Berns Asiatiska — Restaurant in Stockholm

A regrettable new year's dining experience at Berns

I am writing to share my disappointment regarding our recent New Year's dinner experience at your restaurant.

In all candor, our visit was nothing short of a nightmare. The evident lack of competence and basic service etiquette displayed by your staff made it the most unfortunate New Year's celebration we have ever encountered.

Our waiter attempted to present the bill before I had completed my main course or received my dessert. This approach not only lacked tact but was also embarrassingly premature, as if we would leave without settling our bill before enjoying the fireworks outside.

By 11 pm, the restaurant was nearly empty, causing us to question our decision to arrive at 10:30 pm for dinner. The headwaiter, initially promising, mysteriously disappeared, leaving our table unattended and our overall experience in disarray.

Our waiter completely forgetting about our order, further contributing to the overall calamity of the evening. The beverage service was equally subpar, with delayed wine delivery and a 40-minute wait for tequila shots.

To add to the disappointment, we were assigned what appeared to be the least desirable table at the back of the restaurant. The culinary experience was far from impressive, with bland and unremarkable dishes, and the crowning disappointment was the overcooked duck.

In no uncertain terms, we have decided never to revisit Berns. Unfortunately, what should have been a joyous celebration turned into a lasting memory of incompetence and letdown. Congratulations on achieving the regrettable distinction of hosting our worst New Year's celebration to date – a distinction that, I'm afraid, is well-earned.

Do not anticipate our return to your...

The Asian fusion fine dining concept here has worked well for many years. The dining hall is a tall dark wood room lined with mirrors on the walls and large chandeliers hang from the ceiling. It still exudes of old world luxury.

We dined as a medium sized group. Although it was a full house, the space between tables are well distanced. Our table was laid professionally with polished wine glasses, drinking glasses and pressed napkins.

FOOD: The menu here has a large enough variety to satisfy different dietary requirements.

The standard of the sushi and sashimi are still outstanding. They are beautifully presented and taste equally good.

The starters are also wonderful although the portions are small. So it is better to order a double portion when sharing as a group.

For mains, my companions loved the Korean BBQ chicken which came on a personal charcoal stove.

The Fermented Pork Belly was a strange mushy dish with crispy rice and crushed peanuts. It was fragrant with lemongrass, sourish but hard to really dislike or like.

For desserts, the Fried Banana with ice cream is a safe bet. The green tea flavoured ice-cream on the other hand takes some getting used to. The Lychee Pannacotta is very sour and doesn't have the signature sweetness of fresh lychees.

Our drinks for the evening was Tsingdao, (a Chinese beer) and a refreshing Amabuki Juimai Daigingo sake served chilled.

Service is top class and our table was well looked after.

A visit to Berns when in Stockholm is a classic experience. It's not a place to expect Swedish interpretations but inspired fusion dishes that still lets one imagine an exotic Asia. This restaurant opened in the 40s has stood the test of time and still continues to excite and wow patrons with...

It's nestled in the elegant Berzelii Park, and truly stands out as a high-end destination for Pan-Asian cuisine in Stockholm. From the moment you step into its lavish, cavernous dining room, you're struck by the ornate panelling and sophisticated ambience – it's an experience in itself before the food even arrives!

The menu offers a fantastic array of dishes, beautifully presented and packed with authentic flavours. Whether you're a fan of delicate sushi, rich curries, or vibrant stir-fries, there's something to tantalize your taste buds. The "upscale" description is certainly fitting for the quality of the ingredients and the culinary execution.

Service is generally attentive and professional, matching the elegant setting. It's an ideal spot for a special occasion, a business dinner, or simply when you want to treat yourself to an elevated dining experience.

They have generous opening hours, from early morning for breakfast to late evenings, especially on weekends, making it versatile for different plans.

While it leans towards the pricier side, the overall experience – from the breathtaking decor to the exquisite food and excellent service – justifies the cost. With a solid 4-star rating, it's clearly a beloved spot. If you're looking for a memorable Asian dining experience in a truly grand setting in Stockholm, Berns is a...