Reopening of Östermalm's Saluhall (food market)!

Östermalm: Stockholm's Chic District

Östermalm is the epitome of Stockholm elegance. This upscale district boasts grand 19th-century buildings, Michelin-starred restaurants, and designer boutiques lining Biblioteksgatan.

History buffs will love the Östermalm Saluhall, a market hall since the 1880s, offering fresh produce and delicacies. Meanwhile, culture vultures can delve into Swedish history at the Swedish History Museum or be captivated by a performance at the Royal Dramatic Theatre.

For a breath of fresh air, take a stroll through Humlegården park, or head to Strandvägen for scenic waterfront views. Östermalm isn't just about sophistication; it offers a vibrant mix of history, culture, and beauty.

Östermalm's Saluhall, or Östermalmshallen, is the grand dame of Swedish indoor food markets ("saluhall" in Swedish). It has been around since 1888 and is located in an historic, beautiful brick building in the Östermalm neighborhood. Due to it being the preeminent food market in Stockholm, it is has always been popular with visitors and has even been named by the magazine Bon Appétit as the 7th best food market in the world.

For the past four years, the historic building that houses the market has been closed for renovations. During this time, they did open a temporary market in the square across the street. While it was great that we could still visit the same restaurants and vendors, it was missing that historical feel that Stockholmers and visitors alike treasured. Thankfully, the renovations are now complete and the Saluhall has reopened for business! I stopped by on my way to work this morning to see how it looked.

While it looks very similar to how it did pre renovations, the market has definitely gotten a face lift. I noticed both subtle cosmetic differences and larger ones, like the expansion of certain restaurants as well as new vendors. I am happy that they kept the historic feel of the market. Apparently, in the process of renovating, they found wall decorations hidden under coats of paint which can now be seen and admired.

Inside the market, you will find butchers, fishmongers, cheese shops, bakers, pâtisseries and vegetable stands. This a great place to purchase Swedish delicacies like bear or moose sausage, dried reindeer jerky, freshly baked Swedish crisp bread, local caviar (löjrom), fresh Skagen mix and much more. Many of them do sell ready-made treats, like canapés, sandwiches and ready-made appetizers, so you, as a visitor, can purchase and take back to your hotel room to enjoy. Or, in warmer months, take out to a park or beach as a picnic.

What is, probably, of more interest for visitors is the restaurants that are found within the market. Östermalms Saluhall is one of my favorite places to eat lunch, especially at Lisa Elmqvist or Tysta Mari. I always take visiting friends or family there... what can beat eating delicious Swedish delicacies in a beautiful, historic setting, surrounded by food vendors (so you know everything is fresh!)? Most of the vendors do have counter space so, if you are one or two persons, you can easily drop in for a bite to eat. Lisa Elmqvist is open in the evenings as well!

It is easy to get to Östermalms Saluhall from the Hotel Rival... just four subway stops (red line) to Östermalmstorg (exit to Östermalmstorg). Keep in mind that the market and restaurants are closed on Sundays. If food markets are your thing, Stockholm has a few besides Östermalms Saluhall. Hötorgshallen is the largest and has more international vendors. But you also have a smaller one, not too far from the hotel, called Söderhallarna as well as one in the basement level of our famous department store NK (click here for a blog article).