The best outdoor dining areas in Gothenburg

The huge former post office building towers over this buzzy square, right next to the central train station. The Clarion Hotel Post boasts a fully equipped outdoor kitchen which produces summery and classic barbeque dishes. The steps of the large terrace get the sun's last rays and DJs play to summer guests in the mood to party.

Skanshof has become something of an alfresco mecca in Gothenburg - not surprisingly when it's home to no less than four outdoor areas! Hang out along the side of the building, on the balcony, up on the roof terrace - or climb up to Skanshof park, right at the top of the building, with a pool (!), plenty of seats and a wonderful holiday vibe.

The Gothenburg Museum of Art is right at the top of Götaplatsen, with views over Avenyn. The city's largest outdoor bar holds court on the sun-drenched museum steps during the summer months. Come by for something to eat or a glass of wine as the sun goes down.

The Pigalle boutique hotel has its restaurant right up at the top of the building. During the summer months they open up their cosy, richly decorated roof terrace with views over the rooftops and Drottningtorget. Sit comfortably in their large, light lounge sofas and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere far from the city life down on the streets below. 

You can combine three favourites on Boulebar's outdoor dining area: boules, French food and classic Gothenburg views. The palm-strewn alfresco area stretches all the way down to the steps along the canal, making it the perfect spot to show new visitors to the city the iconic cranes, entrance to the harbour and the famous Feskekörka fish market.

Colourful lanterns, hammocks and boules - Levantine's lilac-scented courtyard hits all the right spots. The sun shines on this French garden in Vasastan and it's a popular spot on summer days. The summer bar serves drinks and simple food, all French-influenced. The restaurant is also open as usual for anyone who wants to eat something more substantial.

During the summer months the whole of Tredje Långgatan becomes a pedestrian-only zone and the whole street buzzes with life from the numerous outdoor dining areas that take over. Brewers Beer Bar is one of the most popular spots on the street and it's always packed with guests enjoying posh sourdough pizzas and craft beers in the evening sunshine. The outdoor area at their Magasingatan branch is also a popular summer hangout.

Charming Grindstugan opens up by the entrance to the beautiful Trädgårdsföreningen horticultural gardens during the summer months. Despite its central location just a stone's throw from Kungsportsplatsen, Grindstugan feels as though it's a million miles from the hustle and bustle of the big city. The outdoor area is inspired by Sweden's traditional bandstands, with gravel paths, coloured lanterns and leafy surroundings. There's live music almost every evening during the summer.

This huge park-like alfresco area stretches alongside Stora Teatern's sunniest side, with the canal glittering below. There's plenty of space to sit and enjoy the view and watch the iconic Paddan boats glide by. Sit in the shade under the large trees or in full sun in the heart of the action.

If you're a dyed-in-the-wool city slicker who prefers to stay in the city during the summer months, a little touch of park greenery may be all you need to satisfy your chlorophyll cravings. This outdoor dining area offers boules, a barbeque and a central leafy hangout.

Jacy's offers both big-city buzz and resort-style luxury with inspiration from LA. Their award-winning rooftop terrace open to the public. You can also book sun loungers here, perfect for anyone who wants to sunbathe and hang out by the pool.

During the winter, Reveljen primarily functions as an event venue, but as the temperature rises, the summer restaurant part of the business comes to life. In addition to lunch, they put on a packed programme here with outdoor cinema, live music, bubbly Fridays, and live broadcasts of the European football championship - all set against the backdrop of the sparkling river.

This completely vegetarian restaurant is in the same building as Hagabion cinema. They serve the same selection downstairs, but with slightly greater emphasis on cocktails. During the summer months they expand with a popular outdoor area. Sip a craft beer brewed by Stigbergets Bryggeri. Laid-back atmosphere under coloured lanterns.

When the sun's shining, Esperantoplatsen is one of the best sun traps in the city. There are great views over the canal and entrance to the harbour and guests are welcome to drop by and enjoy the sun, food and drinks whenever they feel like it. All-day dining is the concept and when the sun goes down you can just head inside for a few games of ping pong, pinball or to play arcade games in the games room.

This authentic British pub has a charming outdoor dining area framed by green plants. Take a seat among the wicker furniture and order well-cooked pub grub and a pint. Ideal for lunch or dinner.

Brasserie Lavette's heated outdoor dining area on Södra Vägen welcomes guests all year round. Toast your gang with a glass of bubbles, sip a perfectly blended cocktail, or order something to eat from the French brasserie menu that includes shellfish, meat and plant-based dishes. A post-work drink here can easily slip into a big night out when things get lively later on in the evening.

A more central outdoor dining area than Cheri-Lee's would be hard to find. In the middle of Avenyn, right next door to Hotel Bellora, this colourful restaurant has an Asian concept and party atmosphere.. With generous opening hours, you're welcome to hang out over cocktails, long dinners and weekend brunch. There's plenty of room on the large outdoor terrace to sit, relax and look out over Gothenburg's lively city centre.

This gigantic red brick building, which used to be the city's boiler plant, is now an art gallery, restaurant and skate park. The outdoor dining area is one of the sunnniest in the city and has fantastic views over the entrance to the harbour. Everything from concerts to exhibitions and performances take place here. Communal tables and coloured lanterns lend the place a laid-back charm.

DINÉ Burgers in Linné has a glassed-in area where you can enjoy burgers all year round. They serve burgers made from scratch using Swedish ingredients. The meat patties are ground and smashed on site, dressings are made to their own recipe and the brioche buns are baked locally. Enjoy a burger, beer or cocktail under the glass roof - there's plenty of room for the whole gang here.

Trädgår'n, the Horticultural Society gardens, have been an entertainment mecca for Gothenburg for more than 100 years and you won't find many Gothenburgers who have never hung out here. In the summer months the beautiful outdoor dining area in the heart of the idyllic gardens is often packed. In 2017 Trädgår'n was given a real face-lift when the summer restaurant La Terrasse took over with laid-back riviera vibes. The menu oozes Asian fusion flavours and is based on a sharing concept. Gothenburgers flock here for lunch, dinner, concerts and club nights.

In the smart neighbourhood of Lorensberg, the cosy outdoor seating area at Natur has Parisian furniture and blankets for cooler evenings. You can settle down here for a full dinner or just drop by for a glass of natural wine and some small bites. Naturally, dogs are welcome.

The noble French drink takes centre stage in one of the city's most charming courtyards, right next to the cathedral. It's a popular spot, so come in good time to bag the best sunny spots!

The richly decorated, colourful world of this boutique hotel spreads out onto the rooftop, where an inviting roof terrace is hidden. Sit in a green, leafy garden, with the summer sky as your roof, and enjoy dinner before relaxing in one of the rattan chairs and enjoying the atmosphere.  

After beach fun where you can feel the sand between your toes and the sun in your face, right in the heart of Gothenburg city centre. It may sound like a utopia, but that's exactly what you get when you visit Werner Bistro's outdoor dining area, Coco Beach. The bistro serves American street food and you can order tropical cocktails, as well as cold beers and wine, in the bar. Every Friday they serve up post-work vibes in relaxed, summery surroundings. 

This French bistro has 100 seats on its outdoor dining area on Tredje Långgatan. Order a glass of wine with cheese and charcuterie, have a drink or take a seat for a summery grill dinner with flavours from the Mediterranean area.

The menu at Kaifo carries influences from Asia, but the outdoor seating also evokes the feeling of a cosy garden somewhere in Japan. Sit surrounded by pink blossoming cherry trees, green plants, and beautiful wrought-iron railings, with a view over the cobblestones of Södra Vägen. A lovely summer destination to gather friends for a festive feast with small dishes and cocktails. 

From Ölstugan Tullen Lejonet's sunny outdoor dining area you can enjoy views over the magnificent Skansen Westgötha Leijon fortress. As the name suggests, there's plenty of beer here to cool off with in the sunshine, and if you should get peckish you can order a hearty portion of European homecooking.

This popular, narrow alfresco dining area stretches alongside the restaurant's facade. Sit in a row on high benches and enjoy the sun all day long. With views over Göteborgs Saluhall food market and the hustle and bustle on Kungstorget, there's always something to look at. Take a seat for some South American food or just a refreshing lime-stuffed Sol lager.

Despite its proximity to the city, Långedrag Värdshus exudes a feeling more reminiscent of the Mediterranean than Gothenburg, especially during the summer months when the outdoor terrace offers plenty of sunshine and a genuine holiday vibe. You can come here for lunch, dinner, or a weekend brunch based on ingredients from the sea, or why not just enjoy a well-shaken cocktail and a few oysters.

You don't need to worry about wild winds from the sea at Cuckoo's Nest - the outdoor dining room is protected from the weather but still has peaceful views over the water. Guests are welcome to drop by for anything from a post-work drink with colleagues to a full slap-up dinner. 

You don't need a time machine to experience Italy in the 1950s, you can just head along to Kungsportsavenyn 6, where the Hotel & Ristorante Bellora provide Gothenburgers with a romantic atmosphere and delicious food. The outdoor dining area offers a scenic backdrop to breakfast, lunch and dinner. From their rooftop terrace, Cielo Rooftop Bar – which has been named one of the world's top five by hotels.com – you can look out over the city's rooftops, while sipping an Aperol Spritz. 

Enjoy small dishes and wine from all corners of the world at this local wine bar in Kålltorp. During the summer months they have a small outdoor dining area surrounded by greenery where you can hang out late into the evening.

You couldn't get much closer to the canal than this floating outdoor seating area. Lean back and relax with the sun on your face and listen to the sounds of the boats drifting by. Or come here for an after-beach party with drinks, music and a festive atmosphere. 

With its cliffs and sea swimming, Saltholmen is a great place to hang out on a sunny day, particularly if you visit Paradiset, right by the last stop on the tram line. Hang out in the garden and the glassed-in veranda, eat pizza or sample a few Continental small dishes, drink natural wine or have a cold beer. Paradiset has also opened up in Kville and Mariaplan in recent years, with the same concept as their big sister in Saltholmen. 

Buenos Aires Argentine Steakhouse has a cosy outdoor seating area where you can order Argentine steak and enjoy a glass of Argentine wine under the open sky. Authentic flavours from the grill take centre stage here.

As soon as the sun peeks out and the temperature signals the coming of spring, Berzelius opens up its outdoor seating area with a prime view of Södra Vägen and Berzeliigatan. Enjoy a hearty serving of Swedish home-cooked food or, if you're an early bird, start the day with a breakfast buffet filled with fresh fruit, yogurt, freshly baked bread, and other treats to make the morning special.

Food and culture go hand in hand at this homely bistro in Konstepidemin culture mecca. Come by when you're in the mood to combine a summery hangout with creativity, music and art. Take a seat on the sunny terrace with a glass of natural wine or a locally produced beer, perhaps accompanied by something tasty from the menu. Live artists and DJs perform frequently here, so there's a good chance you'll get to enjoy some musical entertainment when you visit. 

Pizza, craft beers and natural wine are a hard-to-beat combination, particularly when served on a sun-kissed outdoor dining area. At Oizo in Kålltorp they create innovative, imaginative pizza combinations you've probably never tasted before. There are always a few favourites on the menu, as well as beer from local breweries and wine of all colours. 

In early morning you can watch the outdoor furniture being set out, and after that it's not long until the sun hits the alfresco dining area. The pavement, where bistro tables spill out towards Rosenlund canal, is often packed with people. Grab a bite to eat in the sunshine and chase the last rays to the bar around the corner.

Folk is a popular hangout all year round and when the sun comes out the party moves outdoors, under coloured lanterns and with a great people-watching vantage spot on Järntorget. The bar serves cheeky natural wines and local microbrewed wines.

This e-sport restaurant occupies a corner location on Rosenlundsgatan. They have a relatively large outdoor seating area, complete with a roof that comes in handy if a rain shower passes by. Food-wise, street food such as burgers and pizza are the name of the game, accompanied by non-alcoholic beverages, wine, beer, and colourful cocktails. You can also borrow board games.

Kalle Glader is that lovely neighbourhood pub where everyone's welcome for some lively socialising over a meal and maybe a beer or two. It's cosy inside the restaurant, but if you want to feel the summer vibes, grab a seat on the outdoor terrace, where you can watch the passers-by on Friggagatan while enjoying some sun on your face.

At this little food bar's outdoor seating area, you can enjoy the sunshine with a crisp glass of white wine in hand, and something freshly caught from the sea on your plate. Sit down by yourself and order one or two oysters, or share a hearty prawn platter with a friend. If you can't get enough, buy something delicious from the shop to take home with you.

A narrow stairway leads up to a larger terrace. There's place for plenty to sit under generous parasols, which also help to keep the damp evening air away once the sun's gone down. You can see everything that's happening down on Linnégatan from up here. Terrassen's outdoor bar makes for a sun-drenched watering hole if you're happy to stand.

Eight floors up, Mei Rose boasts Chinese grub, drinks, and Continental vibes. Share some small dishes with your party, raise a toast with the Chinese spirit baijiu, and enjoy views of the city from the rooftop. A top spot to hang out before a concert at nearby Liseberg.

At Mercado Mexico's outdoor dining area, you can indulge in tacos, quesadillas and other Mexican street food while feeling the sun on your face. You can also come by just to celebrate summer with a refreshing margarita accompanied by some guacamole, salsa, and homemade totopos. 

At Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel, there are outdoor seating areas catering to both small and large guests: at Café Agnes, the whole family can indulge in heaps of ice cream, freakshakes, and other summer delights, while Compagniet attracts cocktail enthusiasts looking to soak up the sun with a drink in hand. Both outdoor seating areas bask in the sunshine for most of the day, with pergolas strategically placed for those seeking shade.

Right by the bird pond in Slottsskogen park is this summery refuge, which offers sunny spots on both the garden terrace and the docks. Get a bite to eat or perhaps something sweet from the bakery, and if you stay until evening, there's a party vibe with live music on the Summer Stage.

Rollin' Bistros' outdoor dining area, on sun-drenched Lindholmspiren, boasts over the glittering water of the harbour. They serve colourful, tasty and innovative dishes at lunch and dinner, with Asian flavours as the common theme. On Fridays things get lively post-work, with music, cocktails and beer.  

On the rooftop of the former cinema building, Kaparen, Moreno's large outdoor seating area also serves as a beer garden. Surrounded by twinkling fairy lights, you can celebrate the summer with a slice of pizza in Morenian style, with a frothy beer or a refreshing cocktail.