Tucked beneath the vaulted arches of Östermalmshallen, Stockholm’s grand temple court of fine food, Hedvig quietly opened its doors and is already becoming one of the city’s most talked-about culinary gems. More than a restaurant, Hedvig is an invitation to rediscover Swedish cuisine through the lens of memory, craftsmanship, and quiet elegance.

The man behind the vision is celebrated restaurateur Elias Karroum, whose previous ventures include Beirut Café, Bistrot du Passage, Gabagool, to name a few that have earned cult status among discerning diners. With Hedvig, Karroum returns to something closer to home, both geographically and emotionally. Named after the nearby Hedvig Eleonora Church, the restaurant is a deeply personal project that connects food, place, and heritage. “I wanted to create a space where guests can experience the depth and comfort of traditional Swedish cuisine in a setting that honours both the past and the present,” he says.

Step inside and you're met with an atmosphere that feels both timeless and modern: warm brass fixtures, natural leather, carved wood, and the soft glow of flickering candlelight. The chambre séparée upstairs, complete with a painted ceiling of Swedish birdlife and a view of the church spire, is like dining inside a living poem.

The soul of Hedvig is steeped in husmanskost—Swedish comfort food, reimagined with seasonal nuance and thoughtful precision. Dishes like creamy gravlax, rich meatballs, terrines, and roasted root vegetables pay homage to the culinary memories of the region, while gently pulling them into the now. Hedvig draws inspiration from classic SARA restaurants and Czech beer halls, but its beating heart is distinctly Stockholm.

Its setting couldn’t be more fitting. Östermalmshallen, the legendary red-brick market hall where Hedvig resides, has been a cornerstone of Swedish gastronomy since it first opened in 1888 before King Oscar II. Built in just six months using Börringe clinker brick and innovative cast-iron roofing, the hall introduced new architectural techniques to Sweden thanks to the vision of young architects Isak Gustaf Clason and Kasper Salin, who brought back inspiration from their travels through Europe.

After a major restoration from 2016 to 2020, Östermalmshallen stands proudly revitalised, with its turrets, gables, and intricate details lovingly preserved. Today, it remains a living symbol of culinary excellence, making it the perfect stage for Hedvig’s graceful, flavour-forward tribute to Swedish tradition.

Whether you're popping in for a spontaneous late-night bite (Hedvig stays open until midnight on weekdays and 1 AM on weekends) or settling in for a long, soulful dinner, every visit promises more than a meal. It’s a celebration of place, history, and the timeless joy of a beautifully set table.

Come hungry. Leave with a new favourite culinary memory.
www.restauranghedvig.se