Il Merlo: A taste of the Italian dream

A mere month since opening its doors, Il Merlo is set to become a new favourite for Stockholm’s sandwich-loving crowds. This Italian-inspired eatery and deli shop serves homemade food wrapped in a familiar, warm atmosphere, where guests are encouraged to socialise and share the love of food. Oh, and dogs are welcome too.

With no experience in the food and restaurant world, documentary filmmaker Andreas Bjunér and teacher Elin Ungman are the perfect example of how passion, hard work and grit can make magic happen. “We met back in 2019 and quickly realised our shared love for Italy and food,” says Andreas. “Since then, we were talking about maybe opening our own place one day, and when a vacant antiques shop popped up earlier this year, we decided it was time to make the dream a reality.”

Il Merlo is the Italian sandwich dream, made real.

And just like that, Il Merlo was born as a joint sandwich hub and Italian farm shop with a sustainable ethos. Naturally, this thinking is central for the food, with veggies taking centre stage and plant-based options front of mind. “We’ve decorated using second-hand furniture and we partner with like-minded brands for the shop, where we sell Italian delicacies like pasta, olive oil, spreads and soap,” says Elin. “Even our espresso machine is pre-loved,” she adds.

Now, what about the menu? Well, there are currently four delicious options to choose from, all made with fresh vegetables sourced locally and with bread like focaccia and sfilatino supplied by a nearby Italian baker (who has published several successful cookbooks). Some sandwiches are served grilled and some fresh, with options including the classic, sure to be a bestseller, tomato and burrata.

Elin, who is a keen cook much thanks to her cheffing father, is the one heading up the sandwich-making at Il Merlo and does it all with a no-waste approach. “Although we have our set sandwiches right now, the menu will change depending on the season and what produce we can get, so don’t be surprised to see a soup or pasta added,” she explains.

Hoping to grow the offering, the duo will continue their travels to Sicily to source inspiration from a small farm producing everything from wine to marmalade. “In the future, we would also like to host cultural events like book releases and art exhibitions. It’s all there for the taking, and we cannot wait to see where Il Merlo will take us.”

Web: www.ilmerlo.se
Instagram: @ilmerlo.sodermalm