The story
The address at Skånegatan 80 carries history. It once housed Pet Sounds, one of Stockholm's most legendary rock bars. Today, the space belongs to Symbios, opened by the trio behind a quietly growing family of restaurants on the south side of the city: brothers Kim and Jesper Kvarnefält and their partner Joakim Sindahl, who also run Barobao, Ichi, and the spaghetti spot Gazza.
When the trio moved in, they remade the space into something distinctly their own. The interior balances warmth and edge: light wood tables and cognac-coloured leather sofas sit alongside bar counters and pillars in polished steel, with panels of corrugated metal adding flashes of colour. Ceilings are high, natural light pours in generously, and the room hums with the kind of easy bistro energy that is hard to manufacture. In summer, service spills out onto Skånegatan itself.
Symbios has earned a "Very Fine Level" distinction from the White Guide in 2026, a recognition that places it among Sweden's most carefully considered restaurants. The cooking is rooted in Swedish tradition while reflecting the restless curiosity of a team that runs several very different restaurants simultaneously. That range shows in the confidence of the offer here — precise without being stiff, relaxed without being careless.
For anyone looking for a Swedish dining experience that feels genuinely of its city — unhurried, well-made, and alive — Symbios delivers exactly that.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
A few years ago, the trio of Södermalm pub owners Kim and Jesper Kvarnefält, who are brothers, and Joakim Sindahl opened their Symbios at the address that once housed the legendary rock bar Pet Sounds (they also run Barobao, Ichi, and the new spaghetti spot Gazza). When they moved in, they transformed the space into an understated dining room in a modern industrial style. Light wood tables, cognac-colored leather sofas, and vibrant corrugated metal panels contrast with polished steel bars and pillars. The venue features high ceilings, generous natural light, and a lovely bistro buzz. In the summer, service spills out onto Skånegatan.
