When I first arrived in Trollhättan, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the town’s culinary scene. After all, this picturesque town in western Sweden is often overshadowed by bigger cities like Gothenburg. But as I ventured out into its cobblestone streets after sunset, I quickly realized that Trollhättan has its own charm and is a treasure trove for food lovers, offering a mix of cozy bars, delightful eateries, and some pretty impressive Swedish delicacies.
Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxed pub dinner, a fine dining experience, or something in between, the city offers a range of options that won’t disappoint. As someone who enjoys savoring local flavors and the ambience of a good meal, I was eager to explore the best bars and restaurants Trollhättan had to offer during the night. I found myself immersed in the warm glow of candle-lit tables, the buzz of laughter and clinking glasses, and the delightful aroma of freshly prepared food. This article is a compilation of my culinary adventures, where I share my personal experience dining at some of the finest establishments in Trollhättan.
1. Café Vänersborg – A Cozy Coffeehouse With Delicious Swedish Delights
Location: Located at Storgatan 25, just a short walk from the center of Trollhättan, Café Vänersborg is the type of place where the Swedish fika tradition truly comes to life.
If you’ve never had a “fika” before, you’re in for a treat. In Sweden, fika isn’t just about grabbing coffee—it’s an experience, a ritual that brings people together. As I entered Café Vänersborg one evening, I was welcomed by the scent of freshly brewed coffee and homemade cinnamon buns. The warm, rustic ambiance made me feel like I had stepped into the kitchen of a friend who was eager to feed me. It’s the kind of place where people linger, sip their coffee slowly, and chat about life.
While Café Vänersborg is often known for its pastries and coffee during the day, its evening offering is nothing short of delightful. I decided to order the Swedish meatballs with lingonberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and gravy—a classic comfort food that encapsulates the heart of Swedish cuisine. The meatballs were perfectly seasoned, tender, and juicy, while the lingonberries added a lovely touch of sweetness to the dish.
Must-Try Dish:
- Swedish Meatballs (Köttbullar): A Swedish classic, and Café Vänersborg’s take on it is among the best in the area. Paired with mashed potatoes and a tangy lingonberry sauce, it’s pure comfort.
Cost:
- Price for Meatballs: 150 SEK (approximately $15)
- Coffee and Pastries: 50-80 SEK ($5-$8)
How to Book:
You can simply walk in, but I recommend making a reservation if you plan to visit in the evenings, especially on weekends. To make the process easier, I often use platforms like OpenTable or local booking apps to ensure I have a spot.
Tip for Discounts:
Check out their social media pages or website for promotions—they often post special deals for desserts and coffee combinations.
2. Restaurang Två Skyttlar – A Traditional Swedish Dining Experience
Location: Situated at Stora Torget 2, right in the heart of Trollhättan, Restaurang Två Skyttlar offers a more formal Swedish dining experience with a contemporary twist.
If you’re in the mood for a night out where you want to immerse yourself in Swedish culture, Restaurang Två Skyttlar is the place to be. The restaurant is known for its focus on local and seasonal ingredients, offering everything from classic Swedish herring to innovative modern dishes that reflect Sweden’s growing food scene.
I opted for a tasting menu that evening, and it was an experience I’ll never forget. The starter was gravad lax (cured salmon) served with mustard-dill sauce and crispy bread—delicately flavored, yet incredibly satisfying. The main course was a slow-cooked pork belly, which was as tender as butter, paired with root vegetables and a rich, velvety sauce. The flavors were intense and comforting, yet fresh and clean, which is the hallmark of Swedish cuisine.
Must-Try Dish:
- Slow-Cooked Pork Belly: It’s the perfect balance of crispy and tender. Paired with the root vegetables and sauce, it was an unforgettable main course.
Cost:
- Tasting Menu: 450 SEK (around $45)
- À la Carte: Main dishes typically range from 200-350 SEK ($20-$35)
How to Book:
Restaurang Två Skyttlar is popular with locals and tourists alike, so reservations are recommended. I book directly through their website, but platforms like ReseGuide can help with bookings and show availability.
Tip for Discounts:
Look out for mid-week specials or early bird deals on their site or through local tourism apps. Sometimes they offer a reduced-price tasting menu for early diners.
3. Bistron i Trollhättan – Modern Swedish Flavors in a Chic Bistro Setting
Location: Situated at Storgatan 52, Bistron i Trollhättan is a chic, modern bistro offering an innovative approach to Swedish cuisine.
What I love about Bistron i Trollhättan is how effortlessly it combines contemporary flavors with classic Swedish dishes. The bistro’s sleek design and sophisticated ambiance provide the perfect setting for a relaxed yet upscale dining experience.
I started with an appetizer of herring and potato salad—something I would normally avoid but decided to try due to the rave reviews. It was absolutely fantastic. The pickled herring was light yet flavorful, and the creaminess of the potato salad balanced the dish perfectly. The main course was a roasted duck breast, cooked to perfection and served with roasted vegetables and a tangy berry reduction sauce. The duck was crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and complemented perfectly by the rich, slightly sweet sauce.
Must-Try Dish:
- Roasted Duck Breast: If you’re a fan of game meat, this dish is a must-try. The combination of crispy skin and tender meat is divine.
Cost:
- Appetizer: 100 SEK ($10)
- Main Course: 250 SEK ($25)
How to Book:
Reservations can be made directly on their website or via phone. For convenience, I always check Bookatable for availability.
Tip for Discounts:
Follow Bistron on social media to catch limited-time promotions or holiday specials. Occasionally, they offer a “seasonal tasting” menu at a reduced price.
4. The Old Mill Pub (Gamla Mölndalskrogen)
Location: Located a little outside Trollhättan, at Mölndalsvägen 5, this traditional pub offers a great atmosphere for enjoying Swedish comfort food and a wide variety of local beers.
After a long day of sightseeing, nothing feels quite as satisfying as unwinding with a pint of local beer and some hearty food. That’s where The Old Mill Pub comes into play. This cozy, inviting pub boasts a great selection of beers on tap, along with an impressive list of Swedish whisky and cocktails. I opted for their Swedish stew made with tender beef, potatoes, and seasonal vegetables—comfort food at its finest. Paired with a cold, crisp local beer, the stew was rich and satisfying, perfect for refueling after a busy day.
Must-Try Dish:
- Swedish Stew (Köttgryta): A rich, savory beef stew made with seasonal vegetables and tender meat. Perfectly paired with one of their locally brewed beers.
Cost:
- Main Course: 150 SEK ($15)
- Beer: 50 SEK ($5) per pint
How to Book:
The Old Mill Pub accepts walk-ins, but you can make a reservation by calling ahead, especially if you plan to visit during peak hours. For reservations, I recommend checking platforms like ReseGuide.
Tip for Discounts:
They offer a happy hour every evening between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM, where you can enjoy half-price drinks and appetizers.
Booking Your Swedish Culinary Journey
When planning your culinary adventures in Trollhättan, it’s helpful to use reliable platforms for booking your dining experiences and ensuring you get the best deals:
- OpenTable: A great platform for booking reservations at trendy and upscale restaurants. It’s perfect for securing your spot at places like Restaurang Två Skyttlar or Bistron i Trollhättan.
- Viator: For booking local experiences that pair well with your meals, such as culinary tours or food-focused events. Click here to explore.
- ReseGuide: A local platform to discover Swedish restaurants and book directly. Click here to explore.
Each of these places has its own charm, from cozy coffeehouses to trendy bistros, offering a range of flavors and experiences. Dining out in Trollhättan is not just about eating; it’s about immersing yourself in the local culture, savoring flavors, and enjoying the company of friends or strangers. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual dinner or a refined dining experience, Trollhättan’s restaurants are sure to leave a lasting impression.
