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A truly unforgettable Viking experience--one of the highlights of our Stockholm trip! While on a guided tour of Uppsala, our enthusiastic Viking-obsessed guide passionately recommended Aifur for dinner. He claimed it offered one of the most immersive and (relatively) authentic Viking experiences in the city--and he wasn't wrong. Though reservations were booked out well beyond our stay, we decided to try our luck during a non-peak hour. Victory! We were greeted at the entrance by a booming-voiced Viking who announced each party's arrival like we were entering a longhouse feast. The atmosphere was immediately electric. Our server--a fierce and radiant shield-maiden straight out of saga lore--guided us through the menu and mead selections with enthusiasm and charm. I went with the chili mead and later tried the apple mead to pair with my whole roasted chicken. My wife thoroughly enjoyed the lamb, and our 7-year-old son, seated in furs and handed a (wooden) axe, was treated like a young Viking chieftain. His eyes lit up with joy as he tucked into a generous kid's portion of chicken. The ambiance was nothing short of magical. The communal tables, candlelit halls, traditional instruments, and raucous cheer each time a guest was introduced made the whole evening feel like a step back in time. Guests were encouraged to raise their voices, bang on tables, and fully embrace the revelry. If you're in Stockholm and even remotely interested in Norse history or just want a dining experience that's unique and full of life--do not miss this place. Make a reservation if you can, but even without one, it's worth trying your luck. It was, without a doubt, the most "Viking" I've ever felt.
I don't want to simply say this place is a tourist trap but you are mostly paying for the ambiance and location rather than good food. The steak dish I got was alright. It was cooked well but didn't really have anything that stood out. The piece of stake they gave was also very small. The cake sized carb thing that gave wasn't unique either. The pieces of bread they gave were also stale. The servers took a while to get to us as well. I personally won't be coming back but the experience was definitely unique.
I visited Stockholm, Sweden, and wanted to try a medieval-themed restaurant. I found Aifur through an online search and instantly fell in love with the ambiance, so I made a reservation right away. When we entered the restaurant, the host introduced each customer, mentioned where they were from, and made jokes about them in front of the other diners. It was a fun moment. We ordered a meat and cheese plate that included game meat sausage, ham, and Cheddar cheese. We also paired it with Swedish beer. Both were very delicious. For the main course, we ordered venison and flap steak. The steak was tender, and the venison was a bit chewy, but the flavor, especially with the sauce, was very delicious. The notable points were the medieval ambiance, live music, and the fact that each dish had a medieval-themed story in the menu. I absolutely loved this restaurant, and when I have the chance to visit Stockholm again, I will definitely re-visit. It was a fantastic experience!
A very touristy restaurant, but it was fun! Reservations are a must. The atmosphere is very Viking and olden aged theme, and the workers did a great job staying in character and just adds to the experience. There's different seatings and you might be seated at a long table with other parties. Food is quite expensive, but it comes with a decent amount and it's hearty. There's live music! And our waitress came around and gave folks a Viking hat, sword, and coat to wear for pictures! Overall, a super fun experience!
Came here with a mate and was thrilled with everything but the staff. TL;DR: Staff are friendly until you ask for the check, then don't care. First, the food here is amazing! Very good food and drink, they even have nonalcoholic drinks for those who don't drink. Hands down the best meal I've had with my mate while in Stockholm! Had some muscles and mead! However, some issues that came up for me was the waitress who helped me. She wasn't the friendliest and seemed downright dismissive whenever we said anything beyond what we wanted to eat and payment. I've been told by others on here that once you're done ordering drinks and food they're done with you and drop the jovial act! Ruined part of the experience for us. Would've been great if not for her. The ambiance was the best. Be warned: you will be put next to people you don't know as part of the experience, but it'll be fun! The whole place was really detailed with live Viking music, interactive chants with the hosts, and so on! Great location! Other than the waitress we got, it was a great time!
I don't care if this is considered a touristy thing to do - this was one one of my favorite experiences in Stockholm! This is probably the closest I'll ever be to feeling like I'm on the set of Game of Thrones - you can pretend for the evening that you're having a feast in House Frey haha. This is one of the best themed restaurants I've been to - the setting, the candles, the costumes, the live music - and the overall vibe of the crowd who have bought into the whole experience. From the moment you step in, having your group announced by the blowing of a horn, and the banging of the tables, you'll feel transported to a different place. The menu is definitely meat heavy (no viking vegetarians, that's for sure!). For drinks they have mead and wine options, and bottles were actually very reasonably priced. For this type of restaurant, I thought the food was actually pretty good! This is a huge bonus, because let's be honest, you're probably here more for the experience. If it's your first time in Stockholm visiting from abroad, I'd totally recommend this on your itinerary to spend at least one evening here!
Yes it's a gimmick but it's fun and well worth doing. The food I had was very good and the beer not bad either. Servers were good but very busy and a little forgetful. But it's the atmosphere you come for, it's like an evening show with the announcing of the guests and the music. Well worth a visit.
Ok here we go!!! Let's do The Viking thing.... They deliver quite an experience. The restaurant is down in a very warm " cellar" type of space, very realistic to the Middle Ages... there's music. Laughter, and fun. service is quick and the food is good, (funky spear type of fork but it gets the job done) When you arrive they announce you to the people dining and they all clap... it's cute. You can stay 30 Min. Or two hours if you like it's a super fun " Viking" thing to do while in Sweden. Just remember it's very warm in the restaurant of Old Town.
We have found Vikings!!! This cool bar and restaurant is at up down in a dark basement and is laid out in a format very similar to the traditional Viking long houses that once dotted the landscape. The staff is absolutely wonderful and fully embrace the concept and ambiance they have worked hard to produce. They greet you with a warm and friendly smile and quickly help you feel right at home. The sampling of various honey and beer meads is very hard to beat! The food service has a very communal feel but is not overwhelming when it comes to enjoying time with those you came with. Definitely a must stop when in Stockholm!
I've been to themed restaurants before. The "spy restaurant" called SafeHouse in Milwaukee https://www.yelp.com/biz/safehouse-milwaukee-3?hrid=DrABeyEU3K90cgg-L0Qffg comes to mind. This is like that only more so. Aifur is an underground basement restaurant. Think "cave." It is dimly lit mostly by candlelight and the occasional flash from a tourist's smartphone (guilty!). Expect to be packed in tightly at community tables with people you don't know. Just roll with it. I had made a reservation (it is required, especially on a Saturday!) and we arrived on time where the host brought us to a table that already had 7 people and then we added four more after us. Close enough to bump elbows occasionally as we were eating. The folks to my left spoke no English, so I have no idea. The folks to my right were from deep rural Sweden and were super nice to be sitting next to big city Americans. Friendly people! The host said at the welcome, this is the "8th century in Sweden. There are no ****ing potatoes and there are no ****ing tomatoes. Enjoy!" And then after we were seated, he occasionally introduced incoming parties loudly and we (the whole restaurant!) cheered. Hilarious! In one case the host literally picked up an eight year old and carried him over his shoulder to the table. All in good fun! We skipped appetizers (it would have been impossible to share as we had the wide candle holder between us) and went right to main course. My friend with a steak and me with the "lamb rack." Hers had Brussels sprouts and a parsnip cake. Mine had a huge pile of julienned root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, no potatoes) in a tasty sauce. The lamb was great (three chops) and the steak was good (but my friend was never asked for a cooking temperature). All sorts of other fun adventures. Strange music from a traditional Viking instrument that sounded like bag pipes but had some sort of crank thing. Weird. Constant shouting and banging. Cutlery included a two-prong fork, spoon and a dull knife that did not cut very well. Tip: You'll be using the spoon to eat more than the odd fork. I'd recommend the "house" mead. Sweet as heck but this is traditional Viking drink. They also have a house beer, but expect it in a crock mug. They also have wine (not Viking wine). Desserts? I have no idea, we were ready to go after the meal. This is an experience you will not soon forget. And if you're at all uncomfortable about close quarters eating next to strangers? You'll not enjoy it; find something else. [Review 18014 overall - 3 in Sweden - 1535 of 2022.]
Walked past this cool Viking themed bar and decided to go in. My husband and I didn't have reservations so we weren't able to eat but we found seats at the bar area and were able to hang out and grab a drink. It was definitely packed with people but had a fun energy. It felt lively and entertaining. I definitely suggest making reservations if you want to eat. It looks like they typically book out pretty far.
I can't believe how amazing this place is! I find it exciting to walk down the stairs to the restaurant, as the lights on the stairs create a different vibe that makes me feel like I'm in the past. According to the team member, I had to leave my jacket at the coat check because it's too hot near the tables. Moreover, it felt like back in the past, the waitresses, hostesses, and bartenders were all dressed like Vikings. I had the Aifur mead, it was delicious and strong, and a plate from Stallarholme for dinner. I highly recommend it!
It is a gimmick for tourists but nevertheless a fun experience. It reminded me the Harry Potter restaurant in Orlando's amusement parks. We were expecting mediocre food but they were surprisingly adequate. They are not your fine dining type but pretty tasty. The waiting staff were friendly and fun. The music and the announcements got a bit too much toward the end. If you want a genuine Stockholm touristy experience, then this is your place.
This was such a fun dining experience. I highly recommend getting a reservation in advance as I saw some people get turned away since they were fully booked on a Thursday evening. The service was great, with our server providing suggestions on what to try from the menu. The smoked salmon and the venison were both delicious. The smoked salmon was a big filet of fish and not the sliced type that one would expect of smoked salmon. Definitely try the mead which is quite a unique type of drink. I highly recommend this place for first time visitors to Stockholm. read more
Make a reservation cause this place with either be packed or have long wait times. You'd be lucky if you are able to get a seat in the general bar area. I didn't have food here but the mead was really good. The place is very touristy but the whole setting was cool. read more
A truly unforgettable Viking experience--one of the highlights of our Stockholm trip! While on a guided tour of Uppsala, our enthusiastic Viking-obsessed guide passionately recommended Aifur for dinner. He claimed it offered one of the most immersive and (relatively) authentic Viking experiences in the city--and he wasn't wrong. Though reservations were booked out well beyond our stay, we decided to try our luck during a non-peak hour. Victory! We were greeted at the entrance by a booming-voiced Viking who announced each party's arrival like we were entering a longhouse feast. The atmosphere was immediately electric. Our server--a fierce and radiant shield-maiden straight out of saga lore--guided us through the menu and mead selections with enthusiasm and charm. I went with the chili mead and later tried the apple mead to pair with my whole roasted chicken. My wife thoroughly enjoyed the lamb, and our 7-year-old son, seated in furs and handed a (wooden) axe, was treated like a young Viking chieftain. His eyes lit up with joy as he tucked into a generous kid's portion of chicken. The ambiance was nothing short of magical. The communal tables, candlelit halls, traditional instruments, and raucous cheer each time a guest was introduced made the whole evening feel like a step back in time. Guests were encouraged to raise their voices, bang on tables, and fully embrace the revelry. If you're in Stockholm and even remotely interested in Norse history or just want a dining experience that's unique and full of life--do not miss this place. Make a reservation if you can, but even without one, it's worth trying your luck. It was, without a doubt, the most "Viking" I've ever felt. read more
I don't want to simply say this place is a tourist trap but you are mostly paying for the ambiance and location rather than good food. The steak dish I got was alright. It was cooked well but didn't really have anything that stood out. The piece of stake they gave was also very small. The cake sized carb thing that gave wasn't unique either. The pieces of bread they gave were also stale. The servers took a while to get to us as well. I personally won't be coming back but the experience was definitely unique. read more
4 months ago
2 years ago
I visited Stockholm, Sweden, and wanted to try a medieval-themed restaurant. I found Aifur through an online search and instantly fell in love with the ambiance, so I made a reservation right away. When we entered the restaurant, the host introduced each customer, mentioned where they were from, and made jokes about them in front of the other diners. It was a fun moment. We ordered a meat and cheese plate that included game meat sausage, ham, and Cheddar cheese. We also paired it with Swedish beer. Both were very delicious. For the main course, we ordered venison and flap steak. The steak was tender, and the venison was a bit chewy, but the flavor, especially with the sauce, was very delicious. The notable points were the medieval ambiance, live music, and the fact that each dish had a medieval-themed story in the menu. I absolutely loved this restaurant, and when I have the chance to visit Stockholm again, I will definitely re-visit. It was a fantastic experience! read more
2 years ago
A very touristy restaurant, but it was fun! Reservations are a must. The atmosphere is very Viking and olden aged theme, and the workers did a great job staying in character and just adds to the experience. There's different seatings and you might be seated at a long table with other parties. Food is quite expensive, but it comes with a decent amount and it's hearty. There's live music! And our waitress came around and gave folks a Viking hat, sword, and coat to wear for pictures! Overall, a super fun experience! read more
Came here with a mate and was thrilled with everything but the staff. TL;DR: Staff are friendly until you ask for the check, then don't care. First, the food here is amazing! Very good food and drink, they even have nonalcoholic drinks for those who don't drink. Hands down the best meal I've had with my mate while in Stockholm! Had some muscles and mead! However, some issues that came up for me was the waitress who helped me. She wasn't the friendliest and seemed downright dismissive whenever we said anything beyond what we wanted to eat and payment. I've been told by others on here that once you're done ordering drinks and food they're done with you and drop the jovial act! Ruined part of the experience for us. Would've been great if not for her. The ambiance was the best. Be warned: you will be put next to people you don't know as part of the experience, but it'll be fun! The whole place was really detailed with live Viking music, interactive chants with the hosts, and so on! Great location! Other than the waitress we got, it was a great time! read more
I don't care if this is considered a touristy thing to do - this was one one of my favorite experiences in Stockholm! This is probably the closest I'll ever be to feeling like I'm on the set of Game of Thrones - you can pretend for the evening that you're having a feast in House Frey haha. This is one of the best themed restaurants I've been to - the setting, the candles, the costumes, the live music - and the overall vibe of the crowd who have bought into the whole experience. From the moment you step in, having your group announced by the blowing of a horn, and the banging of the tables, you'll feel transported to a different place. The menu is definitely meat heavy (no viking vegetarians, that's for sure!). For drinks they have mead and wine options, and bottles were actually very reasonably priced. For this type of restaurant, I thought the food was actually pretty good! This is a huge bonus, because let's be honest, you're probably here more for the experience. If it's your first time in Stockholm visiting from abroad, I'd totally recommend this on your itinerary to spend at least one evening here! read more
Yes it's a gimmick but it's fun and well worth doing. The food I had was very good and the beer not bad either. Servers were good but very busy and a little forgetful. But it's the atmosphere you come for, it's like an evening show with the announcing of the guests and the music. Well worth a visit. read more
3 years ago
Ok here we go!!! Let's do The Viking thing.... They deliver quite an experience. The restaurant is down in a very warm " cellar" type of space, very realistic to the Middle Ages... there's music. Laughter, and fun. service is quick and the food is good, (funky spear type of fork but it gets the job done) When you arrive they announce you to the people dining and they all clap... it's cute. You can stay 30 Min. Or two hours if you like it's a super fun " Viking" thing to do while in Sweden. Just remember it's very warm in the restaurant of Old Town. read more
We have found Vikings!!! This cool bar and restaurant is at up down in a dark basement and is laid out in a format very similar to the traditional Viking long houses that once dotted the landscape. The staff is absolutely wonderful and fully embrace the concept and ambiance they have worked hard to produce. They greet you with a warm and friendly smile and quickly help you feel right at home. The sampling of various honey and beer meads is very hard to beat! The food service has a very communal feel but is not overwhelming when it comes to enjoying time with those you came with. Definitely a must stop when in Stockholm! read more
I've been to themed restaurants before. The "spy restaurant" called SafeHouse in Milwaukee https://www.yelp.com/biz/safehouse-milwaukee-3?hrid=DrABeyEU3K90cgg-L0Qffg comes to mind. This is like that only more so. Aifur is an underground basement restaurant. Think "cave." It is dimly lit mostly by candlelight and the occasional flash from a tourist's smartphone (guilty!). Expect to be packed in tightly at community tables with people you don't know. Just roll with it. I had made a reservation (it is required, especially on a Saturday!) and we arrived on time where the host brought us to a table that already had 7 people and then we added four more after us. Close enough to bump elbows occasionally as we were eating. The folks to my left spoke no English, so I have no idea. The folks to my right were from deep rural Sweden and were super nice to be sitting next to big city Americans. Friendly people! The host said at the welcome, this is the "8th century in Sweden. There are no ****ing potatoes and there are no ****ing tomatoes. Enjoy!" And then after we were seated, he occasionally introduced incoming parties loudly and we (the whole restaurant!) cheered. Hilarious! In one case the host literally picked up an eight year old and carried him over his shoulder to the table. All in good fun! We skipped appetizers (it would have been impossible to share as we had the wide candle holder between us) and went right to main course. My friend with a steak and me with the "lamb rack." Hers had Brussels sprouts and a parsnip cake. Mine had a huge pile of julienned root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, no potatoes) in a tasty sauce. The lamb was great (three chops) and the steak was good (but my friend was never asked for a cooking temperature). All sorts of other fun adventures. Strange music from a traditional Viking instrument that sounded like bag pipes but had some sort of crank thing. Weird. Constant shouting and banging. Cutlery included a two-prong fork, spoon and a dull knife that did not cut very well. Tip: You'll be using the spoon to eat more than the odd fork. I'd recommend the "house" mead. Sweet as heck but this is traditional Viking drink. They also have a house beer, but expect it in a crock mug. They also have wine (not Viking wine). Desserts? I have no idea, we were ready to go after the meal. This is an experience you will not soon forget. And if you're at all uncomfortable about close quarters eating next to strangers? You'll not enjoy it; find something else. [Review 18014 overall - 3 in Sweden - 1535 of 2022.] read more
3 years ago
Walked past this cool Viking themed bar and decided to go in. My husband and I didn't have reservations so we weren't able to eat but we found seats at the bar area and were able to hang out and grab a drink. It was definitely packed with people but had a fun energy. It felt lively and entertaining. I definitely suggest making reservations if you want to eat. It looks like they typically book out pretty far. read more
2 years ago
I can't believe how amazing this place is! I find it exciting to walk down the stairs to the restaurant, as the lights on the stairs create a different vibe that makes me feel like I'm in the past. According to the team member, I had to leave my jacket at the coat check because it's too hot near the tables. Moreover, it felt like back in the past, the waitresses, hostesses, and bartenders were all dressed like Vikings. I had the Aifur mead, it was delicious and strong, and a plate from Stallarholme for dinner. I highly recommend it! read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
It is a gimmick for tourists but nevertheless a fun experience. It reminded me the Harry Potter restaurant in Orlando's amusement parks. We were expecting mediocre food but they were surprisingly adequate. They are not your fine dining type but pretty tasty. The waiting staff were friendly and fun. The music and the announcements got a bit too much toward the end. If you want a genuine Stockholm touristy experience, then this is your place. read more
1 year ago
La comida, deliciosa, especialmente el dwarf chicken, el hambiente muy divertido y la gente que trabaja aqui muy amable y divertida!! read more
2 years ago
This place is a gimmick and a bit of a tourist trap. But, if you have kids this may be a place worth a visit. Also make sure you have a reservation. It is very popular and not the kind of place you can walk into and ask for a table during prime hours. The staff is nice, but the service is slow. They have a band that plays ye olde music. They have a big mead selection so if you are into trying that this is a good place. But the food is pricey and not very good. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
4 years ago
The honey meat is incredible. The staff is "in character" like a renaissance fair. The portion are US sized and the atmosphere is friendly and radicals like a real Viking food hall should be. Not for the faint of heart, it is a real food hall. However, upstairs, for the slightly faint of heart, there is a milder "Mead Hall ", where you can drink your merry heart away and enjoy the festivities from the safety of the peanut gallery. read more
3 years ago
It was a wonderful experience!! The atmosphere definitely was a recreation of Viking time. As soon as you walk in, a gentlemen will introduce you and the whole restaurant greats you with a warm welcome by yelling and banging on the table. Once you sit they give you English and Swedish menu. The menu has historical explanations of each dish and where it originates from. There was live music and the whole restaurant was friendly and made the experience 10/10. We ordered a variety of Meads and Valhalla shots. The server taught us a chant to say before drinking lol! The food was delicious. It was like taking a step back in time. Definitely recommend if you visit Sweden and touring Gamla Stan! read more
7 years ago
Aifur was by far my favorite experience in Stockholm! It was marketed to me as a tourist trap but it was a total blast. It is a Viking- theme restaurant in which all the staff is dressed the part and all the decorations, cutlery, plates and menu are also inspired by that time period. The tables are set up to share, so you will end up next to strangers if you have a smaller party but this only adds up to the camaraderie and overall experience. The mead and beer menu is extensive but I stuck to the house beer which came on a clay glass and was really crisp and refreshing. For food: I ordered the full size mussels with garlic and creamy sauce which were good and flavorful but the dish was a bit bit and ended up being overpowering. In retrospect I should have gone with the appetizer size. There is lively music played in a super weird Viking instrument that adds to the mood and ambiance of the place, specially when people break into song and dance. It is recommended to make reservations but the reservation system is online and super easy to navigate, re-schedule and cancel. read more
7 years ago
This place is really fun! I highly recommend you dine here while you're in Stockholm. I'd recommend making a reservation to ensure you are guaranteed a table. The atmosphere is really cool! It's like you're in a cave underground with lots of cool lighting and candles. Everyone is dressed in Viking type attire and the seating and decor really take you back in time. I thought the food was good but not fantastic, the atmosphere and experience really make up for it though. Even the utensils and plateware are within theme. I don't drink but they had a good variety of cool drinks and you get to sit next to people from all around the world who are also visiting. It's great to chat and mingle. I ordered a steam meal and a dessert. They were tasty but I knew I'd be hungry again soon . Must be the American in me. *My friends and I came when they first opened and we were able to get in without a a reservation but it was a bit dead and all the action really started after 6pm when more diners came in. So make a reservation for after 6pm and you'll be engulfed in all the action! read more
3 years ago
Incredible environment to eat in if you're in Stockholm, food isn't that bad but mainly come for a lively Viking themed meal in a charming Gamala Stan cella read more
2 years ago
5 years ago
What an amazing find. The guy at a jewellery shop told me about it and went to explore. Vibe is great, beer is tasty a d food was great. Really nice atmosphere and a very cozy viking experience read more
3 years ago
Ever watch Vikings? Here you can relive it!! Lots of fun! The food is real good as you eat with middle age utensils. The waitress was really helpful with what to order. We shared a meat and vegetable menu platter and our son had venison, everything was good! You can't beat the ambiance of Viking cheers as people enter and walking on the tables and a medieval songstress playing music. Don't miss this place! Definitely you will be talking about it afterwards!! read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
4 years ago
The entire atmosphere we perfect. The entertainment and staff were amazing. I had the venison and it was amazing. This place is a most when in Stockholm. Be sure to make your reservation early as it nooks up quickly. read more
Maybe a little touristy but such a fun experience! I first learned about this place on TikTok. It's a Viking restaurant that transports you back in time to the early days of Sweden. After seeing it I knew I wanted to go but then forgot and never made reservations. (FYI you must make reservations). After walking through gamla Stan we stumbled upon it and I remembered. I looked on their website and unfortunately they were booked for the next day which was our last night there. In a last ditch effort I emailed the booking email and asked to be put on the waitlist. The next morning I got an email confirming a reservation! We were the first table to be seated for the night and the staff was friendly. The menu is very much meat focused but it was tasty, the chicken was my favorite. The one thing I didn't like was the silverware. I'm not sure if this was more authentic but the knife was dull and the "fork" was difficult to use. It made eating the meat difficult. We sat at community tables which was authentic to the time period and chatted with some girls from Belgium which is my favorite part about traveling. Overall, it's a fun restaurant experience with tasty food so I recommend! read more
We did it! We made it here! After watching Anthony Bourdain visit here, I was determined to get our viking on. It was pretty crowded with tourists on a Thursday night but my friend and I got seats rather quickly. We were ushered into the dining room with the blow of the horn (we begged not to) which announced our grand entrance. After being seated to communal tables with strangers, we placed our orders in. Venison was well cooked and I enjoyed the mushroom sauce that came on the bottom. The free bread and rye crackers were also great (especially the bread and herb butter!). Try the mead as well. Though it's a bit sweet, I think it complements the heavy portions pretty well. Yes it is gimmicky but it's still an experience. Our server was kind of d*** though. The Seinfeld soup nazi type. read more
7 years ago
As most reviews are from Americans, and as I was told by the staff of the hotel, this is primarily a tourist destination. With that being said, Aifur leans so heavily into its Viking theme and executes its food and experience so well that even an anti-tourist curmudgeon such as myself had an absolutely terrific time. Getting there can be a bit of a trip, particularly if you've avoided Gamla Stan (Old Town) prior to your meal at Aifur. Clogged with tourists of all stripes, gawking and gaping at anything that does or doesn't move and ambling around the agency of a headless bovine, Aifur is downstairs from a distinguished, Viking-esque entrance off of Västerlånggatan. I was greeted by a jovial man, who couldn't have been more "Viking" in appearance standing at what must have been 7 foot 2 inches tall (2.19 meters for our Swedish friends) with a beard and ponytail. Despite me confusing my reservation date (the whole month switches with the day thing is tough for Americans), he was able to find us a spot to sit down for dinner. Upon entering the space, you pass through a bar area thoroughly decorated with relevant materials; axes, helmets, leathers, furs, you name it. You can grab a glass of mead (honey wine) braggot (honey beer FAR superior than the honey wine unless you're craving diabetes) here and maybe even luck out with a table overlooking the bustling dining room. Continue through the space and you're arrived at the dining hall. Vaulted ceilings and torch sconces set the theme, as there is apparently no electricity, adding to the Viking theme. The host viking (for lack of a better name) tends to blow a horn upon each group's entrance, announcing where they're from and eliciting a round of applause which sustains the vibrant celebratory atmosphere. Eventually, the viking equivalent of a bard took a place on the wall and begin playing a Scandinavian bagpipe of some kind. Like I said, this is an experience. For the meal itself, we started with a salad, which, in a Viking restaurant, was as silly as it sounds. They're not a people known for their salads (and the fork, which only had two widely spaced prongs, was not designed to eat them). To correct the leafy mistake that was the salad, we went with Rurik's Feast (all the names are entertainingly mythological) which was basically every land animal and root vegetable known to man, roasted. Knowing it was tourist oriented, I was expecting garbage food, priced for naive people, in a setting that would make fanny pack wearers excited. But Rurik's Feast was an expertly cooked dish, fun to eat, and served in the aforementioned atmosphere. the meat came hanging off of wrought iron, dangling above (more meat and) a rainbow medley of roasted root vegetables. What is there to dislike? If I had to make one complaint, I don't like shared bench seating (but again, Viking Style) and the furs on the chairs would probably get gross after a while (at least in NYC they would...). Expect to sit with strangers and converse with other parties, as they'll likely be at your table. There is some kind of private chair (up a cool ladder and in the window), but I'm not sure how to sit there. It's clearly the best seat in the house. Lastly, as with all Swedish restaurants I learned, you MUST ask for your check or it may not come. Unlike American restaurants in which it might be expected for the check to drop after no dessert/coffee has been ordered, you still must ask despite the inference. ANYWAY, I'll always recommend this place for a good time, with good food, and a fun atmosphere, for those who are inclined to 1) a lot of meat and 2) like renaissance fairs. read more
2 years ago
7 years ago
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