Franska Matsalen Reviews - Franska Matsalen Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm

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Franska Matsalen

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Louisa W. Hansen
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5 out of 5
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Franska Matsalen

Franska Matsalen exudes an old-world charm with its classic French interior, complete with chandeliers and perfectly ironed white linen. In my opinion, it is one of the few and best things that have remained from conservative sectors of the Swedish society. As you enter the restaurant, you're immediately greeted by the cordial mâitre d' and handed a warm napkin by the waiter. A sommelier soon joins the waiter and takes turn to serve. The service is friendly, attentive, and unpretensious.


The unique side of the restaurant is its open kitchen, which allows invited foreign star chefs to make guest performances. Even when the shows are not on, diners enjoy a wonderful peek of the chef's extraordinary cooking skills while waiting in great anticipation as the aroma arises from the stove. At the same time, they can indulge in the romantic view of the Stockholm harbor with the Royal Palace as the backdrop. As the sun gradually sets, the large glass windows become a big screen featuring a show of the magically transforming night sky.


And the food! I'm still in seventh heaven when I think of the dishes my husband and I had for his birthday back in 2003--Châteaubriand with foie gras and canterella mushroom lasagne. Approaching this classic steak, one has to love a bit of grease for sure. But I can assure you, the foie gras melts in your mouth more subtly than cotton candy, and it makes the steak so much smoother and richer in taste. The steak itself is a masterpiece, cooked exactly according to your wish, juicy and tender. The canterella mushroom was in season back in October, and it was a delight to try it with lasagne, quite a delicate and tasteful invention. In the summertime, the dish is served with garlic fried asparagus and bacon instead.


Before and after the main course, we were served little munchies and petits-fours--a wonderful touch that can only be found in the classiest restaurants. For dessert, a crême brûlée with port-wine berries for me and a tarte tatin for my husband. We were both speechless after this.


The portions offered at the restaurant look deceivingly small but are surprisingly filling. But if you would like to try the full course, then there are two special menus to choose from. "Menu Scandanavie" ($130) is a five-course traditional Swedish dinner, while "Menu Dégustation" is an eight-course French dinner designed to please the pickiest gourmand. Currently, this sumptuous menu is replaced by "Menu Très Special," featuring only an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert ($90).


The à la carte menu covers a wide range of choices, such as Iranian caviar, lobster, duck foie gras, frog legs, quail, turbot fillet, truffle, steaks, etc. Each item is presented in French, English, and Swedish.


Make sure you reserve a table ahead of time. But in case you have a need to improvise, the mâitre d' is always kind enough to make accommodations for you.

From journal The Jewels of Stockholm

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