What Food To Try in Gothenburg and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Gothenburg for 2024.
National currency: Krona, symbol — kr (international currency code SEK).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Gothenburg cafes and restaurants
$11.6
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $9.29
$60.4
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $46.43
$8.8
Combo Meal
Starting from $8.36
What to Try in Gothenburg
Must-try Dishes
Köttbullar - Swedish Meatballs (savory with rich sauce) - Juicy meatballs made from a mix of beef and pork, served with creamy gravy over mashed potatoes. Locals often enjoy them during a cozy family dinner, especially in the winter months.Räkmacka - Shrimp Sandwich (open-faced delight) - A toasted slice of bread piled high with fresh shrimp, mayo, and egg, all beautifully arranged on top. This is a popular lunchtime choice, often enjoyed at seaside cafes while watching the boats go by.
Halloumi Burgare - Halloumi Burger (grilled cheese patty) - A hefty fried halloumi cheese served on a bun with fresh veggies and garlic sauce. You’ll typically find locals snacking on this at food stalls during the summer festivals, soaking up the sun.
Svensk Lax - Swedish Salmon (smoked delicacy) - Fresh salmon traditionally smoked with local wood, giving it a distinctive flavor, often served with boiled potatoes and dill. It's a local favorite for a relaxed weekend lunch by the harbor.
Surströmming - Fermented Herring (an acquired taste) - A pungent dish of fermented herring served with flatbreads, onion, and potato—a true test of culinary bravery. Locals often enjoy it outdoors, making sure to open the cans outside to spare indoor air.
Fiskgryta - Fish Stew (hearty and warming) - A rich stew loaded with fresh fish, cream, and local vegetables, perfect for a filling dinner. This is especially popular in the colder months, often served with crusty bread for dipping.
Smörgåstårta - Sandwich Cake (savory layers) - A layered savory cake made of bread with fillings like shrimp, roast beef, and cream, garnished beautifully. It’s commonly served at birthday parties or holiday gatherings, making it a festive dish to share.
Lingonberry Jam - Lingonsylt (surprisingly sweet) - A tart berry jam often paired with savory dishes like meatballs or liver pâté. While typically enjoyed year-round, it's particularly popular around Christmas dinner as a bright, sweet contrast to rich flavors.
Desserts & Drinks
Kaffe - Kaffe (local coffee) - Strong coffee brewed with a unique process where the coffee grounds are boiled in a pot, yielding a robust flavor. This cherished morning ritual is best enjoyed during fika, a beloved coffee break, often accompanied by a sweet pastry.Glogg - Glögg (spiced mulled wine) - A warming blend of red wine, spices, and sometimes vodka, heated and typically garnished with almonds and raisins. Locals sip this festive drink during the chilly winter months, especially around Christmas markets.
Lemonad - Lemonad (traditional lemonade) - This homemade beverage combines fresh lemons, sugar, and sparkling water, creating a refreshing contrast to Gothenburg's summer heat. On sunny days, you’ll find locals enjoying it at outdoor kiosks, often paired with a light lunch.
Kanelbullar - Kanelbullar (cinnamon bun) - These soft, fluffy pastries are filled with cinnamon, sugar, and butter, then generously glazed. Popular as a fika treat, you can’t go wrong snagging one on Kanelbullens Dag (Cinnamon Bun Day) in October, though they’re loved year-round.
Sorbet - Sorbet (fruit-based frozen dessert) - Made from pureed seasonal fruits like berries or rhubarb, this smooth and icy delight is perfect for cooling off during the summer. Often found at small cafés, locals indulge in it on warm afternoons after a stroll in the park, opting for a dollop of fresh berries on top.
Food and Groceries in Gothenburg
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $2.53 |
| Bananas | $2.23 |
| Oranges | $2.4 |
| Potatoes | $1.37 |
| Apples | $2.67 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $1.39 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.82 |
| Imported Beer | $2.04 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $9.29 |
| Milk 1L | $1.52 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $14.19 |
| Chicken | $11.25 |
| Cigarettes | $6.5 |
| Rice | $2.85 |
| Local Cheese | $10.25 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Walking through the vibrant streets of Gothenburg during lunch hour reveals a common scene—locals crowding around casual eateries, savoring their meals. Typically, lunch is served between 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM, with places bustling around noon. This is when you’ll see groups of coworkers sharing plates at outdoor tables, clearly enjoying the laid-back atmosphere endemic to the city.
Gothenburg's food scene presents a variety of price ranges depending on the district. For example, in the trendy Haga area, you might spend around 180-250 SEK for a satisfying lunch, while in the more touristy parts near the canals, that same meal could jump to 250-350 SEK. If you're craving a decent pizza or a simple burger, expect to pay about 90-120 SEK in areas like Kungsportsavenyen, versus 120-160 SEK in the more central districts. Seasonal variations can creep in, especially in summer when outdoor seating becomes prime real estate, leading to slightly higher prices.
When it comes to payment customs, most places accept credit cards, but be prepared for some restaurants to also accept cash. Sweden's digital payment systems are widely used, and platforms like Swish (a mobile payment app) are incredibly popular among locals. Just be cautious—like many places in Europe, not all businesses may accept card payments below a certain amount, often around 50 SEK. Tipping is generally not expected since service charges are included; however, rounding up your bill or leaving a small amount is appreciated if the service was exceptional.
Oh, and before I forget, a common mistake visitors make is arriving too late for lunch! Many eateries close their lunch menus by 2 PM, so if you’re planning a leisurely meal, an early start is essential. Dinner here starts later, often not fully buzzing until after 7 PM.
In terms of local dining customs, one notable habit is the Swedish “fika” tradition—an informal coffee break that usually includes coffee or tea paired with a sweet treat, like a kanelbulle (cinnamon bun). It’s not just a snack; it’s a social affair, usually taken around mid-morning or mid-afternoon.
For those peak hours, it’s wise to make a reservation, particularly on weekends when restaurants fill up quickly. By planning ahead, you’ll likely secure a better spot, especially in popular districts like Linné and Majorna.
Having observed the shifts in meal patterns, it’s clear that the locals are embracing more diverse dining experiences, moving towards lighter meals in warmer months. These evolving habits reflect a wider trend in Gothenburg’s culinary culture, merging traditional staples with contemporary flavors.
Gothenburg's food scene presents a variety of price ranges depending on the district. For example, in the trendy Haga area, you might spend around 180-250 SEK for a satisfying lunch, while in the more touristy parts near the canals, that same meal could jump to 250-350 SEK. If you're craving a decent pizza or a simple burger, expect to pay about 90-120 SEK in areas like Kungsportsavenyen, versus 120-160 SEK in the more central districts. Seasonal variations can creep in, especially in summer when outdoor seating becomes prime real estate, leading to slightly higher prices.
When it comes to payment customs, most places accept credit cards, but be prepared for some restaurants to also accept cash. Sweden's digital payment systems are widely used, and platforms like Swish (a mobile payment app) are incredibly popular among locals. Just be cautious—like many places in Europe, not all businesses may accept card payments below a certain amount, often around 50 SEK. Tipping is generally not expected since service charges are included; however, rounding up your bill or leaving a small amount is appreciated if the service was exceptional.
Oh, and before I forget, a common mistake visitors make is arriving too late for lunch! Many eateries close their lunch menus by 2 PM, so if you’re planning a leisurely meal, an early start is essential. Dinner here starts later, often not fully buzzing until after 7 PM.
In terms of local dining customs, one notable habit is the Swedish “fika” tradition—an informal coffee break that usually includes coffee or tea paired with a sweet treat, like a kanelbulle (cinnamon bun). It’s not just a snack; it’s a social affair, usually taken around mid-morning or mid-afternoon.
For those peak hours, it’s wise to make a reservation, particularly on weekends when restaurants fill up quickly. By planning ahead, you’ll likely secure a better spot, especially in popular districts like Linné and Majorna.
Having observed the shifts in meal patterns, it’s clear that the locals are embracing more diverse dining experiences, moving towards lighter meals in warmer months. These evolving habits reflect a wider trend in Gothenburg’s culinary culture, merging traditional staples with contemporary flavors.
Tourist Reviews
All photos and texts belong to their authors
• First, it's visually stunning right down to the last spoonful. The presentation of the dishes is truly impressive.
• Secondly, it's colorful. They use every color of the rainbow in their plating. Eating becomes a fascinating experience.
• Thirdly, it’s all about fish. They do fish like no one else! The flavors are simply divine.
• Fourth, it's healthy eating. White fish with vegetables and some quinoa. You’ll be served dishes that feel incredibly balanced.
• Fifth, the restaurants and cafes offer a unique ambiance. You won't find your typical standard coffee shop here. Everything is original in its own way. The atmosphere is created by the Swedes themselves. It feels like you're among friends.
So, savor the moment 😉
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend! 💖 »