Fika

FIKA is a restaurant in the American Swedish Institute. The name is derived from the Swedish tea time / snack called “Fika.” The food is inspired fromby traditional Swedish fare and was outstanding with an artistic presentation and Scandinavian flavors. The coffee was also maybe the best I’ve ever had. The atmosphere is fine - it’s located in the institute right by the entrance, so it’s easy to find but not intimate.

Came here for a work lunch. Other reviews have compared to Ikea's cafe, which is unfair, but understandable, given the nomenclature and decor in the place. But this is a high-end foodie cafe. If you can look past the strange set up in an atrium of a museum, and focus on the food, it is a remarkable little place. Prices are high for little plates - but hey, that's exactly what a foodie place is! Service was friendly, if a little slow, but food was excellent. Will be coming back!

I had the pleasure of arranging a special brunch for my mother and decided this was the perfect place. We have a strong Scandinavian background, which we relished growing up. I’d been here multiple times before with family and friends, so I knew firsthand how lovely the building and grounds were. As well the food is consistently exceptional. I’ve had the apple beet salad multiple times – I highly recommend it. And I always get a scone or two. It makes a difference if you catch them fresh out of the oven when they first open. My favorite is the White Chocolate Chip Raspberry scone, but the Apricot Chamomile Lemon Zest scones are good, too. Go for any of the berry versions if you can get them on the day of your visit. The bread pudding and cake are very “Swedish” and yummy. My sister likes the ginger cookies and takes some home. The creamed wild rice super is nicely complemented with their in-house baked rye bread. The Gravlax, and Swedish Meatballs on the menu are some of the very best you can eat. This last time, I ordered the Whitefish Cake for only $20. It comes with Wild Rice, fantastic lemon creamed leeks, fresh spinach and tossed Herb Crumbs. We had an excellent server who was timely with food and drinks as well as providing great suggestions. The interior light airy atmosphere is super with natural lighting from the big windows. It is also pleasant to view the garden. We also like the related gift shop and always buy something. No problem with parking, they have a huge parking lot. Also, it is easy access for people in wheelchairs to drive right up to the front door. No steps. It makes for a perfect outing along with touring the mansion.

This is the lovely, modern cafe inside the American Swedish Institute. Come channel your inner Swede and have gravlax or Swedish meatballs on pureed potatoes, or a lovely apple and beet salad. The cafe is on the first floor when you enter from the parking lot. I had the toast Skagen, with shrimp and egg on a brioche bread slice. Perfect light lunch. My husband had Swedish meatballs. Yum. Don't forget to have a few slices of their in-house baked Danish rye bread. They have assorted original cocktails on the menu, as well as wine and beer. They have pastries as well as a bread pudding and cake, if you have a sweet tooth! This place is very Swedish, having visited Sweden a number of times I say this with knowledge. The big plus is their huge parking lot!