The guide to the best restaurants in Halmstad

Pio is on Storgatan 37 in the heart of Halmstad. Since its inception in 1969, it has established itself as one of the city's oldest and most beloved eateries, where traditional fine dining meets modern Swedish interpretations in the kitchen. The cooking is rustic, with seasonal ingredients taking centre stage on a menu that includes classic dishes. The atmosphere is inviting, and great importance is placed on personal service, which encourages guests to return time and again.

Looking for something exclusive and elegant? Inside the Elite Hotel in Halmstad, Franz Bistro & Bar serves lunch, dinner, brunch, and post-work drinks. They serve delicious food in stylish surroundings, with top-class service. The menu hints at inspiration drawn from all corners of the world, and the drinks list features plenty of signature cocktails. Every other weekend, you can visit the Piano Bar, which is perfect for both after-work gatherings and a lovely dinner. Franz has several private dining rooms for those who wish to sit separately, where you can enjoy a five-course meal with a paired drinks package.

Restaurant Fyr was founded by, among others, star chef Jaob Holmström and is a gastronomic meeting place on Tylösand beach in Halmstad. The menu focuses on fish and seafood dishes, where the ingredients are often local but flavoured with international influences. The name Fyr refers both to the nearby lighthouse on Tylön and the open fire in the kitchen. Come here for lunch, dinner or brunch during the week.

The name “Hummër” is a play on the Swedish words for “mood” and “lobster”, which clearly reflects the restaurant's strong focus on both a good atmosphere and seafood. The restaurant menu includes a delightful combination of lobster, meat, and other delicacies that are prepared and served with carefully selected accompaniments. Hummër also has its own dry-aging cabinet, where premium meat is aged to perfection. There's also a bar where you can settle down with something nice in your glass and soak up the pleasant atmosphere.

Zigges Garage on Hamngatan is an authentic tapas and cocktail bar in Halmstad, where everything is done with great service as a guiding principle. The kitchen, tapas and pintxos are prepared with love, and in the bar, innovative cocktails are served. You can come here for a meal with Spanish flavours as well as for a drink or a cup of coffee. There are also board games available if you're interested.

Bread on Wine is a relaxed wine bar and restaurant all in one, where the joy of sharing food and wine around a table is celebrated. The concept is inspired by the Spanish word “tapas”, and the menu offers plenty of dishes to share with your companions. Can't decide? No worries. There are ready-made food and drink packages to choose from, where the carefully selected wines play a major role in the experience.

Sometimes you want to find a restaurant with a really special atmosphere, and Kakel Kök & Bar is such a place. They put a lot of emphasis on providing a relaxed setting, good food, and exciting cocktails. The restaurant is just as suitable for a pleasant start to the evening as it is for a fun conclusion to the day. The menu offers a culinary mix of flavours, and every Friday and Saturday, a DJ plays, raising the atmosphere a notch higher.

The northern Swedish burger chain Bastard Burgers serves delicious burgers made from locally sourced meat. The menu also features several vegetarian and vegan options to choose from. Create your own burger menu with various types of sides, dips, and shakes – or how about a beer or a glass of wine? Inspiration for the concept comes from New York.

Restaurant Yoss is well-established and has been providing Halmstad with exciting food since 1995. The restaurant features an international culinary cuisine and the menu offers versatile dishes inspired by flavours from around the world. At Yoss, both lunch and dinner are served, and during the summer months, the lovely outdoor seating area is also open for those who wish to sit outside and people-watch.

The menu at this bistro draws influences from around the world, but its roots lie in European cuisine, particularly French. On Jarlens menu, you'll find oysters, caviar, and tartare alongside ribeye, mussels, and burgers. The restaurant also boasts an extensive wine list, featuring producers from across the globe, and regularly hosts winemakers' dinners. You should feel at home, whether you're enjoying a set tasting menu with wine pairings or just hanging out at the bar.

Indian Zayka is located in two places in Halmstad: Centrum and in Flygstaden. Authentic Indian food is served for lunch and dinner, where every bite tells the story of India's culinary heritage. The kitchen prioritises using fresh ingredients, preferably as locally sourced as possible, but some ingredients are imported to maintain authentic flavours from India. They also offer catering and take away, for those organising a party or on the go.

Lotus welcomes guests who appreciate Asian cuisine and enjoy healthy and flavourful meals. All food is prepared from scratch using fresh vegetables and quality ingredients. The restaurant serves dishes from three Asian kitchens: Mongolian, Thai, and Chinese. The aim is for the food to appeal to all tastes and preferences, and for guests to be involved in the creation of the dishes. As well as an à la carte menu, a buffet is also available for both lunch and dinner.

Restaurant Enjoy has created a meeting place where people can come to socialise with family, colleagues, or friends. Their aim is to establish a homely atmosphere which also includes a delightful dining experience. Food is all prepared from scratch, and flavours are predominantly Swedish. Come here for lunch, à la carte dinner, or just a glass of wine.

If you appreciate well-prepared dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, visit Fridolfs Krog on Brogatan. Their aim is to create memorable experiences with their guests. The restaurant offers set tasting menus, as well as à la carte, and everything on the menu is available for takeaway. If you're planning a big celebration, check out the function room at Fridolfs, which can be booked for various types of events.

At Hotel Tylösand in Halmstad, the summer restaurant Bettans Bar not only offers exciting food but also boasts a beautiful panoramic view over the Kattegatt. The focus here is on seafood, sushi and Asian fusion, and guests can enjoy their meals either in the outdoor seating area or indoors in an environment inspired by the surroundings. In addition to being a culinary destination during the summer, it also hosts a Christmas buffet in winter, where the focus remains on marine delicacies and Asian influences.

Not entirely surprisingly, Indian cuisine takes centre stage at the Best of India on Nygatan. The restaurant is particularly popular around lunch, when an Indian lunch buffet is served, but many also come here in the evening. The menu includes starters, tandoori and sizzler dishes, stews, vegetarian options, and children's dishes as well as Indian bread and delicious accompaniments. Best of India is open every day of the week.