Stockholm’s three food halls are at the top of my list for favorite places to grab lunch while I’m in the city.
I love going there for the sheer fact that there is something for everyone and you can choose from many different cuisines ranging from Tunisian to Japanese and many more. You can either grab something to go or sit down, depending on if you have the time for a leisurely lunch.
Being a creature of habit, I tend to go to La Gazelle in Hötorgshallen most of the time. Perhaps makes me a bit boring but sometimes it is good to stick with what you know you like, as it never disappoints!
Still having my friends here from Italy, we started our day early walking around the city sightseeing so by the early afternoon we started to get very hungry and decided a lunch stop was in order. One of my friends was looking for a place to eat salmon while the other wanted something meaty. I naturally thought of Hötorgshallen but not knowing where to go to please both of them, I thought it was best to call my boyfriend who is a native to Sweden to get his recommendation on where to take them. He tipped us to Tysta Mari, which is located in Östermalms Saluhall.
Tysta Mari’s salmon plate
We ventured over there for lunch, making it a nice change from my usual food hall! I had not been there in a while and I forgot how beautiful it is inside. Tysta Mari is best known for their specialties in fish and seafood, but they also serve meat dishes on their menu. If you are busy and on the run you can take your food to go or if you were like us and had the time, sit down and eat at their restaurant. We chose to sit down so we could relax our tired bodies and enjoy a long lunch.
As I’m a vegetarian, I was a bit nervous about eating here. I had a feeling that the vegetarian options would be quite limited, but it proved to be fine. During lunch time a small salad, and a selection of homemade breads, my favorite being the apricot walnut, is included with your meal.
vegetarian stuffed gorgonzola pasta
My friends went for a salmon plate and the meat loaf while I had the vegetarian stuffed gorgonzola pasta (the only vegetarian item on the menu). Both of my friends loved their dishes and enjoyed the atmosphere of Östermalms Saluhall’s old world feel. We ended up sitting there and chatting the afternoon away.
I too enjoyed my dish but felt very limited having only one item to choose from, the highlight for me was the large amount of bread I ate in addition to my pasta. Being a vegetarian, I would probably not go back but I would highly recommend this restaurant if you are into fish and/or seafood. If you enjoy their food as much as my friends did, then you might also consider using them the next time you need catering for a large event or party!
Tysta Mari’s meatloaf
Images and Story by Talia Klundt
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