A bar called Gemma is an intimate cocktail bar at Grev Turegatan 30 in Stockholm‘s Östermalm district, a short walk from Stureplan and Östermalmstorg. It is known for inventive mixed drinks served in a relaxed, understated room, and it holds a 4.8 rating from more than 700 guests. Travelers come for carefully built cocktails without the velvet-rope formality common to nearby Stureplan nightlife.
What to Expect at A bar called Gemma
The room is low-key by design. Subdued decor, warm lighting and a compact layout keep attention on the bar counter, where bartenders mix drinks to order and talk guests through the list. The menu changes over time and leans toward creative, ingredient-led cocktails alongside well-made classics. Expect a convivial, conversational crowd of locals, after-work groups and couples rather than a loud club scene.
Gemma opens at 3pm, so it works for an early aperitif as well as a nightcap. Prices sit in the $$ tier for Stockholm, roughly in line with other quality Östermalm cocktail bars. If you have a preferred spirit or flavor profile, tell the bartender; off-menu requests are part of the experience. Non-alcoholic options are typically available, so ask staff for current choices.
- Inventive cocktail list: Rotating house creations built around seasonal ingredients and unusual flavor pairings.
- Bar counter seating: The best seats for watching drinks being made and getting tailored recommendations.
- Relaxed atmosphere: Understated decor and a friendly tone in a neighborhood known for flashier venues.
- Online reservations: Tables can be booked through the official website, useful on Friday and Saturday nights.
- Early opening: Doors open at 3pm Monday to Saturday for after-work drinks.
A bar called Gemma at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Grev Turegatan 30, 114 38 Stockholm, Sweden |
| Neighborhood / Area | Östermalm, near Stureplan |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Saturday 3pm–12:30am; Sunday closed |
| Admission / Price Range | No entry fee; $$ cocktail pricing |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Östermalmstorg T-bana (red line), about 5 minutes on foot; limited paid street parking |
| Official Website & Phone | abarcalledgemma.se · +46 79 353 83 37 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Weeknights between 3pm and 7pm are the calmest times to grab a counter seat. From Thursday to Saturday after 8pm the room fills quickly, so reserve a table online in advance. Card and mobile payments are standard in Stockholm, and many bars are cashless. Take the T-bana red line to Östermalmstorg and use the Stureplan or Östermalmstorg exits. Parking in Östermalm is scarce and expensive, so public transit or walking is the better choice. Wheelchair users should call ahead to confirm entrance and restroom access.
Pair a visit with dinner or a stroll nearby. Östermalms Saluhall, the historic food hall on Östermalmstorg, is about five minutes away. Humlegården park and the National Library sit a few blocks north. Stureplan, with its restaurants and late-night venues, is about five minutes south on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of A bar called Gemma?
Gemma is open Monday through Saturday from 3pm to 12:30am and is closed on Sunday. Early evening on weeknights is the quietest time to visit.
Do I need a reservation?
Walk-ins are welcome when there is space, but booking through the official website is wise on weekends. Cocktails are priced in the $$ range for Stockholm.
How long should I spend there?
Plan on 1 to 2 hours for two or three cocktails. It fits well before dinner in Östermalm or as a final stop of the night.
Is there a dress code?
There is no strict dress code; smart-casual clothing fits the room well. Gemma is an adults-oriented bar, and Sweden’s legal drinking age in bars is 18.
When planning your Stockholm travel guide or browsing verified cocktail bar in Stockholm, pair this stop with standout local spots including Indian Street Food & Co, Adam/Albin, Etoile, and Godot Brasserie (nearby).
