Sweden - Becky Ohlsen [161]
Fiskekrogen (10 10 05; Lilla Torget 1; mains Skr285-375; lunch & dinner Mon-Sat) Another high achiever, Fiskekrogen serves superlative fish and seafood creations in former Swedish East India Company buildings. Slip into the chic circular dining room, Blåskajsa, choose your drop from the 500-plus wine list, and prepare to toast the chefs. Book ahead.
28+ (20 21 61; Götabergsgatan 28; mains Skr325-375; 6-11pm Mon-Sat) Stylish, award-winning 28+ is another fine-dining darling, wowing palates with intriguing dishes like duck terrine with fresh berries, roasted brioche and sweet-and-sour strawberries. For the ultimate indulgence, succumb to the seven-course degustation menu (Skr975). The restaurant closes in summer.
Magnus & Magnus (13 30 00; Magasins-gatan 8; 2-/3-/4-/6-course tasting menus Skr445/555/555/785; from 6pm) A big hit with the VIPs, this ever-fashionable restaurant serves inspired Euro-fusion flavours. The summer courtyard (which comes complete with bar, DJs and different club nights from Wednesday to Monday) draws an ubercool crowd.
Cafes
Bar Italia (Prinsgatan 7; panini Skr30-40; 7.30am-6pm) In the Linné district is this cultish espresso bar, complete with Italian baristi and suspended Vespa. In warm weather, watch the hip brigade squeeze onto the pavement banquette for perfect caffeine, cornetti (croissants), gourmet calzone and gossip.
Bar Centro (711 00 27; Kyrkogatan 31; focaccia Skr30-60; 6am-6pm Mon-Fri, 7am-5pm Sat, 8am-5pm Sun) Fans of this iconic, retro espresso bar spill out onto the street, downing smooth espresso and tasty focaccias. The few window seats are perfect for urban voyeurs.
Bar Doppio (42 56 66; Linnégatan 7; soup Skr40, brunch Skr70; 8am-6pm Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Sat & Sun, from 7am Mon-Fri mid-Aug–May) More class-A caffeine awaits at this Scandi-cool cafe, where regulars keep track of their tabs on a giant blackboard. Run by two young Antipodeans, it’s a laid-back hang-out with a great neighbourhood vibe and fresh grub like homemade muesli, soup, focaccia and biscotti.
Da Matteo (13 06 09; Vallgatan 5; pizzas Skr75-90, salads Skr80-95; 9am-7pm Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm Sat, 11am-4pm Sun) A mecca for coffee snobs, head here for wickedly fine espresso, moreish mini sfogliatelle (Neapolitan pastries) and savouries like real-deal pizzas, panini and salads. There’s a sun-soaked courtyard and a second branch on Viktoriapassagen.
Quick Eats
For something quick, the Nordstan shopping complex has loads of fast-food outlets.
Super + Sushi (12 20 90; Prinsgatan 4; to 9pm) Close to several of the hostels, head here for excellent Japanese lunch deals, including miso soup, green tea and 10 pieces of sushi for Skr65.
Alexandras (711 23 81; Kungstorget; soups & stews around Skr40) Located in the central Saluhallen, this famous eatery dishes out excellent hearty soups and stews, and is particularly welcoming on a chilly day.
Crêpe Van (crêpes Skr40-60; 4-9pm Mon-Thu, 4pm-3am Fri & Sat) Sweet tooths should head to this unassuming takeaway van, also a favourite of ‘flushed and clumsy’ patrons late on Friday and Saturday.
Self-Catering
Saluhallen (Kungstorget; 9am-6pm Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm Sat) Göteborg’s main central market is jammed with tasty budget eateries and food stalls, and the perfect place to stock up that picnic basket.
Saluhall Briggen (Nordhemsgatan 28; 9am-6pm Mon-Fri, 9am-2pm Sat) It might lack Saluhallen’s size and buzz, but this covered market (in an old fire-station) will have you drooling over its bounty of fresh bread, cheeses, quiches, seafood and ethnic treats. It’s particularly handy for the hostel district.
Feskekörka (711 35 09; Rosenlundsgatan; 9am-5pm Tue-Thu, 9am-6pm Fri, 10am-2pm Sat, also 9am-5pm Mon Jul & Aug) A market devoted to fresh fish and squamous things, the ‘Fish Church’ is heaven (sorry) for seafood fans. Takeaway treats include