Döden i Grytan

Norrtullsgatan 61
113 45 Stockholm
Sweden
+46 (0) 832 50 95
Monday-Saturday 17:30-23:30
Sunday 17:30-22:30
Map

The name translates roughly to “Death in a Pot,” which doesn’t exactly sound romantic, but it is.  The light is warm and the unfinished brick walls lend an air of rustic romance.  This restaurant has long been one of our favorites; the site of many a celebratory birthday dinner.  It’s one of very few places in Stockholm where are guaranteed great Italian food.  That being said, the portions are much larger than traditional in Italy, so don’t expect to be able to finish three courses.

The prices are moderate for the quantity and quality of the food.  Appetizers are a bit under 100 kr, pastas around 150 kr, meat dishes average about 200-250 kr.  The wine list has a good selection of Italian wines at reasonable prices (for Sweden).  Often we visit for a little mid-week luxury.  Pasta and a glass of wine each costs around 400 kr total.

L: Most recently, I was there for a birthday dinner with my lovely friend A.  I had my favorite dish – the pasta all’ amatriciana.  Lovely tomato-based pasta with pecorino and bits of pancetta served with crispy pancetta on the top.  Perfection.

A had the rabbit, which I’ve never tried.  She pronounced it to be melt-in-the-mouth delicousness.  

The only real downside is that the service isn’t great.  It’s not terrible, but it can feel a bit abrupt at times.
 
Summary: Fantastic food (particularly the main courses), a cozy atmosphere, and acceptable service at good prices.

Rating: ***

Linguini

Frejgatan 48
11326 Stockholm
Sweden
Monday-Saturday 17:00-22:00
Sunday closed.
+46 (0) 831 49 15
Map

L: I’ve been waiting impatiently to try this place for a few weeks now. We discovered it when we were out looking for a new place to try. It looked absolutely perfect – cosy, good prices, nice menu. Tragically, they were fully booked. I came back at the first opportunity, for a nice cosy dinner with C.

 

I was fully prepared to be stunned. The on-line reviews were all extremely positive, and I wanted to love it. I did love the place. We sat outside, which was nice, but the inside seating looked even better with warm brick and candle light.

 

From experience I know that I should never order pasta with cream-based sauce in Sweden. I always hate it. Swedes seem to have a particular affinity for creamy sauces on pasta. I ordered the big filled pastas with gorgonzola. C. ordered the same, but with truffles. The prices were quite reasonable at slightly below 150 kr.

 

My expectations were crushed when it arrived covered in bland creaminess. Ours tasted almost identical. The pasta itself was lovely, possibly even handmade. The filling was basically without taste, and the whole bit was covered in a creamy sauce. Very disappointing. I’m not usually one for second chances, but this time I think I will be back. Next time I’m going to demand something without any cream, and we’ll see if they can produce anything worth writing about.

 

Summary: Great service, lovely restaurant, it’s a shame about the unremarkable food.

 

Rating: *