Once upon a time, Tysta Mari lived up to its name. The business was founded in 1834 by Maria Christina Lindström, who had a vision to start Stockholm’s first women’s café. It was initially located at the corner of Jakobsgatan and Drottninggatan, and later at Regeringsgatan, where the southern part of Gallerian is today. Andreas Printz, operations manager at Tysta Mari, replenishes the salad bar while reflecting on the fascinating history.
“The name arose thanks to Lindström’s quiet and discreet way of running her café,” says Andreas. Her calm demeanor became so well-known that it spread beyond the boundaries of the business. Tysta Mari has been mentioned in various contexts, including history books about Stockholm.
One of the books Andreas refers to is Nya Stockholm from 1890, which describes how “Tysta Mari cafés” became a nickname for a category of restaurants where neither alcohol nor gambling was allowed. At these cafés, it was acceptable for women “of society” to dine — unlike in other coffeehouses of the time. These cafés were also often owned by women.
Andreas reads a quote from the book:
“ ‘Sometimes the ladies would arrive in large groups, a whole bunch of mid-morning lady rovers,’ who, after meeting at Gustaf Adolfs torg, would say to each other: ‘Shall we go up to Tysta Mari?’ ”
Celebrated its 50th anniversary last year
Since 1974, Tysta Mari has been part of Östermalm’s Saluhall, focusing on serving traditional Swedish home-style food. Today, the restaurant is part of the Melanders Group.
“Our goal is to preserve Swedish food heritage and traditions,” says Andreas. “We believe there’s something beautiful in classic dining service with all the details that belong to a restaurant icon—like rolling out a well-stocked cheese trolley to our guests.”
Not many people know about Tysta Mari’s rich cheese selection. They offer all kinds of cheese—not only in the shop but also on the restaurant menu.
“I also want to highlight our wide selection of Swedish beverages,” Andreas continues. “Such as our small-batch cider, and the fact that we use Swedish schnapps in our cocktails.”
The open-faced sandwich is one of our signature dishes
Over the years in Östermalm’s Saluhall, Tysta Mari has grown from a dedicated lunch spot into a classic neighbourhood restaurant with generous opening hours. Andreas lists some of the most popular dishes:
“Our large salad bar is extremely popular with our customers,” says Andreas. “As are our classic Swedish dishes like fried herring, meatballs, and fish soup. But if I had to name one flavour experience you shouldn’t miss, it’s our landgång – with Skagenmix (a special prawn salad), cold-smoked and cured salmon, and shrimp. A true taste sensation and a Swedish culinary tradition, best enjoyed with a cold schnapps and pilsner.”
