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The Nordic Nomad

Sweden

The foodie’s guide to Sweden’s 9 best destination restaurants

The Nordics • Eat & drink • The foodie’s guide to Sweden’s 9 best destination restaurants

Uncovering Sweden’s hidden culinary gems

Were you crushed to learn of Fäviken’s closure? So were we, but fear not! Sweden still boasts a wealth of destination restaurants that are sure to satisfy your cravings for innovative cuisine made with local and seasonal ingredients. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through some of the most exciting destination restaurants in Sweden that are sure to delight food enthusiasts. From small-scale eateries to Michelin-starred restaurants, Sweden’s culinary scene is bursting with creativity. Get ready to discover some of the most unforgettable dining experiences Sweden has to offer.

Knystaforsen

Knystaforsen, a restored sawmill in Rydöbruk, Halland, has been transformed into a Michelin-starred destination restaurant by Danish couple, Eva and Nicolai Tram. Using locally sourced ingredients and cooking everything over an open fire, the Trams have created a seasonal menu that showcases the best of the region’s produce. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Nissan river, Knystaforsen offers a cosy and welcoming atmosphere that celebrates the family lifestyle and the joy of sharing a meal. With homemade non-alcoholic beverages and workshops on open-fire cooking, Knystaforsen offers a unique and unforgettable dining experience that should not be missed.

Knystaforsen
Rydöforsvägen 4
Rydöbruk
Sweden

Photography courtesy of Knystaforsen

Restaurang Äng

A meal at Restaurang Äng starts ahead of entering the restaurant. The winding path that runs through a Halland meadow is the first taste of what guests of the one Michelin-star restaurant are about to experience: a bountiful region filled to the brim of beautiful produce. Housed inside a mirrored glass greenhouse – another metaphor of sorts, you might say – is run by chef Filip Gemzell and his partner Ann-Catrine Johansson, who takes on the role of Äng’s sommelier. The restaurant, which reopened in the new multi-level glass structure in 2022, is the stunning work of Copenhagen-based Norm Architects.

Restaurang Äng
Ästad 10
Tvååker
Sweden

Photography courtesy of Restaurang Äng

Vyn

Vyn, chef Daniel Berlin’s latest culinary marvel, stands majestically in Skåne, offering breathtaking vistas of the Österlen countryside and the Baltic Sea. Once a grand farm, it now boasts a minimalist yet warm interior, with hues of silvery grey and oatmeal reflecting the serene surroundings. The main dining room, seating 30, showcases the vast sea and sky through expansive windows, turning nature into a dynamic artwork. Berlin, previously of the two-Michelin-starred Daniel Berlin Krog, serves a menu that’s a testament to his intimate knowledge of local produce, often grown, foraged or hunted by the chef himself. Vyn also features a cosy food & wine bar and a boutique hotel.

Read the full article on Vyn.

Vyn
Höga vägen 72
Simrishamn
Sweden

Photography courtesy of Arve Krognes, Martin Kaufmann and Vyn

PM & Vänner Matsal

Located in the heart of the region of Småland, PM & Vänner Matsal’s gastronomic philosophy is rooted in showcasing the region’s unique landscape and produce. The restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star for its ambitious and sophisticated cooking style, which is explained with infectious passion. Dishes highlight the “forest, lake and meadow” concept, with much of the produce sourced from their own garden and bakery. The extraordinary wine list, one of the largest in Sweden with nearly 5,000 bottles, has won several awards for its low pricing and wide range of styles, regions and vintages. Jonas Lindvall-designed PM & Vänner also boasts a hotel with a culinary profile, an ambitious bistro and a cocktail bar, making it one of the top food and wine destinations in the Nordic region.

PM & Vänner Matsal
Västergatan 10
Växjö
Sweden

Photography courtesy of PM & Vänner

Fyr

Chef Jacob Holmström, formerly of the now-closed two-star Michelin restaurant Gastrologik in Stockholm, has brought his culinary expertise to Halmstad with Fyr. Located in the coastal region of Halland, Fyr is a spacious, warm and lively restaurant open year-round. The interior, crafted by designer Emelie Leijon, combines modern aesthetics with rustic elements, highlighted by an open fire in the kitchen. Holmström’s menu focuses on high-quality seafood and local ingredients, with standout dishes like the grilled turbot with white wine sauce and Fyr’s signature oysters with cucumber, jalapeno and ramsons. The bar offers a diverse selection of snacks and premium beverages.

Fyr
Tjuvahålsvägen 9
Halmstad
Sweden

Photography courtesy of Fyr

Julita Wärdshus

In the idyllic region of Södermanland, the charming Julita Wärdshus is being transformed into a gastronomic destination. Acquired by Tommy Myllymäki, the star chef behind the Michelin-starred restaurant Aira, Julita Wärdshus aims to combine world-class dining with overnight stays in historical surroundings. The culinary prowess is helmed by Gustav Leonhardt, the winner of Bocuse d’Or Sweden 2023. The menu features a clear Nordic and local profile, served in a setting that can accommodate 24 guests. The accommodations are nestled in the beautiful mansion wings of Julita Gård, parts of which date back to the 15th century.

Julita Wärdshus
Julita
Sweden

Photography courtesy of Julita Wärdshus

Frö

Frö restaurant, located near Hundfjället in Sälen, offers a unique culinary experience centred around seasonal ingredients and preserving past seasons. The restaurant is owned by three passionate individuals – chefs Malin Flygar and Charlie McCorgray, and restaurant manager Emma Ramirez – who focus on local and organic produce from Sälen and Dalarna. The menu, which changes according to the availability of the ingredients, includes dishes such as rye and wheat from Trossnäs Gård, pork from Forsa Gård and fish from local lakes. The restaurant also serves homemade juices, infusions and craft wines, with a focus on natural and organic options. The decor is rustic and cosy, set in an old mountain farm building.

Frö
Fjällsåsvägen 2
Sälen
Sweden

Photography courtesy of Frö

Restaurang Signum

Located on the tip of Långenäs peninsula at Hällsnäs Hotel & Restaurant in Västergötland lies a true culinary gem, where earth, fire, air and water converge in the dishes served. Restaurang Signum’s menu follows the Nordic seasons, using only the finest ingredients sourced from local farmers, fishermen and suppliers. Chef Thomas Sjögren creates a stunning 18-course tasting menu, with a focus on fish and seafood, complemented by vegetables from their micro-farm and partner farm. The decor is modern and stylish, with natural colours, handmade furniture and sculptures that frame the breathtaking views of Lake Landvetter.

Restaurang Signum
Långenäsvägen 150
Mölnlycke
Sweden

Photography courtesy of Restaurang Signum

Skalla Bord

Tucked away in a beautiful lakeside town just outside of Mariefred, Södermanland, lies a unique culinary gem called Skalla Bord. Chef Gustav Öhman has created a restaurant that adapts to its surroundings, embracing the season and the availability of local ingredients. The restaurant is situated under Öhman’s family home, and the intimate space can seat up to eight guests at a time. The dishes are expertly crafted using produce from the restaurant’s garden, surrounding areas, and Gustav’s mother-in-law. Gustav’s background at Michelin-starred restaurants such as NoMa is evident in his exceptional skills and respect for ingredients.