Watch The Restaurant

The Restaurant is a Swedish television drama that revolves around the lives of a family running a restaurant business named Djurgårdskällaren in Stockholm. The show takes place in the 1940s and follows the life of the Johansson family, who not only run the restaurant but are also caught up in the political and social changes of the era.

The main characters are Helga (Hedda Stiernstedt) and her father, Julius (Olle Sarri). Helga is a confident and determined young woman who is keen to take over the restaurant from her father. However, Julius is reluctant to give up control of the business as he still has a lot of pride in what he has built. The tension between the two is palpable as they try to balance their personal and professional lives.

Alongside the family drama, there are numerous subplots that explore the complex relationships between the characters. For instance, Helga is in love with a struggling journalist named Calle (Charlie Gustafsson), but their social status and political beliefs prove to be a stumbling block to their relationship. Calle is a socialist, and Helga is from an upper-class family, so their relationship is frowned upon by many.

Meanwhile, the restaurant staff also have their own dramas, including the blossoming romance between waiter Gustaf (Adam Lundgren) and kitchen assistant Nina (Sofia Ledarp). However, their relationship is threatened by Gustaf's gambling addiction and his association with some unsavory characters.

The show does an excellent job of weaving together the numerous plot strands, creating a cohesive and engaging drama that captures the era's social and political upheaval. The historical accuracy of the series is impressive, with the costumes, sets, and architecture all carefully replicated to give an authentic representation of life in 1940s Sweden.

Alongside the excellent production values, the show also benefits from some outstanding performances from the cast. Hedda Stiernstedt, in particular, gives a standout performance as Helga, imbuing her character with both steely determination and vulnerability. Charlie Gustafsson also excels as Calle, bringing a palpable sense of passion and conviction to his role.

The show is not without its flaws, however. The pacing can be slow at times, with some episodes feeling overly long and meandering. Additionally, some of the supporting characters are underdeveloped, with their arcs feeling tacked on or rushed.

Despite these minor criticisms, The Restaurant is a compelling drama that is well worth watching. It beautifully captures the social and political changes of the 1940s while also delivering a poignant family drama that will keep you invested in the lives of the characters. If you're a fan of historical dramas, then The Restaurant is a must-watch.

The Restaurant is a series that ran for 4 seasons (32 episodes) between October 2, 2017 and on Sundance Now