Restaurants in West Sweden
Karingo
The father-and-daughter team of Kent Berndtsson and Camilla Hofsten have transformed their property on a small archipelago in the north-west of Bohuslan into a renowned oyster bar and retreat. The site now offers accommodations ranging from a 16th century fisherman's cottage to a newly-built wooden villa, each with spectacular views over the harbour. Between September and June, guests can indulge in champagne and oysters in true style from the wood-fired seawater hot tub at the end of the jetty - the most luxurious option also includes fresh lobster and a liqueur to finish, although be sure to book as part of a group. There's also the chance to learn a little more about the history of oyster farming once you're done shucking.
Bryggan Fjällbacka
This cosy little hotel and a la carte restaurant sits right on the seafront in the beautiful coastal town of Fjällbacka. In the summer months, guests can enjoy dinner on the large outdoor seating area with waves lapping at their feet. When the weather cools, enjoy the view from behind the restaurant's panoramic windows. There's a new open-plan kitchen that serves up a range of local dishes so impressive it recently won a Taste of West Sweden award. There's a shellfish bar, which also acts as pub and coffee shop, serving up wonderfully tasty Norway lobsters. Guests will also be able to pick up freshly baked pastries, pies and sandwiches.
Salt and Sill
It wasn't enough for Salt and Sill to be Sweden's first floating hotel, they also needed to develop one of the finest restaurants in the region. Having won a Taste of West Sweden award, the restaurant proudly serves up traditional dishes with an innovative twist. It also boasts a stunning location, with a seating area for around 120 people on a pier that offers unrivalled views out over the sea. Having first opened in 1999, Salt and Sill has become famous for its Herring Platter, as well as developing a strong following for its focus on high quality, locally sourced seafood. Salt and Sill has also been awarded the status 'Worth a Journey' and 'White's Heart' by White Guide, the Swedish Restaurant Guide.
Rökeriet in Strömstad
This unique little fish and shellfish restaurant in Strömstad's guest harbour is given all its character by the smoke-house that allows guests to witness the smoking process either from the comfort of the restaurant or from the harbour outside. The ground floor of the restaurant is wonderfully intimate, with an open fireplace and a small bar. Upstairs is a loft area offering further seating and great views out over the ocean. Having also won the Taste of West Sweden award, the restaurant offers such dishes as Koster fresh water prawns with seaweed bread, and the Småplocktallrick, which is a delicious collection of wood-fired fish pieces with potato salad.
Väderöarnas Värdshus
Around 30 minutes by boat from the town of Fjällbacka, perched on one of the islands of Väderöarna, is this 11-bedroom guesthouse and award-winning restaurant that serves up fantastic fresh seafood dishes. While the tasty mussel soup laced with cognac has become something of a classic, the clam soup followed by salmon with prawn sauce also comes highly recommended. There's also a shellfish buffet with soup, as well as numerous other shellfish dishes, with the menu constantly changing to reflect season and availability. In summer, there's also a café offering fresh baguettes and sandwiches, as well as a special sailor’s breakfast.
Sea Lodge, Smögen
As the website proudly states, Lea Lodge is the only gourmet restaurant in Smögen to have been awarded a Taste of West Sweden award. The restaurant offers up a mouthwatering menu that draws its inspiration directly from the ocean, using only the freshest ingredients. Guests can also venture out with a skipper and try their hand at fishing for lobster, the 'black gold of the ocean'. Whatever you bring back can then be cooked and served in the restaurant. For a truly luxurious experience, combine the day of fishing with a 5-course lobster supper and an overnight stay at the hotel, with its breathtaking views out over the Smögen Archipelago.
Bjertorp Manor Restaurant
Bjertorp's restaurant is renowned for the freshness of its ingredients, while the castle dinner menu constantly changes to reflect the season - early spring will see local deer on offer, while winter makes way for a wealth of wild game and root vegetables. Open seven days a week, the restaurant also offers an impressive brasserie menu complete with home made soup and pan-fried trout from Lake Vätten.
