Bistro Rival

Description:

• This hip bistro is the focal point for a series of lesser bars, lounges, and entertainment venues that all flourish, in a congenially cooperative way, within the same (also recommended) hotel. The guiding light here (or at least the éminence grise) is ABBA member Benny Andersson, whose reflected glory permeates the spirit of much of this place. As the bistro is on the hotel's second floor, and because there's a long and narrow balcony on which tables are situated during clement weather, diners can also look down on one of the most popular and animated series of boccie ball games in Sweden. The menu presents a toss-up between one of the freshest and most tantalizing Caesar salads made in Stockholm and toast Skagen, which isn't really toast at all, but a piled-high mound of shrimp flavored with dill. Other tempting options: The grilled chicken is so tasty and perfectly flavored that it doesn't need to be gussied up with sauce, and goes well with Swedish herring and endless rounds of aquavit. More adventurous palates may opt for the carpaccio of beef or seasonal filet of reindeer with fresh chanterelles and blackberries.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010