A Foodie Guide to Gothenburg: Where to Eat in Gothenburg

Last Updated on 1st March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

Gothenburg is well-known for many things. For example, the second largest city in Sweden is the home of Volvo and happens to be home to the largest port of all the Nordic countries… However, what you may well not know is that there’s also an incredible foodie scene of restaurants, cafés, and bar in the European city. Here’s your ultimate guide on where to eat in Gothenburg.

Introducing Gothenburg, the European foodie city you never thought to visit

Located in the West of Sweden, the beautiful Swedish city of Gothenburg is easy to reach from all major European capital cities. With direct flights to Amsterdam, London, Paris, and more, you can’t go wrong by booking a weekend escape to this Nordic country.

Best seen in the high summer (the city is full of greenery) or in the middle of winter (no one else does Christmas markets quite like Gothenburg), when I first stepped off my plane and into the airport terminal of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, I had little idea as to what to expect.

However, I soon found Gothenburg to be a foodie city full of gastronomic delights, Michelin Star restaurants, and incredible food experiences!

Best foodie experiences and restaurants in Gothenburg

Da Matteo, Magasinsgatan 17A, 411 18 Göteborg

Visit for: some of the best coffee in the city, to experience the art of Swedish fika

Suitable for vegetarians/ vegans? Yes

Voted the best coffee shop in Gothenburg in 2015, Da Matteo has several branches all across the city. This includes a cosy spot in the pretty Victoriapassagen, as well as a more historic location in Magasinsgatan. You don’t win awards for nothing and it’s safe to say Da Matteo takes its coffee brewing seriously.

The Magastinsgatan Da Matteo offers a glimpse into the roasting process, with the grinder on show, while the building itself has retained its character as a former old riding hall.

And so in between shopping or simply strolling around the city, be sure to pop in for a cinnamon bun, fresh coffee, and enjoy the art of ‘fika’ (or ‘coffee break’ as it is known in English).

Restaurant Norda, Drottningtorget 10, 411 03 Göteborg

Visit for: Sustainable cuisine, a wonderful atmosphere

Suitable for vegetarians/ vegans? Only one vegan/ vegetarian option on the menu

Striking a scene beside the Central Station, it’s hard to miss the beautiful Clarion Hotel Post in the centre of the city. All red brick and imposing architecture, this top hotel is the former post office and is also home to Restaurant Norda, one of the best places to eat in Gothenburg.

And with an outdoor terrace in the summer and a firm focus on sustainability, you’re sure to dine in style should you opt to eat there.

Home to an Art-Deco interior with rich green highlights, the menu includes vegetarian options and much of the produce is grown incredibly locally- on the rooftop garden of the hotel to be precise!

Of all the best restaurants in Gothenburg, Restaurant Norda is certainly near the top of the list! And so, whether you’re searching for that perfect anniversary dinner location or simply wish to cosy up during winter in Gothenburg, be sure to make a reservation at Restaurant Norda!

Restaurang Atelier, Rålambsvägen 17, 112 59 Stockholm

Visit for: stunning decor, incredible food

Suitable for vegetarians/ vegans? Vegetarian options

If you’re looking for a stunning atmosphere and a reasonably priced three-course meal, then the restaurant at Hotel Pigalle never fails to impress. Located on the fourth floor of the French-inspired hotel, the produce is from nearby while most dishes have an international element to them.

Highlights of this restaurant (other than the staff being incredibly helpful when it comes to dietary requirements), are plenty of pretty floral walls, an ever-burning fire in the winter, and plush velvet seating located throughout. Food aside, if you’re looking for somewhere dreamy to stay in Gothenburg, make it Hotel Pigalle!

Barabicu, Rosenlundsgatan 4, 411 20 Göteborg

Visit for: after work drinks, well-cooked fast food

Suitable for vegetarians/ vegans? Vegetarian options

The trendy bar and restaurant of Barabicu can be found close to the Fish Church and not far from the water’s edge. Home to an internationally-inspired menu (but predominantly Pan-American cuisine), here you’ll find crowd favourites like burgers, seafood, and scrumptious pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven.

Open from Monday through to Saturday, though the restaurant is listed as a ‘nightclub’ on many search engines, it’s so much more than this.

And the decor is well thought out down to the minutest detail. After all, even the bathroom is home to a copper pipe installation (and while I won’t ruin the surprise, do check it out while you’re visiting for dinner!)

Kafé Magasinet, Tredje Långgatan 9, 413 03 Göteborg

Visit for: Picture perfect decor, vegan and vegetarian food, organic coffee

Suitable for vegetarians/ vegans? Yes! Vegan and vegetarian options available

If you’re looking for somewhere ‘instagrammable’ in Gothenburg, then the hop Kafé Magasinet offers one word for the day: cosy. Home to two indoor spaces; an impossibly bright conservatory brimming with plants, as well as a dimly lit traditional coffee shop area, you can’t go wrong by visiting for a lunch or brunch.

With organic coffee served fresh on a daily basis, as well as plenty of vegan and gluten-free options on the menu, this coffee shop is easily the most picturesque in the Swedish city.

I highly recommend the fried tofu (I’m not sure I’ve ever tasted tofu so good!) Fairly reasonably priced, for more information check out my full review of Kafé Magasinet here.

Feskekörka (fish church), Fisktorget 4, 411 20 Göteborg

Visit for: fresh food, the chance to visit one of the most unique covered markets in Europe

Suitable for vegetarians/ vegans? Mainly fish

Located alongside the water’s edge, the Fish Church is closed on Sundays and Mondays. However, if you’re planning to visit at any other time of the week then head here and you can expect to find an indoor fish market selling fresh seafood from across West Sweden, as well as several restaurants.

The Feskekörka itself was constructed in 1874 and designed by Victor von Gegerfelt. Today, the Neo-Gothic inspired building is one of the top architectural destinations in Sweden.

If you want to photograph this gem, then the best time to go is either at sunrise or sunset so as to make the most of the light (provided it’s not raining!)

For the ultimate dining experience while in the Fish Church (complete with champagne!) be sure to check out Gabriel’s. To discover more highlights of the city, be sure to check out our Gothenburg walking guide.

Koka, Viktoriagatan 12, 411 25 Göteborg

Visit for: Michelin fine dining, excellent atmosphere

Suitable for vegetarians/ vegans? Yes, upon request.

When pressed to give a definitive answer as to the best restaurant in Gothenburg, many locals will point to a single restaurant, that of Koka. Run by acclaimed chef, Björn Persson together with his team, the cuisine is based on local produce.

You can choose between three, five, or seven courses and no matter which you choose, the food is exceptional. After all, Koka wants to become the leader in Modern Swedish fine dining! One flight of steps down and you’ll find yourself in the ever popular Björns Bar.

Take a Swedish Fika food tour

If you want to get to know the city as a local, then you can book a food tour with a guide who will inform you more about the history of pastries and cafés in Gothenburg.

As well as visiting several spots on this two hour walking tour, you’ll be able to indulge in the art of Fika, the perfect way to relax with a coffee and pastry. Check tour dates and availability here.

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Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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