Operakällaren is a legend when it comes to Swedish culinary history and the restaurant is far away from losing any sparks or any of its splendour. Operakällaren is set in the historic Royal Opera House of Stockholm. The name of the restaurant means “The Cellar of the Opera”, but you certainly not have to worry about dining in a dark cellar. The dining room of Operakällaren is one of the most breathtaking in the world.
Architects Peter Celsing and Nils Tesch designed the restaurant for its six years long renovation which was finished in 1961 and the result of that still shines with pride today. You will have your meal surrounded by oak carved walls, crystal chandeliers, plush velvet chairs and high up around the walls are various mythical scenes painted by Oscar Björck.
Operakällaren is one of the oldest restaurants in Sweden with a history which spans back to 1787. The restaurant was originally opened in the Swedish King Gustaf III’s Opera House, but the old opera was demolished and replaced by a new one. Operakällaren moved on to the new Opera House and was opened in its present location in 1895.
Tore Wretman was one of Sweden’s most renowned restaurateurs before he passed away in 2003 and he made Operakällaren a legend together with Chef Werner Vögeli. Restaurateur Alessandro Catenacci took over the Tore Wretman Restaurants Group in December 1987 and since then has his company, Nobis, continued the traditions of Operakällaren with aplomb.
Alessandro Catenacci’s brother Stefano became Chef de Cuisine in 1996 and since 2001 he is one of the part-owners of Nobis. Chef Patron Stefano Catenacci learnt to cook in his father’s different restaurant kitchens like the one at the Italian restaurant Caina. It has always been an obvious choice of Stefano to become a Chef and today he is the head of one of the most prestigious restaurants in the Nordics.
Head Chef André Wessman works close to Stefano Catenacci and together they have created a French inspired cuisine with lots of Swedish influences. The flavours of the dishes are at top international level and the technical performance to create them shows true high end class from the kitchen. You will have a perfect balance between new and traditional, between the best from France and the most interesting from Sweden. All combined with the best wine menu in Sweden. The Nobis wine cellar located downstairs is one of the best in the Nordics..
Operakällaren is an essential reservation during your visit to Stockholm. The restaurant continues to develop and does not rest on its laurels. You will have a meal to remember and to cherish among your best.
Written by Andy
