The guide to Gothenburg's cosiest restaurants

Behind Grano is the Chef of the Year winner Thomas Sjögren and his brother, who have created a relaxed environment with influences from the forests in northern Sweden where they grew up. They serve fine pizza and small dishes with Southern European flavours that vary depending on the season.

Despite its size, this restaurant feels properly warm and cosy thanks to its hunting lodge-inspired decor and the park outside. Boules lanes, greenery and rustic interiors all combine to enhance the relaxed atmosphere. Tuck into hearty food in charming surroundings.

The menu at Familjen consists of West Swedish gastronomy of the more rustic variety and guests can choose between a three course set menu or à la carte. The warm, welcoming atmosphere draws in the crowds throughout the week, for the food, atmosphere and Familjen's imaginative cocktails.

Going to Unity Jazz on Kyrkogatan feels just like going to someone's home. Music plays, the wine flows and flavours hit the right spot. Most evenings a week you can listen to live sessions and jams, and sometimes they even put on jazz lunches for jazz cats and recent converts alike. The menu includes fish and shellfish, meat and vegetarian dishes. Medium-sized dishes take centre stage, but there are also a few main courses.

Project started out in 2016 as an laid-back yet ambitious neighbourhood restaurant with a homely feel and excellent food. The warm, welcoming atmosphere remains, as does the great food - but in new packaging and with a new, higher tempo. The dark, moody restaurant, decorated with chandeliers and patterned wallpaper, was awarded a Michelin star in 2021. The knowledgeable staff are happy to guide you through the tasting menu and pairing drinks. If you're a large group who want to sit separately you can book the restaurant's private dining room in the cellar. 

Meet has been named one of the best meat restaurants in Sweden and if you're hankering after a really good quality piece of meat, you'll find it here. But the surroundings and atmosphere are equally as important, smart yet laid-back, with classic steakhouse elements.

With rustic wooden beams, sloping roofs, and a location right by the water, historic Sjömagasinet is equally beloved for its cosy atmosphere as for its well-composed fish and seafood dishes. For decades, both locals and global stars like the Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen have come here to enjoy marine delicacies in both classic and modern styles. You can also host parties and weddings here.

Norda is housed in what used to be Gothenburg's central post office and the restaurant fills the magnificent space with red velvet furniture, drapes and glamorous Manhattan-inspired vibes. Perfect for a stylish yet snug dinner with dishes such as lobster, oyster and hamburgers on the menu. Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson is the creative partner.

This spectacular city resort has several restaurants and bars in glamorous Art Deco style. There's Archie's, which serves luxurious comfort food all day, and the hotel's sky bar Gogogaga, where you can share fusion dishes and drink cocktails with fantastic views over Gothenburg. 

The sloped ceiling with its deep window alcoves creates lots of cosy nooks in Hotel Pigalle's restaurant on the fourth floor. Large flowery sofas fill the open dining room with a luxurious yet homely atmosphere. The sofa groups in the outdoor dining area create a living room feel. 

What could be cosier than authentic French vibes? This neighbourhood restaurant oozes a welcoming and homely atmosphere for a relaxed lunch and dinner. The menu includes their signature dish, tarte flambée, as well as selected dishes and a classic charcuterie plate. All kinds of parties and occasions are welcome here, from lunch to post-work drinks and dinner.

With humanity as their watchword, Human has created a relaxed variant of fine dining with guests' individual experience very much in focus. They serve tasting menus with their own interpretations of modern Nordic cuisine, prepared with ingredients from the local area. The interiors also follow a Nordic theme, with muted colours, heavy curtains and natural materials such as wood and leather.

Koka, which has one star in the Guide Michelin, is an experience for both your palette and your eyes. The minimalist interiors create a luxurious yet snug atmopshere and have been nominated for several architecture prizes. The kitchen's watchwords are "West Swedish gastronomy"; the menu reflects a great love of the West Coast and the region's world class produce.

This cosy local restaurant in the corner premises of Vasaplatsen 3 carries on the legacy of its predecessors. Classic flavours are served here in a relaxed environment with green-painted walls, red sofas, and a yellow bar. Gather around a meal or settle down at the bar for a cold beer.

Drop by for some southern French cosiness at Bar Palavas, which is run by three childhood friends who take their inspiration from Palavas-les-flots where they used to holiday together. They've created a charming hangout on Teatergatan with a strong French theme, from the name to the decor and menu. The food itself is made with locally produced ingredients given a little Swedish twist, and of course delicious wines carefully selected from producers who make the purest wines possible.

A visit to this neighbourhood restaurant should feel like walking into a comfy living room, whether you're having a glass of wine, order a few snacks or tuck into a three-courses dinner. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed. The menu is based on Swedish culinary traditions and dishes are made from carefully selected ingredients. 

As the name suggests, it should feel like being at someone's home here. There's an easy-going atmosphere between the tables where couples, friends, and families mingle over delicious dishes in Swedish and European style. Interesting wines are served alongside.

With its pastel colours, marble touches, patterned rugs and exposed brick walls, Tycho is a cosy spot in Gamlestaden. This Continental restaurant focuses on creating a pleasant and welcoming environment that suits both everyday occasions and special events. Come here for lunch, dinner, brunch or a little evening hangout with cocktails and pintxos.

Restaurang Tiljan is Gothenburg Stadsteatern's own restaurant. The atmosphere is cosy and intimate, and you're welcome to enjoy everything from a three-course menu to a medium-sized dish or just a glass of wine in the bar, whether you're watching a performance in the theatre or not. The menu includes classics such as Tiljan's own version of Toast Skagen and fish pie.

Experience a slice of the Italian 50s at the Bellora boutique hotel in the heart of Avenyn. Renowned pizzas and pasta dishes are served in their cosy ristorante among large floral sofas and charming decorative details. Fill the table with Italian favourites from the open kitchen and finish off with a classic dessert.

BP Brasserie, part of Biljardpalatset, has a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Classic Mediterreanean flavours are the order of the day, with favourites such as grillad entrecôte with Café de Paris butter, tuna "Nicoise" and bouillabaisse. If you're in the mood for a three-course menu you can order the chef's choice, with a pairing wine package if you fancy.

Modern Nordic gastronomy meets Asian tradition at much-lauded vRÅ, within the Clarion Hotel Post. A meeting that's also reflected in the exclusive interiors. Eat sushi, sashimi and oysters among locally-sourced materials and Asian elements.

Burgundy leather sofas, patterned rugs and dark wood - you get the idea. The Golden Days serves dishes such as their signature flambéed pepper steak with potato gratin. There's an extensive, classic menu as well as a pub menu to choose from, with meat, fish and vegetarian options. It's also worth mentioning they specialise in beer and whisky, so if you're a fan of either (or both) of these drinks, you've come to the right place.

Homely, charming, leafy - all words that describe this delightful neighbourhood restaurant. Make yourself at home, order a jug of Pimms or sangria or a glass of wine. Take a deep dive into the menu which includes small dishes perfect for sharing, before tucking into one of the flatbread pizzas. Enjoy dinner on your own or together with friends, family or colleagues.

This vibrant neighbourhood bistro on Andra Långgatan works equally well for a lunch in the city, as for a dinner with Mediterranean influences or some post-work socialising. Hang out in modern bistro surroundings with white tiles, carver chairs and large windows overlooking the street.

Restaurateur Pietro Fioriniello has created a friendly, welcoming restaurant close to Liseberg and other attractions. During the summer months you eat al fresco surrounded by leafy palms, while inside the restaurant warm red brick walls create a cosy feel.

For a cosy restaurant in the heart of the city, head to First Hotel G, up the escalator from the Central railway station. Enjoy European classics in an elegant setting at G Mat & Vin, or relax amidst the velvet sofas in the charming champagne bar, Cristal Bar. Either way, expect thoughtful surroundings and an intimate atmosphere.

If you're looking for a dining experience in beautiful natural surroundings, head to Hovås Kallbadhus. Despite the name, it's not actually a cold-bathing house, but consists of a restaurant and sauna right next to the beach and the rocks. The restaurant, which has views of the waves and the sunset, serves classic dishes made with seasonal ingredients.

This creative restaurant inside the Radisson Blu Riverside Hotel boasts views over the Göta älv river. A slightly quirky hotel restaurant, Cuckoo's Nest has been lauded for its rich design concept full of details, and it's a popular meeting place among Gothenburgers who want to eat good food in an appealing atmosphere. They serve everything from breakfast and lunch to cocktails and dinner. The kitchen takes its culinary inspiration from all over the world and varies the menu according to the seasons to ensure they use the best possible produce.  

Dream yourself away to Little Italy in New York as you enjoy pizza, pasta, hamburgers or a grilled meat dish at Joe Farelli's. This family-owned restaurant has been on Avenyn for many years, and it has a proper Italian/American diner feel with checked tablecloths, green leather booths and black and white photographs. 

Ma Cuisine positively oozes French bistro vibes. Everything revolves around the kitchen (that's where the magic happens, after all), where the skilled chefs cook all the food from scratch from Swedish ingredients. Food is then served with a carefully selected wine creating a complete experience with both contemporary and classic elements. 

Not much can beat a walk in a leafy, verdant park and this cosy Linné restaurant serves up park-life vibes all year round. Enjoy Roman-style pizzas served among trees and lanterns, indoors. As well as food, the restaurant also offers selected nature wines, locally-brewed wines and cocktails with natural flavours.

Leather-clad furntiture, white tiled walls and wooden shelves filled with wine bottles - families with young children and loved-up couples alike can relax and enjoy the atmosphere at Enoteca del Signore. Hang out by the green marble bar or book the wine cellar for a private Italian dinner.

You'll find this little gem right next door to the Hotel Bellora, in the heart of central Gothenburg. They serve a pan-Asian menu with dishes from all over Asia, in particular Japan and China. The premises are inviting with impressive decor with patterned textiles and walls hung with colourful art. Come by with a special date, or colleagues or friends for a big night out.

Food and wine take centre stage at this neighbourhood wine bar, preferably in combination. Vinarium is housed in light, airy premises in Kålltorp where the bar and dining room flow into one another. Hang out and socialise over a glass of wine and some cheese and charcuterie or enjoy a full dinner.

Asian vibes flow freely at OGBG, inside the Comfort Hotel Göteborg on Stenpiren right next to the water. The menu draws inspiration mainly from Thailand, Vietnam and China, but flavours from India, Korea and Cambodia also find their way into dishes, along with locally sourced ingredients. The decor is detailed and in muted colours.

Cosy pub vibes meet edgy steampunk details, creating a unique, spicy atmosphere. Dating couples and groups of friends meet up here to escape reality for a while among the muted tones and soft lighting. Plus for the staff in elaborate steampunk outfits.

In the heart of the charming Linné district, you'll find this bistro-pub in historic, unique premises. The building was once used for storing blocks of ice, but these days it's anything but chilly. The restaurant is divided into two floors with an adjacent wine cellar and there's plenty of space for both large and small parties with lots of cosy corners. Choose from the menu's rustic bistro dishes or just go for a charcuterie plate with something good to drink.

The intimate and relaxed atmosphere is as central to Natur as the ingredients they use. The New York-inspired setting includes simple wooden furniture and dark green walls filled with mismatched artworks - the perfect backdrop to some organic food and a glass of natural wine. Don't miss their charming sister restaurant Bord 27.

At Buenos Aires Argentine Steakhouse, you get to experience a small piece of Pampas. Gather and socialise around Argentinian, charcoal-grilled meat in a traditional way. The restaurant is a cosy meeting place that suits equally well whether you come with family or friends.

Meet up for a local lunch, dinner with the family or a drink in the bar with friends at Stures Brasseri opposite Scandinavium arena. The brasserie, which is close to all the attractions of Gothenburg's events district, has a warm, welcoming atmosphere. 

Teatergatan, housed in a grand historic building, is a modern brasserie with a great atmosphere. 1920s-inspired interiors complete with velvet sofas, Kentia palms and a muted colour palette set the tone. The kitchen is inspired by different parts of the world - the menu includes everything from fresh oysters and lobsters to Asian specialties.

Authentic Greek dishes, cooked with tradition and love, are the order of the day at this Majorna-based neighbourhood restaurant. The restaurant's sun-yellow walls evoke thoughts of a taverna in the Mediterranean archipelago, complete with chequered tablecloths and flower boxes here and there. The menu features a mix of small mezedes and main courses like moussaka, grilled skewers, and Greek salad, and if you want something tasty to drink, there's beer, wine, and cocktails to choose from. 

Plumply upholstered furniture in rich jewel colours, eleborate decorative details and generously draped textiles take your cosy night out to new levels. The interiors are reminiscent of a 19th century Parisian apartment.

In the heart of the charming Linné neighbourhood, this intimate restaurant serves Austrian and Swiss food. Heavy curtains and wallpapered walls create a welcoming atmosphere and the combination of decor and hearty food will get you into a cosy mood in no time

Whitewashed walls give this exclusive cellar restaurant a light, fresh impression. Why not gather your friends together for a tasting menu in the chambre separée, before rounding off your dinner in the well-stocked wine cellar. Fine dining in intimate surroundings.

This popular brasserie with a French-inspired menu is just a stone's throw from Gothenburg's main thoroughfare, Avenyn. The decor, which combines the classic with the modern, feels warm and welcoming. Uncomplicated, noisy and, quite simply, cosy.

Centrale is a charming trattoria and wine bar in Mölndal. Tuck into Italian goodies such as arancini, pasta and risotto. They also have an extensive wine list with wines from all over Italy. Take a seat among the candlelight and enjoy.

An exotic restaurant experience that's cosy in an unconventional way. Sit in bamboo booths surrounded by tropical greenery and rainforest sounds from the loudspeakers.

For an extra intimate evening, atNordhem is a great option. You're not just booking a table here, but the whole dining room, allowing your group to devote yourselves entirely to each other. You're welcome to express your own menu preferences, but they also offer set menus ranging from three to nine courses. Whichever you go for in the end, the common denominator is always carefully selected seasonal ingredients.