The Best of »Falstaff Barguide Nordics 2026«

Everyone is welcome at "Cadierbaren" - from discerning Stockholmers to hotel guests passing through. This grand, glamorous bar is equally suitable for after-work meetings, informal get-togethers or lively evenings with champagne and creative cocktails. Don't hesitate to challenge the bartenders: they are among the best in Sweden.

Nothing is left to chance at Himkok, Scandinavia's most award-winning bar, and rightly so. This eclectic establishment, whose name translates as "booze", offers a complete experience: a cozy craft cocktail bar, a lively courtyard with a carefully curated cider menu, a lively cocktail bar with drinks on tap and even an in-house distillery - not to mention a hair salon! The drinks are perfectly balanced, minimalist in style and yet largely composed from local ingredients. If you are near Oslo, the "Himkok" is a must-visit.

Perched high above Stockholm, "Le Hibou" offers more than just a breathtaking view - it offers an intimate, upscale cocktail experience. The elegant yet inviting rooftop bar is known for its perfectly balanced drinks and expert bartenders, who add a sense of craftsmanship and distinction to every visit.

A visit to "Svanen" gives you the feeling of traveling back in time. The restaurant is located in a beautifully preserved pharmacy from the late 19th century. The wood-paneled main room and the original interior design create an unagitated, enchanting atmosphere. The bar offers a seamless blend of vintage elegance and modern cocktail artistry, while the staff, in their dapper apothecary-inspired uniforms, add a distinctive charm to the Nordic hospitality. The frequently changing menu is consistently excellent - and the team's dedication extends to making their own bespoke glasses.

At Bar Mate, everything revolves around sparkling drinks. The bar specializes in masterfully prepared highballs and combines its own sparkling creations with tasty snacks and a carefully selected music selection. The bar is located in Helsinki's vibrant Design District and offers a tantalizing view of the interior through its open glass façade. With cocktails on tap that guarantee fast and lively service, "Bar Mate" is a real gem and definitely worth a visit.

With its timeless, regal elegance, the Britannia Bar proves that world-class cocktail culture extends far beyond Oslo. Located in the historic Britannia Hotel in the heart of Trondheim, its menu is inspired by the rich heritage of both the hotel and the city itself. The service is impeccable - almost clairvoyant - and makes every guest feel instantly cared for.

This innovative bar, the result of a partnership between "A Bar Called Gemma" and "Operakällaren", combines gastronomy and mixology in perfect harmony. Class, creativity and inclusivity come together in an elegant, timeless setting, creating an atmosphere that is as refined as it is dynamic.

The "Ruby" has been open for more than 18 years and has become a true institution on the Scandinavian bar scene. Located in a beautifully preserved townhouse from the 1850s, it combines the coziness of a living room with the elegance of modern Nordic gastronomy. Despite its lively, bustling energy, the Ruby is still an ideal choice for a cozy evening. With its atmospheric cellar bar and inviting courtyard, it is a Copenhagen classic that is well worth a visit.

This elegant cocktail bar sets the standard for Finnish hospitality. As a sister venue to The Bull and The Firm restaurant, it offers a more intimate, cocktail-focused experience. The welcoming atmosphere is due in large part to the attentive team, whose effortless coordination adds to the charm behind the bar. With exceptional drinks and a convivial atmosphere, this is a place where good taste and good times come together. Not to be missed!

Set within the Amerikalinjen Hotel in Oslo, Pier 42 takes its inspiration from Manhattan’s historic pier, where countless Scandinavians first arrived in America. The bar blends the opulence of a classic American lobby bar with the clean lines of Nordic minimalism. Each thoughtfully curated menu reflects the team’s dedication to craft, from concept and service to the creativity behind every cocktail.

The younger sister restaurant of "Bird Uptown" brings its characteristic concept to Copenhagen's city center, near Kongens Nytorv. During the day, it is a relaxed coffee bar that later transforms into a lively cocktail bar. It retains the laid-back charm of the original while exuding a more urban energy. Look forward to great music, excellent drinks and a lively atmosphere from morning to night.

This cozy gem in Vesterbro perfectly combines Scandinavian design with the charm of an atmospheric cocktail bar. Local spirits such as Akvavit and Danish gins take center stage, capturing the charm of a good friend's living room - relaxed, inviting and casually stylish. It's a real favorite in the neighborhood - the kind of place you shouldn't miss as an international visitor.

An experimental, art-focused cocktail bar where design, playfulness and taste merge in perfect balance. Cocktails are prepared here with theatrical flair - ideal for anyone looking for an experience that is as distinctive as it is unforgettable.

Victory is one of Copenhagen's newest cocktail bars and is located on the top floor of the stylish 25hours Hotel on Papirøen, from where you have a magnificent view over the city. The relaxed atmosphere and attentive service make it the perfect place to unwind - whether you want to enjoy a carefully prepared cocktail or a perfect pint of Guinness.

A relaxed retreat where pleasant moments, shared experiences and warm hospitality come together.

Since its opening in 2021, Bird Uptown has been causing a stir on the global bar scene. The bar, where vinyl meets cocktails, combines sleek Danish design with curated vinyl soundtracks spun by both house and guest DJs. In keeping with its meticulous approach, no cocktails are shaken here - every cocktail is pre-bottled and ready to serve. With industry bigwigs behind the bar, every detail here is fine-tuned to perfection.

Kupoli is located on the roof of the NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa Hotel and is a real eye-catcher. Its stunning interior makes it one of the most visually impressive restaurants in Scandinavia - with a magnificent view over the Finnish capital. Thanks to its combination of Nordic ingredients and impeccable service, Kupoli is extremely popular, so reservations are highly recommended.

This chic cocktail bar in Östermalm is a cozy retreat known for its creative yet wonderfully balanced drinks. Thanks to imaginative signature drinks, a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a subtle international flair, it has quickly become a popular meeting place since opening in 2019 - even among industry insiders.

Tata, located just a few steps away from the Royal Theatre in the Sanders Hotel, offers excellent cocktails with the flair and atmosphere of a bar in its own right. The menu is often inspired by the theater next door and offers themed creations ranging from timeless classics to creative reinterpretations - a performance in itself.

This popular bar in Hornstull is known for its Mediterranean flair, energy, cultural mix and award-winning drinks. The atmosphere is warm and informal - a place where creativity meets craftsmanship and quality goes hand in hand with genuine conviviality.