BASTA – Italiensk restaurang (Åhléns City) is a Capri-inspired Italian trattoria on the 4th floor of the Åhléns City department store at Mäster Samuelsgatan 59 in Norrmalm, central Stockholm. Part of the Swedish Basta Urban Italian group, which runs restaurants in a dozen cities from Malmö to Umeå, it draws shoppers, office workers and evening crowds for Italian classics, colorful cocktails and a rooftop terrace overlooking the city’s rooftops.
What to Expect at BASTA Stockholm
The design channels Capri at sunset. Lemon-yellow awnings and sea-blue details frame a lively dining room and a rooftop terrace where summer evenings run late. The kitchen cooks Italian favorites with a modern twist: pizza, fresh pasta, antipasti and charcuterie. The house philosophy is dolce far niente, the sweetness of doing nothing, so meals are meant to be unhurried.
On weekdays, a weekly lunch menu suits a quick break from shopping. From late afternoon, afterwork brings aperitivo, wine and cocktails for colleagues and friends. On Fridays and Saturdays the kitchen stays open until 12:30am, which makes Basta a solid late option in the city center. Vegetarian pasta and pizza dishes are easy to find on the menu. Ask staff about gluten-free options when you book.
- Rooftop terrace: Sunset views over Stockholm’s rooftops in the warmer months.
- Weekly lunch: Rotating midday dishes at department-store convenience.
- Aperitivo afterwork: Charcuterie, antipasti, wine and drinks.
- Signature cocktails: Bright, Italian-style mixed drinks.
- Late weekend hours: Open until 12:30am on Fridays and Saturdays.
BASTA Stockholm at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Mäster Samuelsgatan 59, 111 21 Stockholm (Åhléns City, 4th floor) |
| Neighborhood / Area | Norrmalm, City |
| Operating Hours | Mon–Thu 11am–10:45pm; Fri–Sat 11am–12:30am; Sun 11am–9:45pm |
| Admission / Price Range | $$, mid-range |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | T-Centralen (all metro lines), Hötorget; garages nearby |
| Official Website & Phone | restaurangbasta.se, +46 8 502 574 14 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Book a table online for weekend evenings and sunny terrace days. Walk-ins work best at weekday lunch before noon or after 1:30pm. Once Åhléns closes for the day, the store doors are no longer the way in. Follow the after-hours entrance directions on the official site, which explain how to reach the restaurant in the evening.
T-Centralen is about three minutes away on foot and serves every metro line, plus commuter trains at Stockholm City station. The store has elevators to the 4th floor, so you can arrive step-free with a stroller or wheelchair. Afterward, walk two minutes to Sergels torg and Kulturhuset, or about ten minutes to Kungsträdgården or the Drottninggatan shopping street.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is BASTA Stockholm open?
Basta opens daily at 11am. It closes at 10:45pm Monday to Thursday, 12:30am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 9:45pm on Sundays. Summer sunsets on the terrace are the highlight.
Do I need a reservation?
Booking is recommended for dinner and weekends, and you can reserve through the official website. Prices are mid-range ($$), and cards are the norm.
How long should I plan?
Allow about 45 minutes for lunch. Plan 1.5 to 2 hours for dinner or aperitivo.
Is it accessible and family-friendly?
Yes. The department store elevators give step-free access, and the pizza and pasta suit children. Dress is smart-casual.
Travelers exploring Stockholm often pair this stop with nearby highlights including Centre Stockholm (1.0 km away).
