Review: Flippin’ Burgers, Stockholm, Sweden

Think of Stockholm’s culinary scene, and fine dining and elegant eateries will surely come to mind. But sometimes, luxury isn’t found in white tablecloths or elaborate tasting menus. A good example is Flippin’ Burgers, a low-key place in Stockholm’s upscale Norrmalm district.

And while it may not fit your typical luxury experience, Flippin’ Burgers’ dedication to quality and simplicity has earned it a reputation as one of the best burger experiences in town. We called in for lunch shortly after arriving in town to see what all the fuss was about.

Food

The menu reads: “Our philosophy at Flippin’ is to keep it simple. A handful of burgers and shakes, fries on the side, a bunch of craft beer and some natural wine”. But there is more to it than that. There is a commitment to quality materials and meticulous attention to detail. And while the menu may seem straightforward, there’s a lot that goes into getting the perfect patty.

My husband loved the traditional cheeseburger, which he said was probably the best burger he’s ever had. Cooked to perfection, the meat is juicy and tender, with a rich depth of flavor and subtle seasoning to allow the natural flavor of the beef to shine.

The burger is hand-crafted, ground in-house with fresh dry-aged beef from three small Swedish suppliers, while the son’s vegetarian alternative is a pea patty from Beyond Beef. Bread is baked fresh every day at Magnus Johanssons Bageri, just a 10-minute drive away.

My other son and I chose to go a little more ‘off piste’ with the cricket burger, described as “A classic Colorado. Cream cheese, caramelized onion, pickled red onion and jalapeño”. For the uninitiated, crickets are considered an environmentally friendly source of protein, and this burger is made from a cricket-infused patty, giving it a fun and luxurious twist. And while it nods to the growing trend of sustainable eating, I will admit that the driving force for our choice is more out of sheer curiosity.

That said, we were certainly not disappointed. It is so succulent and with a very subtle earthiness that makes it seem unexpectedly indulgent. Eating crickets may seem daring, but it’s so well executed that it doesn’t feel out of place. I will definitely try other cricket-based delicacies again, and the fact that it is a sustainable, Eco-friendly option comes as an added bonus.

On the side, we like two types of fries – traditional fries known as ‘Flippin’ industrial fries’ – and ‘Swedish organic fries’ which are double fried single organic potatoes from the fertile land of Skåne in the south of Sweden.

Flippin’ Burgers also serves shakes, sodas, juices, craft beer, cider and wine.

Chef

Former engineer Jon Widegren is the mastermind behind Flippin’ Burgers. He spent six weeks traveling in America, learning the art of the perfect burger, before launching a crowdsourcing campaign to fulfill his vision: a burger restaurant that prioritizes sustainable ingredients and local sources to offer an exceptional burger experience without any frills. He was traveling at the time of our visit so we unfortunately did not meet him but his influence permeates every part of the restaurant, with all the staff showing passion for the perfect burger experience.

The atmosphere

Inside it’s a warm and welcoming place – a retro homage to classic American diners. Walls are decorated with a mix of US imagery and memorabilia, while vinyl records provide glimpses of American music and pop culture. Seating is casual yet stylish, with tall leather benches flanking sleek wooden tables.

The vibe is very informal with industrial style lighting that casts a soft glow on the table. We arrived early enough, just when they were opening, but this quiet space quickly transformed into a bustling hub of conversation, as the waiting staff scurried back and forth with orders from the open-plan kitchen.

Cost

Burgers vary in cost from 115 SEK for a standard, one hamburger to 165 SEK for a double burger BCJ (bacon, cheese and jalapeños local organic craft). Considering the quality and innovation behind the menu, this is an incredible value and the amount is only $10-$20, whatever you choose.

The final verdict

In a city known for high-end restaurants and fine dining, this isn’t “luxury” in the traditional sense, but it’s definitely a luxurious take on a burger. Combine this with a laid-back atmosphere and you have the perfect ingredients for guilt-free indulgence. Not only that, but there is a commitment to quality and sustainability, at prices that are within the reach of the more frugal traveller.

Dislcosure: Our visit was sponsored by Flippin’ Burgers and our trip was kindly supported by Visit Stockholm.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is the Editor of the Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for over 30 years. He is the Winner of Innovation in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog was also voted “one of the best travel blogs in the world” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.