The 22 Must-Try Restaurants in Malmö, Sweden

After closing their forward-thinking restaurant Trio, Sebastian Persson and Ola Lundin opened this lunch-only gem at the edge of Malmö’s industrial harbor. The walk from Central Station might be chilly and uninviting, but it’s absolutely worth it. Saltimporten attracts a creative crowd, and the owners bring an approachable vibe that permeates the entire establishment. This spot offers remarkable value, serving meals that could rival Michelin standards for just 95 Swedish kronor ($10). Each day features one vegetarian and one meat or fish option, like braised pork shoulder with pickled tomatoes and white beans or shaved cauliflower with barley and pickled cucumber. Grab a spot in line, collect your own cutlery, bread, and water, and enjoy your meal at the counter of this ideal canteen. [$]

This lunch-only Mytoury is run by a husband-and-wife team: a former chef and the sommelier from the two-Michelin-starred Daniel Berlin. Their innovative menu is crafted entirely from ingredients that would otherwise be discarded by distributors and producers. By rescuing these items, they create dishes that marry Nordic comfort food with fine dining techniques, with the offerings changing daily based on the available produce. [$]

Located in the bustling Malmö Food Court (Saluhallen) within the vibrant Västra Hamnen area, Pink Head Noodle Bar stands out as the top stall. The menu revolves around three noodle dishes that rotate frequently. The hand-pulled-to-order biang biang noodles are always a great choice, especially when paired with the addictive house-made XO sauce, fondly dubbed “Hong Kong Heroin Sauce” by locals. [$]

Pink Head HQ serves as the central hub for the beloved Pink Head Noodle Bar. Led by Australian chef-owner Wade Brown, the restaurant showcases a variety of Asian culinary styles, with an emphasis on regional Chinese cuisine and a nose-to-tail philosophy influenced by his time at Bastard. Through a strong network of local farmers, Brown obtains unique ingredients like chrysanthemum leaves and Chinese water spinach that are hard to find elsewhere. The dishes at HQ blur geographic boundaries, as Brown and his team artfully blend flavors from Sri Lanka to Japan, Taiwan to South Korea. [$$]

On Saturday mornings at Bagaren och Bonden, you'll find every chef, sommelier, and food enthusiast in town either picking up their daily bread or recovering from a night out. This bakery specializes in local heritage grains, producing delicious bread that, while not always the prettiest, often outshines the competition in flavor. The classic cardamom bun has earned a dedicated following. [$]

The creators of Far i Hatten have also launched Pivo, embracing their passion for Czech beer. The menu features classic Czech dishes like pickled sausage, goulash, and whipped pork fat on rye, all set within a retro Soviet-style wooden-paneled interior. Diners can choose from a simple selection of one beer on tap, along with a white, red, and sparkling wine from the Czech Republic. [$]

Located just a stone's throw from other renowned spots like Bastard, MJS, and Julie, the understated Västergatan offers delicate, seasonal dishes that consistently earn top rankings in the city. Head chef Olle Ahnberg skillfully blends technical expertise with a relaxed atmosphere, showcasing a passion for seafood and an exceptional talent for sauces. Expect perfectly cooked local cod paired with yellowfoot mushrooms and tangy silver onion, all drizzled with a featherlight butter sauce. The inviting dining room encourages shared meals among friends and features a well-curated wine list, emphasizing natural and low-intervention selections, predominantly from France and Italy. For the discerning palate, there are hidden gems, including back-vintage bottles, like Yann Durieux’s exquisite chardonnay-based Love and Pif ‘13 cuvée, available for a mere $50. [$$$]

Andreas Dahlberg’s now-iconic nose-to-tail restaurant, once a haven for the city’s creative misfits, has evolved since its rebellious beginnings. Opened in 2010, it was the first to seamlessly blend the contemporary bistro and wine bar concept that has become a staple in the Copenhagen-Malmö scene. Today, it features a sophisticated dining room centered around a U-shaped bar and an open kitchen, where hearty dishes marry British and Mediterranean influences using the finest local produce. Bastard has long been a pioneer of low-intervention wines, transforming skeptics into devoted fans. [$$]

The clientele is an amusing blend of millennials and tourists. If the lively lobby atmosphere isn’t your scene, venture deeper to uncover something truly magical. While hotel restaurants often struggle to impress, MJ’S head chef, Frida Nilsson, creates wildly innovative dishes that fuse global cuisines and eclectic influences, establishing herself as one of Sweden's top young chefs. Dishes like cauliflower with pickled green tomatoes, cilantro seeds, and lobster foam are as memorable as the stunning fried pumpkin paired with habanero, pomegranate, and local Alp cheese. The wine selection is impressively extensive and primarily natural, without straining your wallet. Don’t miss the guest chef series on Sundays, featuring some of the nation’s finest culinary talents. [$$]

At Vollmers, a fusion of nostalgia and innovation highlights the local passion for holistic, locally sourced ingredients. This two-Michelin-starred gem in the heart of the old town elevates simple produce into refined creations, honoring the rich flavors and heritage of the Skåne region. Summer and fall are particularly exceptional times to visit, showcasing the peak of seasonal bounty. Dishes like sweet corn paired with chanterelles and Havgus cheese, or the classic den hvide dame cake garnished with lilacs and lemon verbena, exemplify Vollmers’ talent for marrying traditional flavors with unexpected twists. While not always groundbreaking, the kitchen’s confidence radiates through soulful yet precise cooking. Prepare for extreme seasonality alongside upscale interpretations of Swedish classics. [$$$]

Julie is a versatile gem nestled in Malmö’s historic Gamla Väster district. Serving as a natural wine bar, cheese shop, gourmet grocery, and lunch spot, it truly covers all bases. The eye-catching rotisserie is the centerpiece of this establishment. Enjoy a glass of wine or select a bottle from the well-curated cellar, which emphasizes European wine regions. Julie specializes in French cheeses, including Marcel Petite Comté, AOP Camembert, classic Morbier, and seasonal Mont d’Or. All ingredients, from vegetables to proteins and charcuterie, are sourced from some of Skåne’s top producers. Indulge in a rotisserie chicken or whole-roasted vegetables paired with a seasonal salad and a bottle of Gamay from Beaujolais legend Jean Dutraive. [$$]

Malmöites stand out from other Scandinavians in their love for lunch outings. While others might settle for a simple cheese sandwich, Malmö's residents indulge in a variety of high-quality, lunch-only spots that are surprisingly affordable. One such gem is Plant Magic’s Kitchen, run by Brit Andrew Eves and his partner Johanna Haak. This restaurant focuses on vibrant vegetarian and vegan dishes, showcasing Eves' talent for blending vegetables and fruits in unexpected ways. A standout dish features tender beets paired with zesty blackberries, fresh cheese, and wild forest mushrooms. [$]

Riket perfectly captures the quirky and grounded essence of Malmö's culinary landscape. It operates as both a natural wine bar, where you can sip on an affordable Tuborg, and a lively restaurant serving delectable, mostly plant-based dishes. Here, fresh ingredients are prepared with passion, all wrapped in a punk-rock ethos. The flavors at Riket are richer and more umami-focused than typically found in Malmö, with various textures and tones coming together in one plate — think poached, pickled, sizzled, and deep-fried all in harmony. The tartare, always available in some form, is a reliable choice. Any night here has the potential to turn into a vibrant celebration, complete with an energetic playlist and spinning disco lights. [$$]

Bouchon is a cozy spot that feels like home every time you visit. Its elegant yet classic bistro fare showcases traditional French cuisine, made with the best local vegetables, meats, and fish, without straying into the new Nordic trend. Signature dishes like hanger steak and steak tartare avec frites rival the best in Paris, a remarkable achievement for a small bistro tucked away in Malmö. While the familiar dishes are comforting, don’t miss the chance to try the grilled octopus, twice-baked cheese soufflé, and cauliflower gratin with chanterelles and truffles. The wine list complements this perfectly, focusing on classic French regions in a concise selection. Service is imbued with an old-school warmth that’s hard to find elsewhere in the city. [$$]

Nestled in the delightful St. Knut neighborhood, Mineral is renowned for its captivating selection of natural wines, expertly served by an all-female sommelier team led by the charismatic Lua Morena. In the kitchen, David Kjellstenius crafts innovative vegetarian and vegan dishes, reminiscent of his time at the iconic Au Passage in Paris. Dishes like local pak choi paired with potato dumplings, smoked oil, and garlic flowers showcase his talent. Mineral exudes elegance, featuring one of the most stunning dining rooms in the area, often accompanied by live jazz music. [$$]

Bageri Leve is a quaint bakery renowned for crafting some of the finest sourdough in the city, inspired by the legendary Tartine Bakery of San Francisco. However, its true strength lies in its pastries and doughnuts, boasting imaginative and rich flavors made without dairy or eggs. The vegan caramel tart has become a beloved classic in Malmö. [$]

Alexander Norén and Johanna Jarevik, a husband-and-wife duo, bring their passion for regional Thai cuisine to life at Soi 29, rooted in their experiences at top kitchens and bars in London during the era of David Thompson and Nahm. Their dishes are unapologetically spicy, crafted from the freshest local ingredients alongside selections from Thompson’s network of Thai farmers. Emulating London’s innovative Thai restaurants like Som Saa and KILN, Soi 29 serves regional favorites that are bold yet unpretentious. Indulge in whole-fried sea bass laced with dried chiles, a mouthwatering raw ox larb, and a som tam salad that delivers an exhilarating kick. The restaurant also features a curated selection of natural wines and cocktails, perfect for a lively night out, conveniently located next to Inkonst, Malmö’s premier electronic music venue. [$$]

This spot captures the essence of Malmö’s wild bohemian vibe. Far i Hatten serves as a natural wine bar, pizza joint, family-friendly café, outdoor concert space, ping-pong lounge, and on weekends, a lively nightclub. Nestled in Folkets Park, within the culturally rich Möllan neighborhood, it resides in a charming cabin dating back to 1892. With a mile-long list of natural wines, featuring both classic and contemporary selections, it beckons even the most discerning Copenhagen wine lovers. While the pizzas are excellent, the true stars of the menu are the inventive share plates crafted from house-made ferments, local produce, and a wood-fired oven. [$ - $$]

The whimsical name perfectly captures the vibe of this lively newcomer in the city’s bustling pizza scene. Focusing on generous slices, Opopoppa expertly merges traditional Italian flavors with an abundance of vegetable options, all complemented by a selection of craft beers, wines by the glass, and an excellent playlist. It’s the ideal spot for a late-night snack, a second dinner, or a tasty remedy for the night’s indulgences. And don’t miss out on the arancini! [$]

As you wander through the quieter lanes of Möllan near Folkets Park, the enticing aromas wafting from Lyran’s kitchen are hard to resist. Head chef and owner Jörgen Lloyd is dedicated to collaborating with local producers, opting for a unique dining experience without a set menu; instead, you'll find a list of fresh ingredients. Your only decision is whether to choose a vegetarian, fish, or mixed set menu. Prepare for dishes that are comforting yet playful, drawing inspiration from the Middle Eastern heritage of the area. The wine selection mirrors the food's character, blending traditional options with the unusual. The best vantage point to soak in the atmosphere is definitely at the bar. [$$$]

When Charlotte Nycander and Matan Levy aren’t whipping up some of the finest hummus in the region, they’re tending to their urban farm just outside the city. Here, they experiment with sustainable farming practices, aiming to integrate their eco-friendly lifestyle into their culinary creations. The produce from their farm becomes vibrant toppings, pickles, and condiments for their dishes, all served with warm, freshly baked flatbread. Operating as a pop-up during lunchtime, they currently inhabit the kitchen at Soi 29 on Thursdays and Fridays, outside of the restaurant’s regular hours. [$]

Malmö’s notably large vegetarian community reflects the city’s liberal values and its easy access to outstanding local produce. The finest vegetables are crafted by the unique and bold chef Ivan Jurman, who honed his skills at Bastard before cultivating his own creative and lively cooking style. His approach is unpretentious yet capable of surprising diners with unexpected combinations of flavor and texture, making it a spot where both meat-lovers and vegans can enjoy the same delightful dishes. [$$]