We love this place. The children’s center is FANTASTIC and if you’re a member, they even do crafts for the kids twice per week. There is a Scandinavian restaurant and shop with items from Scandinavia that my Swedish husband was excited to find. There’s also lots of art programming like film festivals and showings, and they even have language classes. I was taking a Swedish language course here until the teacher went her separate way. And finally they have special events like for Lucia Day in December, where there is a candlelight choir procession. Didn’t expect everything they had to offer until we became members, but especially want to emphasize how much we love the children’s center.
Artëm Кazantsev
Perfect place for a lunch during winter - warm and cozy, with impeccable service and excellent food
Christina at Play in NYC
What? Scandinavia House. A learning and play center on the fourth floor of the cultural center based in Murray Hill, Manhattan. Throughout the week, bookings are only available to members of Scandinavia House. However, on Saturdays it’s open to the public. There’s tons of toys and activities here to keep the little ones occupied. There’s always staff on hand too which makes the whole experience much more safer, and enjoyable.
Where? 58 Park Avenue, which is on Park between 37th and 38th Street. A few blocks south of Grand Central, which makes it very accessible via the subway. Tons of bus stops nearby too. This shouldn’t be too hard to get to no matter where you’re coming from!
When? During the week, play sessions are only available to members. On Saturdays, the sessions are open to the public. There’s two sessions, being 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm. A total of 12 children are allowed for each session, and your space must be booked in advance online. It does tend to get booked up quickly so don’t leave it super last minute!
Cost? $25 for the session on Saturdays. I think this is amazing value considering it’s two hours, and the fact it’s a lovely space, and that it’s staffed.
Our Rating - 9/10. We’ve been twice now and thoroughly enjoyed it. We’ll definitely keep visiting. It truly is a welcoming spot, and one that your little one will be occupied in with the various toys that they have. I just wish it was open to the public during the week as that option would be great to have.
Anything else? The main restriction here is that your child must be walking independently. I remember finding out about this place when Darcy wasn’t yet walking, and wished I could’ve visited then, but honestly it puts my mind at rest now knowing she’s not going to accidentally be falling over crawlers. There’s restrooms with changing tables. Also, this whole center has so much to offer. They have a restaurant downstairs that looks great, although not sure how kid-friendly it is. There’s also a gift shop with Scandinavian gifts and food. I also know they regular host events here. Definitely check out their website to be in the know!
(Review originally posted on the @playinnyc Instagram account in May 2023)
Stephanie Weisner
I’m honestly baffled by the glowing reviews for this place. The food was mediocre at best—I’ve had better pre-packed, frozen meatballs. The lox and other dishes were flat and uninspired. Drinks? Also disappointing. To make matters worse, there were fruit flies everywhere—it was absolutely disgusting. My partner and I tried to make light of it by turning the fly situation into a game, but it didn’t save the experience.
Our waitress, though sporting a cute hairstyle (which I complimented. Cute little buns and bangs), was condescending. She repeatedly asked me if it was my *first time* trying Scandinavian food, yet didn’t direct the same line of questioning to my date. Perhaps because he’s Asian and I’m Black, she assumed he was more well-traveled than I am—which couldn’t be further from the truth. Also, let’s be honest: Scandinavian food isn’t some unattainable, high-class fare. They sell the same gravlax with cheap couches in Red Hook, Brooklyn (and honestly, the food at Ikea is better than what I had here).
As someone who has lived in Manhattan for 22 years and has been fortunate to travel extensively, I was not impressed by this place at all.
Bruce Posner
A favorite place to go for Nordic inspired culture (e.g., films, concerts, exhibitions, language study, readings, interviews). High quality throughout. The Björk cafe is a nice addition.
Guillermo González
Nice and cozy
Dennis Lind
The floor with the playground for children was fantastic.
Robin Gustafsson
Björk is a great restaurant! Delicious Scandinavian food. The staff are all fabulous!
Kristy Liao
Very bad shopping experience here. I bought a pair of small candles for $8. The woman at the checkout counter didn’t know the price, so I told her it was $8 for the pair. She didn’t trust me, went to check, and came back saying, ‘Wow, you got a good deal,’ as if two small candles should be at a much higher price...
I felt extremely uncomfortable with her unprofessional attitude and terrible service. I told her that I used to live in Sweden, and this is definitely not ‘a good deal.’
Nick Westgor
Really cool spot. I tried a few of the open faces sandwiches and the meatball one was insane. I highly suggest trying at least one of their dessert items.
Service is not as friendly as it could be. Opening at 11 is a bit late. No Princess Tort on the menu.
Sarah T
Always happy to dine at Bjork Cafe & Bistro at Scandinavia House. Delicious food, nicely curated wine list, clean airy room, good service, calm but not dull atmosphere. Prices are reasonable for the quality, and though the portions aren't huge, the food is always satisfying and I leave too full for dessert, which is a pity - they look really nice. Try the smorgasbord platter to get a little taste of the menu highlights.
Alan Sillito
Thoroughly enjoyed the Finn get-together.
jeff clayborn
Great place to visit has a exhibition space which is features now the works of artist from Farrell's Island also has a cafe with great food also has a children's center 4th floor but for Members Only open to the General Public on Saturdays all in all a great place to visit.
We love this place. The children’s center is FANTASTIC and if you’re a member, they even do crafts for the kids twice per week. There is a Scandinavian restaurant and shop with items from Scandinavia that my Swedish husband was excited to find. There’s also lots of art programming like film festivals and showings, and they even have language classes. I was taking a Swedish language course here until the teacher went her separate way. And finally they have special events like for Lucia Day in December, where there is a candlelight choir procession. Didn’t expect everything they had to offer until we became members, but especially want to emphasize how much we love the children’s center.
Perfect place for a lunch during winter - warm and cozy, with impeccable service and excellent food
What? Scandinavia House. A learning and play center on the fourth floor of the cultural center based in Murray Hill, Manhattan. Throughout the week, bookings are only available to members of Scandinavia House. However, on Saturdays it’s open to the public. There’s tons of toys and activities here to keep the little ones occupied. There’s always staff on hand too which makes the whole experience much more safer, and enjoyable.
Where? 58 Park Avenue, which is on Park between 37th and 38th Street. A few blocks south of Grand Central, which makes it very accessible via the subway. Tons of bus stops nearby too. This shouldn’t be too hard to get to no matter where you’re coming from!
When? During the week, play sessions are only available to members. On Saturdays, the sessions are open to the public. There’s two sessions, being 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm. A total of 12 children are allowed for each session, and your space must be booked in advance online. It does tend to get booked up quickly so don’t leave it super last minute!
Cost? $25 for the session on Saturdays. I think this is amazing value considering it’s two hours, and the fact it’s a lovely space, and that it’s staffed.
Our Rating - 9/10. We’ve been twice now and thoroughly enjoyed it. We’ll definitely keep visiting. It truly is a welcoming spot, and one that your little one will be occupied in with the various toys that they have. I just wish it was open to the public during the week as that option would be great to have.
Anything else? The main restriction here is that your child must be walking independently. I remember finding out about this place when Darcy wasn’t yet walking, and wished I could’ve visited then, but honestly it puts my mind at rest now knowing she’s not going to accidentally be falling over crawlers. There’s restrooms with changing tables. Also, this whole center has so much to offer. They have a restaurant downstairs that looks great, although not sure how kid-friendly it is. There’s also a gift shop with Scandinavian gifts and food. I also know they regular host events here. Definitely check out their website to be in the know!
(Review originally posted on the @playinnyc Instagram account in May 2023)
I’m honestly baffled by the glowing reviews for this place. The food was mediocre at best—I’ve had better pre-packed, frozen meatballs. The lox and other dishes were flat and uninspired. Drinks? Also disappointing. To make matters worse, there were fruit flies everywhere—it was absolutely disgusting. My partner and I tried to make light of it by turning the fly situation into a game, but it didn’t save the experience.
Our waitress, though sporting a cute hairstyle (which I complimented. Cute little buns and bangs), was condescending. She repeatedly asked me if it was my *first time* trying Scandinavian food, yet didn’t direct the same line of questioning to my date. Perhaps because he’s Asian and I’m Black, she assumed he was more well-traveled than I am—which couldn’t be further from the truth. Also, let’s be honest: Scandinavian food isn’t some unattainable, high-class fare. They sell the same gravlax with cheap couches in Red Hook, Brooklyn (and honestly, the food at Ikea is better than what I had here).
As someone who has lived in Manhattan for 22 years and has been fortunate to travel extensively, I was not impressed by this place at all.
A favorite place to go for Nordic inspired culture (e.g., films, concerts, exhibitions, language study, readings, interviews). High quality throughout. The Björk cafe is a nice addition.
Nice and cozy
The floor with the playground for children was fantastic.
Björk is a great restaurant! Delicious Scandinavian food. The staff are all fabulous!
Very bad shopping experience here. I bought a pair of small candles for $8. The woman at the checkout counter didn’t know the price, so I told her it was $8 for the pair. She didn’t trust me, went to check, and came back saying, ‘Wow, you got a good deal,’ as if two small candles should be at a much higher price...
I felt extremely uncomfortable with her unprofessional attitude and terrible service. I told her that I used to live in Sweden, and this is definitely not ‘a good deal.’
Really cool spot. I tried a few of the open faces sandwiches and the meatball one was insane. I highly suggest trying at least one of their dessert items.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Very nice and quaint place
Service is not as friendly as it could be. Opening at 11 is a bit late. No Princess Tort on the menu.
Always happy to dine at Bjork Cafe & Bistro at Scandinavia House. Delicious food, nicely curated wine list, clean airy room, good service, calm but not dull atmosphere. Prices are reasonable for the quality, and though the portions aren't huge, the food is always satisfying and I leave too full for dessert, which is a pity - they look really nice. Try the smorgasbord platter to get a little taste of the menu highlights.
Thoroughly enjoyed the Finn get-together.
Great place to visit has a exhibition space which is features now the works of artist from Farrell's Island also has a cafe with great food also has a children's center 4th floor but for Members Only open to the General Public on Saturdays all in all a great place to visit.
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