Review: Gondolen

Again, Y and I entrusted our dining options to the internet. After reading numerous reviews on Stockholm dining and where to eat, it seemed that the general online consensus was that Gondolen, a restaurant just a few minutes walk from Gamla Stan (Old Town) was a top restaurant which not only had great food but a great view. After eating there, it seemed that all they had was the latter.

Upon arrival our hopes were high, we had arrived over half an hour early for our reservation, but they accommodated us even though they seemed relatively busy. Despite no one bringing us to our table (which one would expect even at a lower-end family restaurant), we were given a nice spot at the window for two and it had an excellent view of the Old Town.

However, after taking in the view, things only went downhill. Our waiter was boring and seemed quite rude - one of our worst waiters in Europe. After taking our order and nothing else, he appeared once to serve bread and water and like a vanishing act, we would not see him for the rest of our meal other than to serve our dishes.

We decided on their lunch menu, which included 3 mini-appetizers, a main course and dessert. I went with the veal while Y went with the catfish. The appetizers were relatively tasty, although they were nothing special. They included a mini crab cake, smoked salmon and duck liver. Our main courses were quite unsatisfactory, the veal tasted rubbery and the catfish lacked flavor. Following suit with the rest of the meal, the desserts were just plain boring.

The view

Mini Appetizers

Catfish with beet root creme,
serrano crisp and shell fish pasta

Grilled medallions of veal with yellow beet root crisp,
cep mushroom risotto and marsala wine gravy

Chocolate Cake with Wildberry filling; Mini Berry Cake

Verdict:
One word can sum up our experience at Gondolen: overrated. What was touted to us as one of the top restaurants in Stockholm with great food and a great view came up short. While the view was impressive, it seemed that not only the food, but the service was lackluster. The waitstaff seemed to be lacking basic training, such as how to seat customers, checking on bread and water as well as general serving skills (unable to serve our table without knocking things over). If you want the view, go to Gondolen for the drinks - don't bother with their food.

Price: $$$ (100USD lunch for two)
Rating: 1/5

Gondolen
Stadsgårdshamnen 6
Stockholm, Sverige‎
08-641 70 90‎