The story
Essence is a one-man fine dining show led by chef Stefan Taylor, set in a small space on Hjalmar Söderbergs Väg in Stockholm. Only a handful of guests each evening are seated around an open kitchen counter, where every dish is prepared and plated in front of them. The atmosphere is intimate and relaxed, with the chef interacting directly with diners throughout the meal. This personal approach has earned the restaurant a Michelin Recommended distinction for 2026.
The menu is a multi-course tasting built around the finest seasonal ingredients available. It changes slightly each day to reflect what is best at that moment, making every visit distinct. The cooking is modern and precise, rooted in Swedish seasonality. Guests watch as each course comes together at the kitchen island, turning dinner into an immersive experience rather than just a meal.
The entire counter can be booked for private events, accommodating groups of 8 to 14 guests. Two menu options are available: a smaller tasting of three courses plus amuse and petit four, and a larger five-course menu. Both include a choice of wine or alcohol-free pairing. The kitchen can adapt the shorter menu for most dietary needs, though vegan diets and certain allergies cannot be accommodated. Private bookings are pre-paid and non-refundable, with any menu modifications agreed upon at reservation.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
