Bla Porten

Description:

• Positioned close to the entrances of both Skansen and the Vasa Museum, on the sparsely populated island of Djurgården, the "Blue Door" is a well-kept secret that's at its most quaint and country-ish in summertime, when the flowers in its courtyard bloom and its fountains complement the idyllic setting. Technically, this is the food and beverage outlet of an arts exhibition space known as the Liljevalchs Konsthalle, and yes, you'll recognize its understated entrance by its blue-painted door. Don't expect the staff to run around servicing your order; everything is very low-key and unfussy, and the only staff member you're likely to see is the cashier who rings up your order after you select it from an assortment of old-fashioned plank-topped tables. Each of them is piled high with pastries (the lemon tart is divine, as are the heart-shaped cookies layered with vanilla custard), as well as such rib-sticking dishes as oven-baked, herb-crusted herring with potatoes; quiche with feta cheese and spinach; beet salad with goat cheese and honey-lime dressing; and an array of open-faced sandwiches.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010