Katrinelund Sjökrog

Here you are well taken care of, from the genuinely warm welcome to the little sugar cake served with coffee after the meal. Once seated, not just one but two amuse-bouches arrive. First, some smoked lamb heart wrapped in pak choi, served on a stone. The second is a duck mousse topped with confit duck, served in a fine wooden cup. Then the actual menu follows at a well-paced rhythm, with detailed explanations of what each dish consists of and where the ingredients come from. The gudgeon head remains on the menu, but we overlook this repetition when we see the reactions at the tables around us. Everything from broad smiles to some hesitation. Great emphasis is placed on local sourcing. The gudgeon naturally comes from Lake Hjälmaren, and the fishermen who caught it are mentioned by name. Meat and vegetables come from nearby farms, and the most distant ingredient appears to be the squid from the west coast. Along with the meal, you also enjoy a view over Lake Hjälmaren; the location on a small hill becomes part of the overall experience. The serving staff is consistently young, but very professional and pleasant. Attentive as well. The chefs are also young, and it is they who present the main courses at the tables. The guest mix reflects the property's focus on spa and gourmet experiences. It is often predominantly couples or groups of women with a relatively low average age. The interior is dark, but thanks to large windows, the space still feels bright. And everything feels new or recently renovated, yet still retains the atmosphere of an old building. Well worth a detour, as they say.

For many, (at least) a visit to Sjökrogen is a summer tradition, especially for those who have their own boat on Lake Hjälmaren and can glide in and dock at the tavern pier 15 meters from the outdoor seating area. For the rest of us, the car ride on winding roads through the cultural landscape is also no shame. The menu is the same all day, and the focus is on locally sourced ingredients and a rather classic Swedish flavor palette. The formula works. Almost everyone, from teenage friends, to families with children, to couples and retirees, gathers for the lakeside location and the menu, which, although fairly short, offers something for everyone. When it gets cold, we gladly sit in the bright, airy dining room with panoramic windows and a maritime interior vibe.