In Krakow’s Kazimierz district, a space has been created that transports guests far beyond the city limits — to a world of Swedish traditions and aromas. Dala Restaurang, created by the founders of Kaffe Bageri Stockholm, builds on their existing philosophy, offering an experience that is much more complete than everyday café life. It is a place where Swedish customs become tangible, and their symbolism permeates every detail of the interior.
The name of the restaurant refers to dalahäst — a traditional wooden horse, given in Sweden for centuries as a sign of good luck and joyful occasions. Like it, Dala was conceived as a space for celebrations, both everyday ones, such as fika, and seasonal ones, related to Midsommar or winter Lucia. The interior tells their story through colours, materials and subtle references to nature, which in Swedish culture determines the rituals of life.
The landscape of Sweden
The designers from the Znamy się studio drew inspiration from the northern landscape: green forests, crystal-clear lakes and colourful wooden houses. In such surroundings, the everyday life of the inhabitants flows in harmony with nature, and the changing seasons mark rituals and holidays. At Dala, these natural changes have been translated into a composition of colours and textures that guide guests through a story of Swedish celebration culture. However, the interior does not literally recreate Scandinavian landscapes. Instead, it interprets them through the senses: the scents of herbs, soft light, organic forms and materials that create an atmosphere of closeness to nature. It is a space where everyday life takes on a festive character and holidays become part of everyday life.
Spices as a language of colours and forms
One of the most intriguing themes of the project is the spicy narrative. The colours and details of the interior refer to the spices found in Swedish baked goods and holiday traditions. Cinnamon, an integral part of kanelbullar, has been translated into the dark wood of the shelves with rounded edges and the cylindrical backs of the chairs, reminiscent of the shape of cinnamon sticks. Red countertops and finishes add warmth, just as saffron brightens up December’s lussekatter during the Lucia festival.
Cardamom, associated with semlor eaten on Shrove Tuesday, is reflected in the green, light curtains that softly divide the space, and in the table lamps with shades reminiscent of its seeds. These three spices — cinnamon, saffron and cardamom — intertwine in a multi-layered composition, creating an interior that engages the senses and encourages the discovery of new meanings.
Midsommar from the threshold
From the moment they enter, guests are enveloped in the atmosphere of the summer solstice. The bar, encased in resin-embedded flowers, evokes associations with wildflower bouquets, and a dried plant composition hangs above the central table, creating the impression of a light, almost dance-like installation. A long table set up next to the piano creates an atmosphere of communal celebration, characteristic of Midsommar, when feasts last until the late hours.
In the smaller rooms, curtains gently separate the areas, and metal canopies evoke the tents set up during summer celebrations. The scent of chamomile, pine shoots and herbs hangs in the air, enhancing the feeling of being immersed in nature.
A celebration every day
Dala is designed to change with the time of day. Mornings and afternoons are filled with the energy of fika, dominated by brightness and lightness. In the evening, the interior transforms into a moody mingel — the light becomes more focused and warm, and the atmosphere is conducive to conversations over wine and quiet gatherings.
The entrance area combines the functions of a kitchen, dining room and living room, creating a homely space. A long table, bar and oblong sofa create the impression of a place where life naturally unfolds. At the back of the premises, there is a conceptual area with organic, structural walls and bold patterns, inspired by Stockholm’s artistic underground. It is a flexible space, ready for various scenarios — from intimate events to creative meetings.
Nature and community
The owners of Dala Restaurang share their passion for Scandinavian traditions and flavours here. Open shelves display small items, natural materials create a sense of closeness, and flowers bring freshness. Through the wide windows, you can see how fresh rolls are made every day, which further enhances the homely character of the place.
The menu combines Swedish ingredients in unexpected combinations that emphasise the idea of celebrating everyday life. The layout of the space encourages community: from the open entrance area to the cosy corners where it is easy to linger. Dala is a restaurant that not only tells the story of Swedish traditions, but also allows you to experience them in a delicious way.
design: Znamysię
team: Wojtek Nowak, Bogna Kawa-Nowak, Monika Jokiel, Ula Dachnij-Seredyńska, Anna Petryszyn
photos: Migdalstudio
Read also: Restaurant | Krakow | Interiors | Recommended | whiteMAD on Instagram
