Gothenburg For Foodies: Locals Recommend Seven Scandi Food Spots

Coastal Gothenburg might only be Sweden's second city but when it comes to gastronomy, it can give capital Stockholm a run for its money with no less than five Michelin-starred restaurants in the relatively small city.

Plus it's the perfect size for a city break, full of cultural heritage and laced with beautiful canals.

So if you're planning to visit, we've rounded up some local recommendations for the best Scandi Food spots. And as it's the seaside, it's all a bit fishy.

Strömmingsluckan

You’d be forgiven for walking past this black-painted truck without stopping. Located in a vacant parking lot in the popular Magsinsgatan area, this unassuming food van is a huge hit with the locals, serving delicious fresh food to hundreds of passers-by on a daily basis. On the weekends, foodies queue up to grab one of the local’s favourites - fried herring, mashed potatoes and lingonberries.

Kajutan

Where better to sample fresh crabs, shrimps and oysters than from inside Scandinavia’s largest fish market, Feskekorkan? Literally translated into English as ‘fish church’, the colossal chapel-shaped market supplies its own no-fuss restaurant with the tastiest catches of the day (you can watch as it is unloaded from the boats nearby), cooked to perfection. Make sure you try the seafood soup, which in colder months helps warm the cockles of many a customer. The restaurant is a hidden gem; little known by tourists, the prices are reasonable and the experience as authentic as it gets.

Sjömagasinet

Sjömagasinet is another waterfront gem, this time one that serves up Michelin-starred dishes simply too good not to try. Head chef Gustav Trägårdh won Chef of the Year in 2010, having been a mainstay at this 17th century warehouse restaurant over past few years. The menu changes every day so you can go twice during your stay! We recommend trying the seafood ravioli. With food this tasty, it’s no wonder a number of celebrities have been spotted at the tables.   

Fiskekrogen

Fiskekrogen, or ‘fish tavern’ as it translates, is a great place to go and relax and take your time over its great seafood menu. It’s certainly less of a tavern in the English sense of the word, situated within a stunning property that dates back to the 17th century. The restaurant’s motto, “the best the sea has to offer” rings true and it’s always worth going for the fish of the day if you want to really experience fresh catch at its absolute best. 

Wasa allé

Wasa Allé is the flagship restaurant of well-known Swedish chef, Mats Nordström, located right in the beating heart of the city. Throughout the year, Mats ensures that as many of the ingredients used in the menu as possible are sourced from within four hours of the restaurant. This dedication to local and organic produce makes Wasa allé one of the best places in Gothenburg to enjoy a healthy lunch or dinner. Indeed, Mats has prepared food for many of the Swedish royals over the years. If you are going and feeling adventurous, you have to try the surprise five-course meal called the “chair”.

Restaurang räkan

If you are looking for something a little cosier during the cold winter months, or perhaps you want something that will appeal to the kids as well, look no further than Räkan. The giant fish tank in the middle says it all, but when you can steer radio-controlled boats full of prawns to your table, you know you are in for quite an experience. The food is reasonable and great quality.

Tullhuset

Another gem beside the harbour, Tullhuset cannot be beaten for location. Whether it’s looking across at the beautifully lit Vinga Lighthouse of an evening, or sitting over the water on the terrace enjoying the sun at lunch, it’s hard to find a time of day that isn’t great to stop by for fish. Its reputation among locals in the city for exquisite seafood speaks for itself, but the view itself is breathtaking.  

Restaurant VRÅ

For lovers of raw fish, this restaurant offers the perfect fusion of the freshest seafood Scandinavia has to offer and delicious Japanese flavours. For lovers of sushi, this is a must-stop destination when exploring the city. Located at the trendy Clarion Hotel Post, our advice is to get their early, as the intimate seating area makes it a sought after dining experience. Head chef Frida Ronge, one of the rising stars in new Swedish cuisine, has created an unforgettable experience for customers using locally-caught fish. The restaurant’s numerous awards, awarded since it opened in 2012, are testament to her culinary skills.

Amex Insider Alex Zane has been taking a a sneak peek behind the scenes of some of Europe’s most popular destinations including Gothenburg, uncovering hidden gems and telling you a few things you might not already know. Visit youtube.com/AmericanExpressUK to watch Alex get more insider information from other exciting destinations.