The Best of Scandinavia tour kicked off yesterday in Stockholm, on a perfect sunny day, with dinner at @restaurantfrantzen .

My first visit to Frantzén was more than ten years ago, back when it was still in its original Old Town location, and I’ve been going regularly ever since. I’ve been very lucky to watch it evolve over the years into the genuinely world-class restaurant it is today, so it’s always special to come back — especially with a group.

This visit was a little different.

Our entire evening was spent in Frantzén’s Test Kitchen, a private area on a separate floor from the main restaurant. It consists of a lounge, where we started with Champagne, snacks and vinyl playing, and an adjoining dining room with its own open kitchen.

When it isn’t being used for private guests, this is where @bjornfrantzen , @charliebenitez and the rest of the team work on menu development, so it felt like a particularly special way to experience the restaurant.

We then moved through to the dining room, where a dedicated team of Frantzén chefs cooked the entire meal right beside our table.

And the food was sensational.

I’ve always eaten incredibly well here, but I honestly think this may have been the best meal I’ve had at Frantzén. Dish after dish felt sharper, more exciting and more complete than on any of my previous visits. Properly spectacular cooking.

We skipped the full wine pairing and picked bottles from the list instead, including a 1958 Barolo that was in remarkably good condition. Opening something that old, still drinking beautifully, always feels pretty special.

It was about as strong a start to the tour as I could have hoped for.

Today we leave Stockholm and head to Oslo.

Tonight: Maaemo.

⭐ Michelin: 3 Stars
🔪 Best Chef Awards: Three Knives
🍽 OAD Europe: 2 (2025)
🌍 World’s 50 Best: 38 (2025)
🇫🇷 La Liste: 99/100

#Frantzen #Stockholm #Sweden #Michelin #FineDining Less