Boasting the EU's prestigous Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) since 2023, Falstaff picked out the top spots to enjoy this Nordic delicacy fresh from the sea.
Around 90 per cent of Sweden's oysters come from Grebbestad, and are prized as the only wild-caught European flat oysters, hand-harvested by divers on the west coast's clean, cold waters. With Sweden's oyster season now in full swing, Falstaff picked out some of the very best places to indulge in this delicacy.
For over 40 years and two generations, the Klemming family has harvested oysters along the sheltered bays and inlets of the Northeast Atlantic. Their fishing practices are rooted in deep respect for the area's unique ecosystem and biodiversity. Besides supplying some of Sweden’s top restaurants, Lotta Klemming – along with her father, Peter, and uncle, Bengt – offer excursions in the Grebbestad archipelago, allowing you to harvest oysters and other shellfish and cook your catch over an open fire. In addition, Lotta recently opened Ostrongården, a bed and breakfast adjoining her home.
Klemmings Ostron
Norra Edsvik 8, Grebbestad, Sweden
klemmingsostron.com
Tracing its roots back to the late 19th century, this traditional fishing hut offers oyster safaris on their wooden fishing boat, the Tena. The two-hour tastings take place either on board or back at the hut (depending on the weather) and include hands-on lessons in oyster varieties and how to open them safely. We sampled the catch alongside a specially brewed Oyster Stout – perfection. Guests can also stay overnight at Everts Sjöbod’s Bed & Breakfast, located right next to the old hut.
Everts Sjöbod
Grönemadsvägen 61, Grebbestad, Sweden
evertssjobord.se
If you were to pick one landmark in Gothenburg, it would have to be Feskekôrka, a historic market hall opened in 1874 to improve the city’s fish trade. Designed by Victor von Gegerfelt with dramatic gothic arches, the building was quickly dubbed the “fish church” by locals. Visit the fish market – such as Ebbes Fångst – which offers fresh oysters from Bohuslän, or sit down at restaurants like Ekmans or Lilla Ålstols Rökeri for a veritable feast.
Feskekôrka
Fisktorget 4, Gothenburg, Sweden
feskekorka.se
Located in southern Bohuslän, the island of Marstrand has been a favorite among high society since the 19th century. Today, it’s a lively spot for sailors, shoppers, and diners alike. Johans Krog – helmed by Johan Gustavsson, Louise Hellberg, and Jonathan Börnell – brings French flair to the island, as does Stella, their laid-back oyster bar just outside the main restaurant. The menu is simple: oysters served in rustic wooden crates with sparkling wine or their own house-branded beer.
Stellas Ostronbar
Kungsgatan 12, Marstrand, Sweden
johanskrogmarstrand.se
Spread across four floors, Skanshof features several bars, a gallery, a park, and outdoor seating overlooking the old fortress Skansen Kronan. Opened in 2021 by the restaurant group Göteborgsfamiljen in a former bank, it can accommodate up to 900 guests. Influenced by New York bistros, Skanshof is still firmly rooted in local produce; unlike most Gothenburg establishments, Skanshof eschews French-style oysters in favor of the Bohuslän variety, hand-picked by Lotta Klemming.
Skanshof
Lilla Bergsgatan 1, Gothenburg, Sweden
Skanshof.se
