Throughout my trip to Stockholm, Sweden, I had most of my dinners at the hotels at which I stayed or other properties in the nearby area, but one night, I branched out and went to a restaurant in town, Restaurang Prinsen.

The place was rumored to have one of the best Swedish meatball dishes in the area. I could tell it was going to be good by the crowd inside; almost all the tables were filled and people were even sitting outside.

© Mary Melnick

Even though it was crowded, I sat down right away and was greeted by a friendly waiter who poured water and took a drink order. I chose a Swedish beer that came highly recommended. It was delicious. The tour guide also ordered Snaps, a small shot of a strong alcoholic beverage. It was so strong I had a hard time finishing the whole thing, so I stuck to my beer.

© Mary Melnick

I placed an order for a couple different appetizers including Sillbricka, a variety of different pickled herring; Toast Skagen, shrimp mayonnaise and vendace roe on top of buttered toast; and Löjrom Frân Bottenviken, vendace roe and red onion on toast. I enjoyed all the appetizers, but the pickled herring wasn’t for me.

© Mary Melnick

When it came time for my meal, I obviously went for the Vara Hemtrillade Kottbullar, also known as Swedish meatballs, after hearing everyone rave about them. The meatballs came in a cream sauce with lingonberries, pickled cucumber and potato puree. Let me tell you, these meatballs did not disappoint — much better than what you find at Ikea.

Once finished, I didn’t think I had room for dessert, but a raspberry-flavored meringue dessert caught my eye, which was delicious.

© Mary Melnick

If you ever find yourself in Stockholm, Sweden, I couldn’t recommend Restaurang Prinsen enough!

Restaurang Prinsen

Mäster Samuelsgatan 4,
111 44 Stockholm, Sweden
tel 46 8 684 238 11