Making for an ideal day trip from nearby Stockholm, the historic Swedish city of Uppsala has a diverse dining and drinking scene, with every budget and palate catered for.
(Photo: Villa Anna)
Situated about 35km inland from Sweden’s east coast, just over an hour’s drive north of the Sweden capital, the city is perhaps best known for Uppsala University, founded in the 15th century. But venture beyond this storied seat of learning and you’ll quickly discover plenty more to enjoy here – including lots of great places to eat and drink. Here are five of the best restaurants and bars that the city has to offer.
Villa Anna
Housed in an elegant 19th-century villa dating back to 1874 in Uppsala’s historic district, and on the same site as a boutique hotel of the same name, Villa Anna’s restaurant brings a sense of old-world charm to its modern, Nordic-driven dining. The space feels intimate and polished, with soft tones, candlelight and handcrafted details that offer a nod to the building’s rich heritage. The kitchen leans into “Nordic from nature” cooking, featuring seasonal, locally-inspired dishes with a regularly changing menu complemented by thoughtful wine pairings and Scandinavian spirits.
Odinslund 3
Dryck & Mat
(Photo: Dryck & Mat)
Another centrally located option, this fine dining restaurant is set in a former railway building and retains the high ceilings and elegant styling of that era. Menus are seasonal, with dishes revolving local or regional Swedish produce and often unexpected flavour combinations, with dishes including scallop carpaccio with tomato water and lovage, and walleye served with Jerusalem artichoke chips, apple and trout roe, receiving rave reviews. But rest assured, the drinks are no afterthought here either, with the food crafted around the award-winning wine list. In the warmer months, guests can also dine on the outdoor terrace.
Olof Palmes plats 2
Brezza
As well as its restaurants serving quintessential Swedish cuisine, Uppsala is also home to several international eateries. Among them is a warm and cosy Italian restaurant that promises ‘from scratch cooking’. There are a number of dining areas dotted throughout the venue, as well as a wine cellar. Classic Italian dishes include wood-fired pizza, home-made pasta and an assortment of Italian cheeses and charcuterie. Being Italian, and as hinted at by the aforementioned cellar, wine is a big deal here too, with a top-rated wine list with a strong emphasis on Italian wine regions.
Skolgatan 31
Kaliber Bar
(Photo: Kaliber Bar)
Uppsala also has a great spread of watering holes where visitors can find local beverages and a convivial atmosphere. One of the most renowned is Kaliber Bar, set on a central street in the city’s vibrant downtown core. A popular haunt for after-office drinks, the bar also attracts a liberal sprinkling of tourists who come to enjoy the rock-bar aesthetic, regular live music and extensive selection of beers, craft ales and premium spirits. There’s also an enticing menu of American-style food to help line the stomach.
Drottninggatan 12
Williams Pub
For Brits pining for home, this traditional British-style pub and restaurant will make them feel like they never left their local. Set in central Uppsala, near the university district and a few blocks from the old town, it offers hearty, home-cooked pub meals like fish & chips, burgers and roast dishes, served alongside a wide selection of beers from classic ales to local craft brews. The atmosphere is cosy and unpretentious, with a mix of locals and students frequenting a watering hole that’s perfect for straightforward pub fare and a relaxed evening or afternoon drop-in.
Åsgränd 5C