Oaxen Krog - a culinary sanctuary in Stockholm

The ex-boatyard shed, which houses their two restaurants, was elegantly refurbished to make the most of the light and the water. Awareness is everything when it comes to the Oaxen restaurants; the bistro (read cheaper) component of the establishment called Oaxen Slip, is a double volume space with a number of shipping vessels suspended overhead; the retro styling is completed with a nostalgic mix of Nordic earthenware crockery. Naturally, it also prides itself on heritage and a sustainable ‘Scandi’ menu albeit more hearty and casual; think robust Sunday slow-food with a gourmet twist. This is where you’ll find the crowd who have been to the Oaxen Krog and appreciate its philosophy of quality and simplicity or those who intend to go but are still saving up; it’s a lively mix of blond locals and some mindful tourists, occupied with a celebration of communal consumption,; like a boisterous post-war sailors mess meets Viking mead hall with a noise level to match.

Once past the latter crowd in the Slip, you’ll find the entrance to the gourmet Krog; a small door at the back leading through another set of double doors into a calm wooden panelled restaurant fully devoted to personalised experience; the effect of the intimacy is emphasised as you are warmly welcomed by what seems like the entire complement of staff. It’s clearly geared at conveying the chef’s own message of a simple and spiritual connection between the land that sustains us and our passing existence; wood, fire, water, salt, and ceramics complement the little ecosystem that becomes the canvas to the edible event, complete with sunset and lights dancing across the water outside.

The tasting menu choice of ten or six courses covers local, seasonal ingredients, which are carefully combined to create a sensory event of each dish, which in combination flow past like a religious procession, each reverently appreciated for their pleasure and sustenance. A powerful reminder of our own impermanence and though it may sound a bit far-fetched, that is exactly the length that such artisans as Magnus go to, ensuring a beautiful performance without a stroke out of place.

The respect for serenity is clear from the way the staff hush throughout the restaurant. Even in the open kitchen, it seems that their synergy eliminates the need for communication and small details like the charger plates covered with a leather strip to minimise spills and clamour. The beef served in a leather bowl, which you raise to your mouth and scrape clean of the tasty juices with a wooden spatula is one of the metaphoric touches that take the meal to another level. Contemplation is integrated into the courses with thought-provoking compositions and interesting tableware; much more than mere presentations. The fermented and pickled vegetables served with ox marrow sauce, and roe is another example of the unexpected combinations, which separates Oaxen Krog from so many other gastronomic institutions, which only serve well-made food. Here there is a confidence and experienced knowledge which passes over fashionable superficiality; a true testament to the shared beliefs of the owners and staff.

Speaking of the staff; from the kitchen to the restaurant floor they convey a genuine interest while the ever-attentive sommelier makes the most of the wine pairing and drink selection. One feels more like an old family friend returning from abroad than just another dinner guest. The sommelier explains that their wines are exclusively from old world stock (the reasoning is simply a question of distance), without prejudice or the remotest risk of a lack of choice; the champagne list alone is a sparkling example of their selective variety. Though spoilt for choice and even if wine pairing isn’t really your thing, it certainly complements the vision of the menu and generally cuts out a lot of uncertainty, especially if you’re the ‘fomo’ type. As a finale, the sommelier suggests their homemade Negroni, which with their chocolates provided a perfect bittersweet farewell to what felt more like a memorable exchange than a meal.

A philosophy of authenticity, a retro-zen atmosphere, and confident interactive service combine to make Oaxen Krog deserving of its accolades and certainly a worthwhile pause on any traveller’s schedule.

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