for location). I've been meaning to try this restaurant for awhile now and was happy to finally have the opportunity! And it didn't disappoint... it is definitely one of the better Italian restaurants in Stockholm, without breaking your wallet. We started the dinner with a classic Carpaccio with arugula pesto and deep fried Pecorino cheese with orange sallad, honey and pine nuts. For our main course we chose Tortelloni (filled with ground veal, ricotta & gorganzola cheeses and black truffle) and Pasta Gratinati (with prosciutto, provolone, ricotta, leafy spinach and tomato sauce). All delicious!

Pasta Gratinati

One warning... it is a small restaurant and very popular, so you really need to book in advance. If you are staying at the hotel, you can contact me and I will help you with a reservation. Otherwise give them a call at +46(0)8 644 1035. Buon appetito! Not the best pictures, but it was quite crowded and I didn't want to take pictures of the other diners without their permission.

Italian Restaurant: Nostrano

Posted by zlatin

Yesterday evening I had dinner with a colleague at Nostrano, a cosy Italian restaurant just a couple of blocks from the Rival Hotel (click here for location). I've been meaning to try this restaurant for awhile now and was happy to finally have the opportunity! And it didn't disappoint... it is definitely one of the better Italian restaurants in Stockholm, without breaking your wallet. We started the dinner with a classic Carpaccio with arugula pesto and deep fried Pecorino cheese with orange sallad, honey and pine nuts. For our main course we chose Tortelloni (filled with ground veal, ricotta & gorganzola cheeses and black truffle) and Pasta Gratinati (with prosciutto, provolone, ricotta, leafy spinach and tomato sauce). All delicious!

Pasta Gratinati

One warning... it is a small restaurant and very popular, so you really need to book in advance. If you are staying at the hotel, you can contact me and I will help you with a reservation. Otherwise give them a call at +46(0)8 644 1035. Buon appetito! Not the best pictures, but it was quite crowded and I didn't want to take pictures of the other diners without their permission.

Middle-Eastern Cuisine, Around the Corner from the Rival

Opening party at Tehran Grill

Stockholm is a melting pot of many nationalities and this is often reflected in the different cuisines available at local restaurants. In the Rival Hotel's neighbourhood (Mariatorget) we have Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Greek, Chilean, French as well as Swedish restaurants. In the past couple of weeks, my colleagues and I have had the opportunity to try two local restaurants, both specializing in Middle-Eastern cuisine. Last week I was invited to the grand opening of a new restaurant... Tehran Grill. It's always nice with a new restaurant in the area and it is especially fun with a little ethnic/culinary diversity! The owner, Nino Armoni, says that for years he has been homesick for cuisine from his homeland, especially a restaurant specializing in grilled dishes. He has brought an experienced chef from Iran to the restaurant to keep it authentic. The opening was popular and we got to try small variations of their different dishes. Very tasty! Located on Timmermansgatan 5.

Mezze dishes at Tabbouli

The other neighbourhood restaurant serving Middle-Eastern food (this time Lebanese cuisine) is Tabbouli. This restaurant has been quite successful, opening sister restaurants on Kungsholmen and in the downtown area. I have been to the Kungsholmen restaurant a couple of times and I do love Lebanese cuisine. So when my colleague Anders told me that he was going to dine there, I asked him to make a report and take some pictures. If you haven't tried Lebanese cuisine before, then you should definitely try the mezze which is the Lebanese version of tapas or antipasti.... a variety of small hot & cold dishes that, combined, make a great meal. Located on Tavastgatan 22.

Lighting detail at Tabbouli

Middle-Eastern Cuisine, Around the Corner from the Rival

Posted by zlatin

Opening party at Tehran Grill

Stockholm is a melting pot of many nationalities and this is often reflected in the different cuisines available at local restaurants. In the Rival Hotel's neighbourhood (Mariatorget) we have Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Greek, Chilean, French as well as Swedish restaurants. In the past couple of weeks, my colleagues and I have had the opportunity to try two local restaurants, both specializing in Middle-Eastern cuisine. Last week I was invited to the grand opening of a new restaurant... Tehran Grill. It's always nice with a new restaurant in the area and it is especially fun with a little ethnic/culinary diversity! The owner, Nino Armoni, says that for years he has been homesick for cuisine from his homeland, especially a restaurant specializing in grilled dishes. He has brought an experienced chef from Iran to the restaurant to keep it authentic. The opening was popular and we got to try small variations of their different dishes. Very tasty! Located on Timmermansgatan 5.

Mezze dishes at Tabbouli

The other neighbourhood restaurant serving Middle-Eastern food (this time Lebanese cuisine) is Tabbouli. This restaurant has been quite successful, opening sister restaurants on Kungsholmen and in the downtown area. I have been to the Kungsholmen restaurant a couple of times and I do love Lebanese cuisine. So when my colleague Anders told me that he was going to dine there, I asked him to make a report and take some pictures. If you haven't tried Lebanese cuisine before, then you should definitely try the mezze which is the Lebanese version of tapas or antipasti.... a variety of small hot & cold dishes that, combined, make a great meal. Located on Tavastgatan 22.

Lighting detail at Tabbouli

Mariatorget: Beauty

Locals Only barbershop

I have written about the stores/boutiques as well as restaurants/cafés that are to be found in The Rival Hotel's neighbourhood (Mariatorget). Now for the third and final installment. For lack of a better title, I will call this "beauty". You will see why...

• Locals Only- For the gentlemen: there aren't many places where you can get a straight razor shave these days, but this hip barbershop is bringing back this lost art. Some real pampering is included in the price of the shave. Location.
• Sweet Baby Ray- a wonderful combination of hair salon and vintage clothes store. Come and get your hair done and leave with a new outfit! Location.
• Cut the Crap- great local hair salon with one of the best names in the business! Location.
• Toni & Guy- a well known chain of hair salons, with a location just a few blocks from the hotel.
• Salvation Tattoo- For a different type of beauty... one of the coolest tatto parlours in Stockholm. If you are a girl, why not get a dragon tattoo when visiting Sweden? Location.
• Vildrosor & Tistlar- If you are staying with us and want to pick up a nice bouquet of flowers for a hostess gift, then we can recommend this florist located just next door to the hotel!

Salvation Tattoo

Well, that's it... as you see from these three posts, Mariatorget is a vibrant neighbourhood and definitely worth a visit when in Stockholm!

Mariatorget: Beauty

Posted by zlatin

Locals Only barbershop

I have written about the stores/boutiques as well as restaurants/cafés that are to be found in The Rival Hotel's neighbourhood (Mariatorget). Now for the third and final installment. For lack of a better title, I will call this "beauty". You will see why...

• Locals Only- For the gentlemen: there aren't many places where you can get a straight razor shave these days, but this hip barbershop is bringing back this lost art. Some real pampering is included in the price of the shave. Location.
• Sweet Baby Ray- a wonderful combination of hair salon and vintage clothes store. Come and get your hair done and leave with a new outfit! Location.
• Cut the Crap- great local hair salon with one of the best names in the business! Location.
• Toni & Guy- a well known chain of hair salons, with a location just a few blocks from the hotel.
• Salvation Tattoo- For a different type of beauty... one of the coolest tatto parlours in Stockholm. If you are a girl, why not get a dragon tattoo when visiting Sweden? Location.
• Vildrosor & Tistlar- If you are staying with us and want to pick up a nice bouquet of flowers for a hostess gift, then we can recommend this florist located just next door to the hotel!

Salvation Tattoo

Well, that's it... as you see from these three posts, Mariatorget is a vibrant neighbourhood and definitely worth a visit when in Stockholm!

Mariatorget: Restaurants, Cafés & Food Stores

First I wrote about the shops in our neighbourhood (Mariatorget), now it is on to food! The Rival Hotel has a great Bistro, Bar & Café, but if you want to leave the hotel and dine/snack in the surrounding area then there is a large variety of options to choose from. As these are all establishments that mostly cater to the locals, the websites linked below are mainly in Swedish.

Rival Bistro

Restaurants:

• Bistro Süd. Neighbourhood bistro serving Swedish & French favourites. Location.
• Nostrano. Quaint italian restaurant. Location.
• Ramblas Mariatorget- popular Spanish tapas restaurant. Location.
• Marie Laveau. Cajun restaurant with a popular bar/nightclub. Location.
• Tabbouli. Restaurant serving Lebanese cuisine. Location.
• Tehran Grill. Specializing in Iranian cuisine. Location.
• Blå Dörren. Classic Swedish dishes with a pub atmosphere. Location.
• Ljunggrens. Popular restaurant serving Asian fusion cuisine. Location.
• Angry Diner. Newly open. American classics with a twist. Location.
• Pitcher's. Restaurant and "soft" sports bar. Swedish/American favorites. Location. 
• Nyagatan Patagonia. Neighbourhood South American restaurant. Location.

Restaurant Sjögräs

Cafés:

• Drop Coffee. Coffee bar where they roast their own beans. Location.
• Johan & Nyström.  Coffee bar where they roast their own beans. Location. 
• Kaffe. Trivia: scenes from "Girl with a Dragon tattoo" were filmed here. Location.
• Muggen. Popular with the "söder" locals! Location.

Oaxen Skafferi

Specialty Food Stores:

• Oaxen Skafferi. Butcher shop and great place to find Swedish specialties like herring and sausage. Location.
• 8T8. Ecological and locally produced specialty foods. Noodle bar as well! Location.
• 18 Smaker. Home made ice cream... 18 flavours. Location.

8T8

Mariatorget: Restaurants, Cafés & Food Stores

Posted by zlatin

First I wrote about the shops in our neighbourhood (Mariatorget), now it is on to food! The Rival Hotel has a great Bistro, Bar & Café, but if you want to leave the hotel and dine/snack in the surrounding area then there is a large variety of options to choose from. As these are all establishments that mostly cater to the locals, the websites linked below are mainly in Swedish.

Rival Bistro

Restaurants:

• Bistro Süd. Neighbourhood bistro serving Swedish & French favourites. Location.
• Nostrano. Quaint italian restaurant. Location.
• Ramblas Mariatorget- popular Spanish tapas restaurant. Location.
• Marie Laveau. Cajun restaurant with a popular bar/nightclub. Location.
• Tabbouli. Restaurant serving Lebanese cuisine. Location.
• Tehran Grill. Specializing in Iranian cuisine. Location.
• Blå Dörren. Classic Swedish dishes with a pub atmosphere. Location.
• Ljunggrens. Popular restaurant serving Asian fusion cuisine. Location.
• Angry Diner. Newly open. American classics with a twist. Location.
• Pitcher's. Restaurant and "soft" sports bar. Swedish/American favorites. Location. 
• Nyagatan Patagonia. Neighbourhood South American restaurant. Location.

Restaurant Sjögräs

Cafés:

• Drop Coffee. Coffee bar where they roast their own beans. Location.
• Johan & Nyström.  Coffee bar where they roast their own beans. Location. 
• Kaffe. Trivia: scenes from "Girl with a Dragon tattoo" were filmed here. Location.
• Muggen. Popular with the "söder" locals! Location.

Oaxen Skafferi

Specialty Food Stores:

• Oaxen Skafferi. Butcher shop and great place to find Swedish specialties like herring and sausage. Location.
• 8T8. Ecological and locally produced specialty foods. Noodle bar as well! Location.
• 18 Smaker. Home made ice cream... 18 flavours. Location.

8T8