On the Scandinavia tour in 2015 we had a very nice traditional Swedish lunch at a place called Kvarnen in Sodermalm when we were in Stockholm. I think when we went we had a choice between reindeer steaks and meatballs (I got the meatballs).
Anyway I was in Sweden for business last week and had a day after landing to kick around, so my friend and I walked through the old town to Sodermalm to check out a few ships and stuff and I was like "Oh I know a good place to eat!" so we went to Kvarnen and got meatballs. It was great, really fun.
The next day we're doing business meetings at an office in Sodermalm and we go to lunch. We walk across the square and I"m like "Hmm..." and sure enough they took us to Kvarnen! I asked if they went there often and they were like "About once a week, usually."
So, if you're ever doubting that Rick Steves takes you to legit places frequented by real people and not just tourists, fear not. At least not in Sodermalm!
(For the record, I got meatballs again -- I like meatballs!)