Gothenburg may be known for its fish and seafood, but this coastal city has more to offer than just that. Here you'll find everything from simple street food to luxury three-course meals, classic Swedish flavours and exciting, international offerings.

Dine in a relaxed and refined setting or pull up a chair at one of the city's food markets for a bustling lunch in the centre. Or if you're in the mood for some live music, you can always enjoy your food to the sweet sounds of some swinging jazz. Locals know where all the best culinary experiences are to be found – and now you do as well.

  • 1

    Familjen

    Discover West Swedish gastronomy in a laid-back setting

    Familjen
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Food

    Familjen is a cosy restaurant with what the owners themselves refer to as an extended living room, where guests are encouraged to make themselves right at home. Familjen is located in the bustling district of Lorensberg which you can reach from Central Station by tram in around 10 minutes. Choose between a number of smaller plates or go all in with a full three-course dinner.

    The flavours are classic Swedish and local ingredients take centre stage. Big and little ones alike will be able to find their favourites. In 2018, Familjen was awarded a Pub of the Year award by the White Guide.

    Location: Arkivgatan 7, 411 34 Gothenburg, Sweden

    Open: Wednesday–Thursday 6 pm to 11 pm, Thursday–Saturday 5 pm to 1 am

    Phone: +46 31 20 79 79

    Map
  • 2

    The Market Hall (Stora Saluhallen)

    Discover exciting and varied flavours under one roof

    The Market Hall (Stora Saluhallen)
    • Families
    • Food
    • History

    At the Market Hall (Stora Saluhallen), you'll find flavours from all four corners of the world that you can mix and match into your own personal buffet. The Market Hall is located on Kungstorget square, which is about a 10 minute walk away from Central Station. Whether you're looking for a light bite or a huge feast, something exotic or a hearty classic, you'll have no trouble finding something to hit the spot.

    Start with a Greek soup, then some Chinese dumplings, or how about some delicacies from the Middle East or an indulgent treat from Italy? The only challenge will be making up your mind.

    Location: Kungstorget, 411 17 Gothenburg, Sweden

    Open: Monday–Thursday 9 am to 6 pm, Friday 9 am to 7 pm, Saturday 9 am to 5 pm

    Map

    photo by Arild Vågen Stora (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 3

    Lindholmen Street Food Market

    Sample street food of the highest quality

    Lindholmen Street Food Market
    • Families
    • Food

    The Lindholmen Street Food Market brings together local restaurants, chefs and publicans who share a love for street food which, despite its unpretentious appearance, is made from luxurious ingredients of the finest quality. The Lindholmen Street Food Market is located in the dockland district of Lindholmen and can be reached from the Nordstan Stop by Central Station in 6–8 minutes on bus line 16 or 16x.

    The vendors change regularly so surprises always await, but the one thing that's always guaranteed is quality street food prepared with care and local ingredients. Everyone is welcome and live music is often arranged.

    Location: Anders Carlssons gata 2, 417 55 Gothenburg, Sweden

    Open: Saturdays noon to 5 pm

    Phone: +46 31 22 77 97

    Map

    photo by Andrzej Otrębski (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 4

    Järntorget

    Explore a variety of flavours in the city's cultural heart

    Järntorget
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Food

    Järntorget square (lit. Iron Square) is a meeting place for many local Gothenburgers and home to both chain restaurants and cosy pubs. The square is located between the neighbourhoods of Haga and Masthugget, just over a mile away from Central Station, and is a central hub in the city's public transport network, making it super easy to reach by tram.

    Many people stop here for a bite to eat on the way to the theatre or a concert and you'll find both trendy restaurants and simpler gastropubs to choose from. Italian, Indian and Mexican cuisines are just a few of the options on offer.

    Location: Järntorget, 413 04 Gothenburg, Sweden

    Map

    photo by Holger.Ellgaard (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 5

    Teatergatan

    Enjoy flavours from around the world in a bistro interpretation

    Teatergatan
    • Couples
    • Food

    Teatergatan is a modern brasserie serving rustic and elegant dishes which the chef describes as "honest and hearty". The restaurant is located by Avenyn boulevard, just over half a mile from the Central Station. Sample fresh oysters, delicious seafood, charcuterie boards and vegetarian dishes. Choose whether you want to sit in the dining room, in the quieter market hall or at the bar.

    Teatergatan also offers nose-to-tail dining which means that they use as much as possible from each animal. They often serve slow-cooked meats, their own homemade sausages and carefully selected cuts with complimentary sides.

    Location: Teatergatan 20, 411 35 Gothenburg, Sweden

    Open: Friday–Saturday 5 pm to 10 pm

    Phone: +46 31 18 30 93

    Map
  • 6

    Unity Jazz

    Enjoy seasonal dishes to lively jazz

    Unity Jazz
    • Couples
    • Food

    Unity Jazz is, not all that surprisingly, a jazz and wine bar where you can experience lively music, natural wines and seasonal dishes – as well as a wonderful cheese fondue. Unity Jazz is located by Gothenburg Cathedral (Göteborgs domkyrka) and is just a 10 minute walk from Central Station. The menu changes with the seasons and the kitchen puts particular focus on fish, seafood, vegetables and cheese.

    Book a table in the stage room if you want to listen to jazz while you eat, or at the bar if all you want is the grub.

    Location: Kyrkogatan 13, 411 15 Gothenburg, Sweden

    Open: Wednesday–Thursday 5 pm to midnight, Friday 5 pm to 2 am, Saturday noon to 2 am

    Phone: +46 31 25 12 44

    Map
  • 7

    Briggen Market Hall (Saluhall Briggen)

    Discover delicious bites in a former fire station

    Briggen Market Hall (Saluhall Briggen)
    • Food

    At Briggen Market Hall (Saluhallen Briggen), you'll find cheese, fish and meat, lamb and poultry plus a wide range of continental delicacies and specialities. The market hall is located by Järntorget square in the neighbourhood of Linnéstaden and can be reached by tram or bus in around 15 minutes.

    Come down for lunch and rest assured you'll likely find whatever it is you're in the mood for. Choose between seafood delicacies, a filling salad or exotic flavours from all ends of the earth. There is also a wine bar which opens late on Saturdays.

    Location: Nordhemsgatan 28, 413 06 Gothenburg, Sweden

    Open: Monday–Friday 9 am to 6 pm, Saturday 9 am to 4 pm

    Phone: +46 31 433323

    Map

    photo by JensPersson (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 8

    Dubbel Dubbel

    Taste imaginative and exciting Asian cuisine

    Dubbel Dubbel
    • Families
    • Food

    Dubbel Dubbel is a modern Asian restaurant which claims to serve the best dumplings and dim sum anywhere in the world. The chain has three branches in Gothenburg, with the most centrally located being at Polhemsplatsen, just 400 metres away from Central Station. This also happens to be the biggest and the only one which is open for lunch. If you are dining in company be sure to try their set menus. They are available in different sizes as well as in vegan and vegetarian versions. Alternatively you can put together your very own dim sum selection.

    If you want to check out their other locations, you'll find them at Järntorget square and in the district of Nilssonsberg.

    Location: Polhemsplatsen 5, 411 11 Gothenburg, Sweden

    Open: Monday–Friday 11:30 am to 1 pm, Thursday–Saturday 5 pm to 8 pm

    Phone: +46 722 151 499

    Map
  • 9

    Linnéterrassen

    Enjoy luxurious Swedish classics made from carefully selected ingredients

    Linnéterrassen
    • Couples
    • Food

    Linnéterrassen is an elegant restaurant which serves both lunch and dinner. The restaurant is located in the district of Olivedal between the areas of Masthuggsbergen and Olivedalsbergen and can be easily reached in less than 15 minutes from Central Station, either by tram or by bus.

    The dishes on the menu draw inspiration from all over the world and offer an abundance of delicacies from both land and sea, as well as a number of vegetarian dishes. If you come down for lunch between Monday and Friday you'll be able to choose between three options – meat, fish or vegetarian.

    Location: Linnégatan 32, 413 04 Gothenburg, Sweden

    Open: Monday–Thursday 11 am to 1 am, Friday 11 am to 2 am, Saturday noon to 2 am, Sunday noon to 1 am

    Phone: +46 31 24 08 90

    Map
  • 10

    Jinx Food Truck

    Feast on Asian street food

    Jinx Food Truck
    • Food

    Jinx Food Truck is unlike many of its competitors in that you will always find it in the same place, rather than rolling around town from stop to stop. It is located on Magasinsgatan in central Gothenburg, about a 15 minute walk away from Central Station.

    Their Asian street food concept encompasses bao buns filled with a vibrant array of veggies, spicy thaicos and New York-inspired pork buns which are packed with flavour and also available with a tofu filling instead of pork. If it's too difficult to pick then you can always opt for a portion of half buns and half thaicos.

    Location: Magasinsgatan 17, 411 18 Gothenburg, Sweden

    Open: Monday–Friday 11:30 am to 3 pm, Saturday noon to 3 pm

    Phone: +46 730 227 920

    Map