The best restaurants in Gothenburg

Epoque has a relaxed at-home feel, with comfortable leather sofas and tiled walls adorned with personal paintings. The menu combines Swedish flavours with influences from southern Europe, served in both smaller and larger formats. A passion for drinks in general and wine in particular is reflected in the extensive wine list, which focuses on traditionally produced wine from the Old World.

At Vrå, they have one foot in Japanese cuisine and one in modern Nordic gastronomy. With a focus on the sea and plant kingdom, they serve sustainably sourced sushi and sashimi of the more luxurious kind. The venue follows the same theme as the menu - enjoy your food in an elegant setting with locally sourced interiors details such as recycled glass from Orrefors. 

Under the sloping roofs at the very top of Hotel Pigalle, overlooking the rooftops of Gothenburg, you'll find the French-inspired restaurant Atelier. Bistro classics mix with seasonal sharing plates paired with appropriate French wines. Crystal chandeliers, large floral sofas and deep window niches create a luxurious atmosphere to enjoy the food in.

At Diket they serve a constantly changing set menu over several courses, as well as an à la carte menu to create your own menu from. The chefs have drawn inspiration from all corners of the world to create dishes they truly enjoy and that work equally well for a celebratory meal as for a luxurious weekday dinner.

Overlooking Skansen Kronan, Skanshof sprawls across several floors, encompassing outdoor seating, a balcony, and a rooftop terrace that remains open during the warmer months. The culinary focus is on everything from fresh seafood to meat dishes and a couple of vegetarian options. On Saturdays, Skanshof is a popular spot for Gothenburg's brunch enthusiasts to kick off the weekend with oysters, bubbles, and Eggs Benedict. 

At Familjen, you can enjoy luxurious, top-notch cooking without breaking the bank. Among other awards, they've been awarded the Bib Gourmand, a Michelin Guide award for really good food at a reasonable price. The menu is dominated by rustic flavours from the west coast, prepared with high-quality ingredients. With a touch of funky decor and a welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant has become something of a second living room for regulars, who come here just as much for the food as for the ambiance.

The restaurant at the Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel is a popular spot for hotel guests as well as locals in Gothenburg. Nordic flavours take centre stage here, with a menu that constantly evolves to match the season's offerings. Meat, fish, or vegetarian – there's something for every preference, at both lunch and dinner.

At Jacy's resort, you can eat and drink in glamorous surroundings inspired by Art Deco. 26 floors up, Gogogaga Skybar offers a magnificent view of Gothenburg's skyline, along with a menu of Asian fusion dishes and cocktails. On the ground floor, you can satisfy your hunger with a hearty burger at American Archie's, or enjoy a daily lunch special at multicultural Gaby's.

Brasserie Voyage is the team behind Botánico and Magic Flamingos, a Mediterranean restaurant in the heart of Vasa. In beautifully designed surroundings, they've brought together the best of Italian and French culinary traditions, spiced up with influences from Greece and Spain. The opening hours are generous, inviting you for both lunch and dinner, as well as a hangout in the cocktail bar or on the outdoor terrace.

At Mei Rose, you can embark on an exciting gastronomic journey through China, with a magnificent view of Gothenburg's skyline. The menu is based on a sharing concept, featuring small dishes such as mapo tofu, dumplings and noodles seasoned with Sichuan pepper. The drinks selection also follows the Asian theme, with creative cocktails and the Chinese liquor baijiu, as well as a selection of wine and beer, preferably enjoyed during the summer under the open sky on the rooftop terrace. 

As you might expect, tapas take centre stage at the Tapas Bar, but the dishes listed on the menu actually differ slightly from traditional Spanish tapas. They use mainly local, organic ingredients, and let their creativity flow. Gather friends and family for a social and welcoming meal, just like in Spain.

Regulars have been coming to Ma Cuisine for over 20 years, a testament to the family-friendly atmosphere that prevails at this neighbourhood restaurant. Round tables and bistro chairs contribute to the feeling of being in a local restaurant in Paris, as does the dynamic menu featuring French favourites prepared with Swedish ingredients. The drink list, which also focuses on France, includes cocktails and a wide selection of wines.

Hotel Bellora's Italian ristorante oozes romantic 50s vibes that transport you to an Italy in miniature, right on Avenyn. Enjoy renowned pizzas and pasta dishes from an open kitchen. Soak up the atmosphere in the cosy restaurant, and check out the hotel's award-winning rooftop terrace when the weather permits.

Kaifo is spread out over two floors, with a cocktail bar at the entrance and the restaurant downstairs. Asian fusion is the focus here, with dishes such as wontons, steamed buns, sashimi, and Asian grill on the menu. For the ultimate experience, fill the table with an array of dishes to share, family style.

Enjoy magnificent grill platters with selected cuts of meat grilled to perfection just before serving. Combine with hearty sides like coleslaw, potato salad, pickled vegetables, and maybe a beer? You'll find the restaurant in the Slakthuset in Gamlestaden, where Johan 'the Gråbo Grillmaster' Kullberg, along with fellow BBQ-enthusiast Sanna Kullberg, runs the show.

La Cucina Italiana, “the Italian kitchen”, is a small, cosy restaurant on Skånegatan. They offer both tasting menus and à la carte dishes, featuring meals from all over Italy. Creative, elegant and perfect for date night – or simply when you're craving really good Italian food.

Visiting Hjortviken Country Club in Hindås is like being transported to the glory days of New York: elegant, generous, and inviting. Much of the inspiration has been drawn from the glamour of the American East Coast, blending in Gothenburg influences in a delightful mix. As well as the pool club and hotel, there are two restaurants: The Club Room, which is a homage to Tore Wretman, and Bay Bay, which draws influences from Spain.

With sommelier Oskar Ahlvin at the helm, this little food bar is, unsurprisingly, focused on hand-picked, biodynamic wines and food that pairs perfectly with them. The menu changes frequently but always offers various creative small dishes, a couple of larger dishes and desserts. A place where you can hang out all evening.

In the middle of a leafy park behind Gothenburg's main square, Götaplatsen, you'll find Gothenburg's top game restaurant. At Pivo, game from both land and water is served alongside other delicacies from the forest, such as berries and mushrooms. The rustic decor is reminiscent of a hunting lodge and during the summer months you can hang out in the outdoor bar or combine dinner with a game of boules on one of the two boules courts.

In the former engine room of Gamlestadens Fabriker, you can enjoy small dishes with modern influences and drink creative cocktails made from their own spirits. Ego Distillers is, in fact, Gothenburg's first distillery and spirit bar, so production takes place on-site. Hang out at the bar on weekends and listen to vinyl or attend a tasting at the spirit factory.

Wine enthusiast or not, you can enjoy a gastronomic experience of the highest order at The Winery Pub, Wine Mechanics' own tavern. In industrial premises in the former meatpacking district, they serve both small and large plates with European influences. Compose your own three-course meal or order a bit of everything to share. If you want to raise a glass with something nice, the grape drinks from the nearby winery are an obvious choice.

At Poppy, they serve an ambitious tasting menu along with a few standalone dishes, always with a vegetarian option. Swedish flavours and ingredients are given a Southern European twist, and a new menu is created regularly based on seasonal produce. If you're looking for one of Gothenburg's best dinner restaurants, this is the place to go.

In Floda, a short trip outside Gothenburg, you'll find this cosy, inclusive meeting place with a restaurant, café, and its own bakery. You can enjoy all meals of the day here; from freshly baked breakfast sandwiches to a lively dinner with friends. The West Coast and the Mediterranean are both represented on the menu, in the form of smaller and larger plates that can be combined into a three-course meal for those who wish. 

At Cheri-Lee, they focus on a Pan-Asian dinner club concept that welcomes guests for brunch and dinner in stylishly designed surroundings oozing 80s and 90s glamour. The menu is infused with flavours from across Asia, along with exciting cocktails to pair with the food.

This acclaimed little bistro is run by Chef of the Year winner Thomas Sjögren and his brother. They serve well-prepared food in relaxed surroundings. The menu includes their popular fine pizzas and small plates with Southern European flavours that change with the seasons.

Vi Viet can be found on Erik Dahlbergsgatan, an intimate restaurant specialising in authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Food is made from scratch using fresh ingredients, and they constantly strive to discover new, exciting recipes and flavours.

Located in the heart of Vasastan, this authentic Northern Italian gem offers more than just pasta and pizza. The menu varies according to the season's produce and the chef's inspiration, but rustic dishes and clean flavours are what characterise this trattoria. In true Italian spirit, they're passionate about wine, and not just any wine - only biodynamic and natural wines are served here.

Just a short drive from the city centre, this restaurant proudly stands by the sea and cliffs in Hovås. Despite its name, it is not a cold bathhouse, but a classic restaurant that revolves around the seasons and selects the best ingredients available right now. You can also combine your visit with a refreshing sauna bath.

Ilse Krog is in historic premises in Majorna, where they give classic bistro dishes an update. The menu is traditionally structured with starters, main courses, and desserts that can be easily combined into a two- or three-course meal. When it comes to drinks, organic wines are a particular favourite - perfect for enjoying post-work with a couple of oysters or olives.

A visit to Buenos Argentine Steakhouse is a must for keen carnivores. The aim is to provide a truly authentic taste experience, where grilled Argentine meat and selected Argentine wines take centre stage. Perfect for both larger and smaller groups.

A restaurant entirely dedicated to French cheeses - that's exactly what you'll find on Kungsportsavenyn. With cheese enthusiast Rémi at the helm, you'll be served a menu of French-inspired dishes, all with some form of cheese. The food is often paired with carefully selected wines, and you can also buy a few cheeses to take home. 

With the well-known restaurateur Gustav ('Gurra') Trädgårdh  at the helm, the gang at Gurras create their own interpretations of street food from kitchens around the world. Taste dishes and combinations you've probably never come across before, mainly presented as small and medium dishes to order several of and share within the group. If you're interested in drinks, you'll also find plenty of wine, cocktails and beer to choose from here.

This hole-in-the-wall joint may look unassuming, but inside hides a neon-lit world of extremely tasty street food. This trendy joint lists a variety of dishes with flavours primarily from Asia, a concept the owners call “Bastardised Asian streetfood”. Swing by, eat on-site or take away, and enjoy.

At Lavette, you don't have to wait for the weekend - a Saturday vibe prevails all week long. The lively brasserie evokes thoughts of the bar scenes of Paris and New York, inviting you to hang out at the bar with snacks and wine, as well as enjoy an evening with both small and large dishes. Whether you prefer meat, fish, or vegetarian options, you'll find something on the menu, which also lists ambitious brunch dishes from morning until evening on weekends. Lavette is run by the Orremyr family, who operate several restaurants throughout Gothenburg.

Inside Saluhallen indoor food hall, Banh Mi Shop serves Vietnamese street food with authentic flavours. The menu revolves around stuffed banh mi baguettes, but also offers buns, fresh summer rolls and the noodle soup phở. You can also order bubble tea, a sweet drink that's hugely popular in various parts of Asia.

This cosy neighbourhood restaurant has become something of an institution among the people of Gothenburg. You can enjoy Czech and Slovak food for both lunch and dinner here, for a reasonable price. Golden Prague is perhaps most famous for its breaded, fried cheeses and schnitzels, but the menu includes everything from goulash to cevapcici and Hungarian sausage. Naturally, Czech beer is also available on tap and in bottles.

Fuel up with a vegetarian and organic lunch while browsing through old vinyl records ranging from blues to jazz. Alternatively, come here for a wine dinner with handmade pasta, Lebanese cuisine, or just some nibbles with a glass of natural wine. During the summer months, the outdoor seating area is a watering hole for post-work drinks, wine enthusiasts, and anyone else looking to enjoy the good things in life. 

Hjällbo's bus stop has become a popular destination for those looking to indulge in freshly fried falafel at what may just be the most generous prices in town. In addition to the crispy balls, served with a variety of accompaniments, there are also options like chicken kebab and a renowned shawarma pizza.

Koka has been awarded Restaurant of the Year and honoured with a Michelin star. The entire place is permeated with a passion for food, drink, and the West Coast. There's also a strong awareness of the environment, with an emphasis on plant-based foods rather than animal products. Tasting menus consist of four, five, or seven courses, and can be paired with wines from small-scale and organic vineyards. 

With its two stars in the Michelin Guide, Signum is not only one of Gothenburg's, but also one of Sweden's best restaurants. With a view over the waters of Lake Landvetter, a sustainable tasting menu crafted by Chef of the Year winner Thomas Sjögren is served. Fish and seafood feature prominently on the menu, complemented by home-grown plants and game meat. Several different drinks packages are offered for those wanting to enhance their experience even further. 

The fact that Sjömagasinet has attracted both Gothenburg locals and international stars like the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, and others speaks volumes about the quality of the restaurant. In historic premises by the water, they serve well-composed fish and seafood dishes, prepared by some of the country's most renowned chefs. The flavours are both classic and modern.  

At 28+, Swedish and French flavours combine in larger and smaller tasting menus, which are changed regularly to offer returning guests something new and exciting. The kitchen uses seasonal produce, with a focus on using organic ingredients as much as possible. The restaurant also boasts one of Gothenburg's best-stocked wine cellars, as well as an extensive collection of whiskies.

With Chef of the Year winner Martin Moses at the helm, the team at Human delivers unique fine dining interpretations of modern Nordic cuisine. The focus is on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, crafted into various tasting menus for both lunch and dinner. The aim is to offer a top-class personal experience, with a relaxed and elegant atmosphere.

In a former glassworks, restaurateur Stefan Karlsson now runs this Michelin-starred restaurant focusing on Swedish ingredients that change with the seasons. At SK Mat & Människor, you can choose between the chef's table and the open dining room, where you can watch the chefs prepare the food. Create your own menu from the à la carte selection, or try one of the set menus with four or six courses. For an extraordinary experience, you can book a cooking class with one of the restaurant's chefs.

New and exciting restaurants are constantly popping up, quickly becoming the talk of the town among the city's foodies. When a place becomes renowned, it usually means it's really good and worth a visit. In the guide to Gothenburg's hottest restaurants, we have gathered all the city's trendy and popular eateries, both new and old.

You don't need to search for very long before finding a restaurant in the centre of Gothenburg, but the trick is to know which ones are the best. Fortunately, the city centre offers several really good eateries that are well worth a visit, and these are the ones we recommend in this guide. The city centre includes the area within the moat and around Gustav Adolfs torg.

Linnéstan is one of Gothenburg's most restaurant-dense areas. Linnégatan, which stretches from Järntorget up to Slottsskogen, is lined with restaurants, but many of the smaller streets in the neighbourhood are also home to hidden gems. How about Asian, Italian or Czech? The selection is as vast as it is diverse. We've gathered the best restaurants in Linné in this guide.