Top restaurants in Malmö – from street food to fine dining

In Malmö, Sweden’s third-largest city, flavours from near and far blend with regional traditions from Skåne county. Dining out here is relaxed and indulgent, with a focus on well-prepared, locally sourced comfort food, often with European influences rather than elaborate fine dining. Malmö is also known as Sweden’s ‘falafel capital,’ and this affordable dish can be found on nearly every street corner.

Guide Michelin

Vollmers ** Awarded two Michelin stars, Vollmers takes diners on a culinary journey through local produce, unexpected combinations and innovative techniques, all inspired by Skåne’s rich culinary heritage.

Bib Gourmand

Bib Gourmand is a section within the Michelin Guide recognising restaurants that serve great food at moderate prices. Malmö has three Bib Gourmand-awarded bistros:

• Ruths: A bustling café, bakery and deli with an open kitchen and plenty of drop-in seating. The dinner menu is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine.
• Namu: A vibrant restaurant where Korean flavours meet Swedish ingredients, run by former Swedish MasterChef winner Jennie Walldén.
• Mutantur: A fine-dining spot blending Nordic style with Asian influences in an industrial setting. The menu features a variety of snacks and small dishes.

Classic Malmö dining

Bullen, dating back to 1897, was Malmö’s first English pub. It’s renowned for its hearty Swedish comfort food ('husmanskost'), such as herring and meatballs. Many regulars also visit Bullen for its imported Czech monastery beer.

Malmö’s reputation as Sweden’s ‘falafel capital’ is well earned, and Jalla Jalla is one of the city’s most popular spots for this beloved dish. Alongside their signature falafel, they also serve vegan kebab. But Jalla Jalla is more than just great food – in the early hours of the weekend, the restaurant turns into a late-night party spot, where guests dance with the staff while waiting for their orders.

Established in 1964, Kin Long is Malmö’s longest-running Chinese restaurant, housed in a grand turn-of-the-century building. With red lanterns, ornate wallpaper and dark wood interiors, it offers a classic setting for authentic Chinese cuisine. Kin Long is renowned for impressing even Chinese visitors – a true mark of authenticity.

Vegan and vegetarian restaurants

Plant-based dining has flourished in Sweden in recent years, and Malmö leads the way with a diverse selection of vegan and vegetarian restaurants. These spots serve exclusively plant-based dishes:

• Humusson: A hummus bar offering everything from small bites to hearty meals. Sustainability is key here, with plastic- and paper-free packaging, using only recycled and recyclable materials. Pets are welcome!
• Rau: A tiny city-centre restaurant known for its takeaway, serving an entirely plant-based menu inspired by Southeast Asian cuisine.

Hip hangouts

Located in a former industrial area, Malmö Saluhall is a contemporary food hall open seven days a week. Indulge everything from falafel and pizza to seafood and champagne – about 15 passionate food entrepreneurs sell their products in this culinary hot spot. Don’t miss Maya Cantina, a newly opened gem serving authentic Mexican dishes made with local ingredients.

Fiery food, natural wines and creative cocktails – there are many reasons why Aster has been a local favourite since its opening in 2021. Housed in an old industrial building, it quickly won the hearts of Malmö’s food lovers. With roots in Turkish cuisine and vegetables sourced from their own farm in nearby Lund, Aster embodies the city’s vibrant food scene.

Bringing new life to a historic dining address, Freden will reopen at Karlskronaplan nearly 90 years after it first welcomed guests. This neighbourhood restaurant will offer a warm atmosphere, hearty dishes, pub quizzes and live music. Blending comfort food with flavours from different cuisines, Freden is set to open in the summer of 2025 and is sure to become a beloved meeting spot in Malmö’s dining scene.