Where to find leafy cafés in Gothenburg

Villa Belparc has possibly the most picturesque outdoor dining area anywhere in the city centre. It runs alongside Stora Dammen lake in Slottskogen park and wherever you choose to sit you can enjoy great views of the water and park area. Whether you're in the mood for a coffee, cocktail or a sit-down dinner, you'll find something on the menu to suit. Wood-fired pizzas, grilled dishes, prawn sandwiches and home-baked cakes and pastries are just some of the goodies on offer. One part of the large outdoor area has hammocks close to the lake, perfect for anyone who wants to chill out and enjoy the surroundings all day.

Believe it or not, you'll find this idyllic summerhouse-style café opposite the hustle and bustle of Avenyn and Kungsportsplatsen. Café & Bar Grindstugan, next to the entrance to Trädgårdsföreningen park, is decorated with classic flowery wallpaper and it even has a bandstand next to it. As well as homebaked cakes and pastries, they also serve favourites such as burgers, pizzas and salads and the bar is licensed. They organise regular folk music evenings and dances under the coloured lanterns.

As soon as you step off the ferry at Styrsö Bratten you're welcomed by this large, yellow villa. The villa's verdant herb garden serves as the café's alfresco dining area and has become a popular destination for anyone looking to leave the city and head out to the archipelago for the day. The café serves homemade cakes and pastries and light dishes such as prawn sandwiches and pickled herring platters.

Saltholmen is a favourite spot for cooling off with a dip in the sea close to the city. But what not everyone knows is that there's also an Italian garden there, just a stone's throw from the tram stop. At Paradiset you can enjoy artisan pizzas in the classic archipelago villa or al fresco in the garden, or just a great coffee after your swim.

Oceanen is more of a restaurant than a café but as it's extremely family friendly, and sausages are the main attraction, it's probably something in between. The leafy green courtyard feels like a smart beer garden and it there's often a relaxed family-party feel. Posh sausages with various sides are the order of the day and there are plenty of vegetarian varieties.

Take a seat for a healthy, delicious coffee or lunch in the heart of the Botanical Gardens, surrounded by Japanese cherry trees and tropical banana plants. The menu includes cakes and pastries and more substantial dishes, made from organic and locally-produced ingredients. If the summer evening gets chilly, there's an outdoor fire to keep you warm and cosy.

Few Gothenburg views have been more romanticised than the one from Röda Sten. On the cliffs next to the iconic Älvsborg bridge, with views over the entrance to Gothenburg harbour, it's little wonder Röda Sten restaurant is a real summer favourite. The café serves a wide range of cakes and pastries, including vegan and gluten-free ones, as well as Lebanese meze if you fancy something more substantial. If you want a dose of culture with your meal, Röda Sten Art Gallery is in the same building.

Färjenäs in Hisingen has become a popular destination for many of Gothenburg's dog owners. The reason is of course Flickorna på Färjenäs café, which welcomes four-legged guests. Naturally, dog-free visitors are also welcome, and the cosy café garden is a delightful place to hang out and have a fika. Enjoy homemade cakes and pastries and classic British afternoon tea at the weekend. They also arrange live music evenings and other events.

Next to an old military building called Skansen Kronan, there's a small soldiers' cottage where history buffs can enjoy freshly baked, crispy waffles with cream and jam. They also bake everything from apple pie to buns here to make your coffee experience complete - all with fantastic views of the city.

Trädgårdsföreningen is Gothenburg's most central green oasis. Despite its location just a stone's throw from the central train station, the park is peaceful and leafy. Right next to the park's magnificent rose garden, this garden café has its roots in the 19th century. As well as coffee and cakes, they serve light dishes, and you can hire the entire place for parties.

Bertilssons stuga is an old wooden cottage in the heart of the beautiful nature reserve around Delsjön lake. Sitting under the apple trees in the large garden is a delightful place to enjoy a coffee or light meal, especially after a dip in the lake. Everything in the café is baked and made on site and the owners are happy to tell guests about the café's fascinating history. It takes around 20 minutes to get to Bertilssons stuga from the city centre.