Sweden’s west coast is famous for its fresh, sustainable seafood, particularly shrimp – thanks to the cold, salty waters in Skagerrak, the conditions here are perfect. From Kärringön, just off Orust in the south, to Fjällbacka in the north, we’ve selected five of the very best spots to enjoy the classic Swedish shrimp sandwich.
North of Grebbestad lies Havstenssund, a tiny fishing village with roots stretching back to the 1800s. A long jetty runs along the edge of the cliffs, offering sweeping views over Kosterhavet Marine National Park. We’ve had some of our best swims here, diving straight into the crystal-clear water from the trampoline. This is one of our absolute favourite Bohuslän hideaways, free from the crowds that flock to the larger villages.
Skaldjurscafé sits right on the waterfront and offers an authentic experience. The shrimp sandwich is straightforward yet perfectly balanced, served on freshly baked bread with pickled onion, dill, and mayonnaise.
Havstenssunds Skaldjurscafé
Sjövägen 43, Havstenssund, Sweden
skaldjurscafeet.se
On Käringön, a picturesque fishing island just off Orust, cars are nowhere to be seen. Many of the charming wooden houses date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, standing close together to shelter from the rough coastal weather. Peterson’s Tavern, which also runs a popular B&B, is celebrated for its seafood delicacies. Their shrimp sandwich is a delight – topped with freshly boiled egg, homemade mayonnaise, and thinly sliced onion and cucumber.
Peterson's Tavern
Skeppersholme 123, Käringön, Sweden
petersonskrog.se
Right next to the Nordic Watercolor Museum in Skärhamn, Tjörn, Restaurang Vatten is one of Bohuslän’s more ambitious dining spots. The menu follows the seasons, created in close collaboration with local producers. Their shrimp sandwich gets the same meticulous treatment: served on fresh rye with mayonnaise and topped with lumpfish roe. For the full experience, book one of the museum’s guest studios on Bockholmen, just opposite the restaurant with an incredible sea view.
Restaurang Vatten
Södra hamnen 6, Skärhamn, Sweden
restaurangvatten.se
At Snar Bar in Fjällbacka, you’re as close to the source as it gets – the restaurant and bar are directly connected to the local fishmonger. Open all year round, they serve freshly caught fish and seafood with views over the harbor. The menu changes daily depending on the catch, but firm favorites include fish and chips, a snack box filled with crayfish and shrimps, fish stew, and – of course – a shrimp sandwich with the classic trimmings: mayonnaise, dill, and crisp lettuce.
Snar Bar
Norra Hamngatan 10, Fjällbacka, Sweden
fjallbackafisk.com/snarbar/
No shrimp sandwich list is complete without a stop in Smögen. It’s home to a local fish auction, where fishermen deliver their catch straight from the sea. The village is known for its colorful fishing huts lined up along the jetty and its popular harbor. Skärets Krog has a long history – the shrimp sandwich is even said to have originated here in 1931. On our last visit, we tried the shrimp salad with egg, dill mayonnaise and pickled fennel – though there’s also the classic shrimp sandwich, served on rye bread with egg mayonnaise and pickled fennel.
Skärets Krog
Hamnen 1, Smögen, Sweden
skaretskrog.se
Lysekil grew into a major hub for the fishing industry during the 18th and 19th centuries, but has still managed to remain some of its original charm – we love the wide range of boutiques and restaurants, as well as the two nearby nature reserves – including Stångehuvud, known for its red Bohus granite. Norra Hamnen, which opened in 2012, sits right on the north harbor, offering views over the Skagerrak. They use local, seasonal ingredients, with a strong emphasis on fresh fish and shellfish. The shrimp sandwich is a great choice – it#s served on white bread with the classic trimmings, along with a playful twist: horseradish syrup, apple, and pickled onion.
Norra Hamnen
Norra Hamngatan 5, Lysekil, Sweden
norrahamnen5.se
