Gothenburg has a large number of world-class restaurants

Gothenburg has a large number of world-class restaurants
© Ina Stafrén / imagebank.sweden.se / provided

The Best Restaurants in Gothenburg, Sweden

From affordable seafood in the urban city, great eats along the coast and Michelin-rated restaurants: Gothenburg is slowly building its reputation as a culinary powerhouse.

When it comes to exceptional dining experiences, it is hard to trump Stockholm. Not only is it seen as the culinary capital of Sweden but in 2023 is also the European capital of gastronomy.

But Gothenburg, the second sister city that hates being called a destination for self-professed foodies and oenophiles. If you find yourself in Copenhagen and visiting the soon-to-be-closed NOMA, why not pop over across the border into Gothenburg - a city slowly building its reputation as a culinary powerhouse. From affordable seafood in the urban city, great eats along the coast and Michelin-rated restaurants by young chefs who grit their teeth at fine-dining restaurants - here are some to check out.

Bulot

Two young chefs, Gabriel Melim Andersson and Emil Bjelke are the latest chefs to bask in rave reviews from food critics in Sweden. The restaurant started as a simple pop-up in Gothenburg’s food market and is still open for a great affordable lunch in the city centre, but if you want to truly experience Bulot you have to head out to Norra Hamngatan and book yourself a table at this highly sustainable restaurant. Fun, delicious and memorable, expect lots of seafood, friendly service and a great sustainable wine list to match.

  • Bulot
  • Norra Hamngatan 8, 411 14 Göteborg, Sweden

 

Dorsia

Restaurant Dorsia may be in one of Gothenburg’s much loved and beautifully furnished hotels but that doesn’t mean you will get a typical hotel meal for dinner. The experience is everything here and so imagine sitting in a room adorned with velvet curtains in true Belle Epoque-style as you enjoy modern-Nordic dishes produced by chef Oskar Samuelsson who worked at Kadeau in Copenhagen.Expect very well-crafted dishes with a touch of flair in the presentation. Strong influences from Paris with foie-gras on the menu, as well as Asian-meets-Scandinavian dishes - a bit whimsical - just like the decor.

 

Koka

Koka was one of the original pioneers in the Michelin-star movement Gothenburg experienced a decade ago and it is still standing strong with a loyal following enjoying the modern Scandinavian dishes churned out by chefs Johan Björkman and Jonas Larsson. The atmosphere is buzzy and casual but the food is well-worth its Michelin star. Local producers are the star of the show here with 90 percent of the ingredients being ecological. Choose between a seafood or pure vegetarian menu here.

 

Restaurang Koka Gothenburg
© Anna Hållams / imagebank.sweden.se / photo provided
Restaurang Koka Gothenburg

Project

https://www.projectgbg.com/

A wine bar by husband and wife duo which also doubles up as a Michelin-starred dining experience - why not? What started as a project for both Cameron and Anna to open a cool wine place with great food is now seen as a Friday-night hangout for both oenophiles and gastronomes to clink wine glasses. Go for the full degustation and wine-pairing but be warned, the bread is included as a dish - so enjoy it with lashings of cultured salted butter or you might go out hungry!

Södra Vägen 45, 412 54 Göteborg, Sweden

 

SK Mat & Människor

https://en.skmat.se/

SK Mat is proudly Swedish and serves as a place paying homage to great Swedish flavours, heritage and producers. Chef Stefan Karlsson is one of the most celebrated Swedish chefs in the country and continues to fly the Swedish flag proudly by preparing seasonal and locally grown ingredients. Blackened Cod, Swedish Veal and Dry-aged Pork from Grabo are all winners here.

Johannebergsgatan 24, 412 55 Göteborg, Sweden

SK Mat & Människor in Gothenburg
© Tina Stafrén / imagebank.sweden.se / photo provided
SK Mat & Människor in Gothenburg

Restaurant Natur

There is nothing pretentious about Restaurant Natur but they have the right to be with a stellar sustainable menu and a completely organic wine list to boot. It is hard to pass up a chance to slurp natural oysters, sweet and juicy crayfish before indulging in the beef tartar. Fried duck breast from Söderslätts Anka with fried rillette on duck leg with roasted garlic is also a great choice when in season but you must end your meal with a cheese plate created by Hilda Nilssons Ost from the city’s food market: Saluhallen.

Restaurant 28+

Sometimes tradition and history is worth keeping and carrying on. Restaurant 28+ dates back to 1985 but don’t expect outdated dishes here. One of the finest wine cellars in Sweden, this is the place to really enjoy the finer things in life: whiskey, chocolate and cheese for a perfect start to the weekend. A genuine French experience is created by two head chefs Kim Jonsson and Markus Pettersson which changes depending on the season. Swedish Baerii sturgeon caviar served with mousseline of scallop, blue shell mussels and parsley doesn’t sound too bad, does it?

 

Bhoga

Situated on the 400-year old canal is where you will find two adventurous chefs creating some great dishes. Chefs Niclas Yngvesson and Gustav Knutsson travelled the world but the two are adamant in spotting Sweden with seasonal and organic produce from both the land and sea. Choose from 4 to 6 dishes and enjoy modern-Nordic cuisine under two competent chefs. The tartar of langoustine with elderflower, chives, onion or pointed cabbage with pear, roe and marinated egg-yolk matches well with the wine suggested by the head sommelier. Mikael Nypelius.

Michelle Tchea
Michelle Tchea
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