Your first look inside Tako, the second coming of Stockholm’s Japanese hotspot

There was a glorious time pre-pandemic when, at a sexy subterranean space, one could enjoy upscale Japanese food, spot Swedish celebrities and supermodels and, after dinner, dance the night away in a too-packed bar. At its peak, Tako was unparalleled. Tomorrow, a few blocks towards the Prada and Chanel stores, Tako reopens its doors at a covetable new Stureplan address (okay, technically the entrance is on Grev Turegatan) and if the jam-packed pre-reservations are any indication, it’s poised to be a hotspot to rival its predecessor.

Though Tako 2.0 is above aground, it's just as dimly lit and sultry as the original. Drawing inspiration from Japanese architecture from the 1960s, the space, which comes courtesy of Skuggan architects, is awash in deep wood, amber and moss green (not a hip pastel in sight, luckily). Entering the space is like stepping into a pulpy New Wave Japanese film.

While the interiors are something new, not everything was left behind at the first Tako. Owners Christian Olsson and Kristofer Sandström brought along master sushi chef Dai Hiarawa. At a preview dinner last week (cold dishes only – the kitchen was not yet up and running), guests enjoyed both classic Nigiri and more playful dishes like crab salad, not-so-traditional rolls and totally addictive dumplings. The menu is massive, making it the sort of place you can frequent for just a bite and a cocktail or a raucous group dinner. There’s also a standalone speakeasy bar for those who don’t care to eat at all.

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Tako opens to the public tomorrow. But first, a private dinner this evening that promises to attract a see-and-be-seen crowd. We’re so back.