The Swedish west coast city of Göteborg (Gothenburg) is set to be a must-visit for food lovers this summer, offering an exciting mix of new restaurants, cafés and festivals that combine international flavours with Swedish creativity.
More than 20 new restaurants, bars and cafés have opened across Göteborg and the surrounding west coast this year. The iconic Feskekörka, often called the “fish church,” has reopened after a major renovation, and Gamlestaden, Göteborg’s historic old town founded in 1493, remains a rich culinary neighbourhood. Trendy wine bars are appearing throughout the city, while pizza and pasta restaurants continue to draw locals and visitors alike. Below are some of the most anticipated newcomers of 2024 and the top culinary events to plan for.
© Happy Visuals
Feskekörka reopened after a four-year renovation and now houses several fish counters along with four new restaurants and bars. The venue hosts Swedish and international guest chefs across its kitchens, making it a top destination for seafood and market cuisine.
Wine Mechanics, which opened late in 2023, is the city’s first urban winery producing its own wines. Building on a Nordic tradition of urban wineries that began in Gamlestaden in 2018, Wine Mechanics works with sustainably sourced grapes from Germany and France and operates in the historic market hall Stora Saluhallen.
© Ron Bernthal
Lorensbergs Fisk & Bar, which opened in early 2024, serves seafood classics such as fish soup, mussels, shrimp sandwiches and its signature half “à la mer.” The venue also includes Lorensbergs Fiskaffär, a well-stocked fish shop offering fresh fish and takeaway lunches.
Ceno Brasserie launched in April inside the striking World of Volvo building and features award-winning Michelin-starred chef Stefan Karlsson. The brasserie offers refined lunch and dinner in a space celebrated for its architecture and ambiance.
© Ron Bernthal
Bar el Guiri brings Spanish flavour to the city with a 50-foot wine and pintxos bar, an open-kitchen restaurant area and a héladeria serving ice cream and churros. The venue also includes an upstairs lounge with shuffleboard and boules courts, creating a lively, social atmosphere.
Wazo opened this spring as one of Sweden’s smallest wine bars, specialising in natural, additive-free wines and a simple menu focused on cheeses and breads. Run by the family behind the popular Café Oizo, Wazo offers an intimate setting for wine lovers.
Posto, which launched in spring 2024, is an Italian restaurant from restaurateur Phillipe Cohen, who runs a similar concept in Stockholm. Located just off the main boulevard Avenyn, Posto brings classic Italian dishes and a warm dining atmosphere to Göteborg’s centre.
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Gothenburg Street Food Festival, held Aug. 29–Sept. 1, is Sweden’s largest street food event. Stretching from Basargatan to Kungstorget, the festival features a wide range of street-food vendors, sweet treats and the Swedish street-food and sweet-food championships, with prize ceremonies on Kungstorget square.
The Sausage Festival returns Sept. 27–28 and draws thousands of sausage enthusiasts every year. The event showcases an array of sausages, sides and beverages and will take place this year at Göteborg Film Studios with some 40–50 exhibitors expected to participate.