Vogue Scandinavia's foodie guide to Gothenburg: This is where the locals eat and drink

In recent years Gothenburg, Sweden’s renowned seaside town and home to Volvo, has swiftly become a foodie paradise with buzzy new restaurants and bars frequently emerging, offering the most inventive and mouth-watering menus in town. The use of local culinary staples like fresh crayfish, lobster and prawns, and the hotspot atmospheres in which to enjoy them, make Gothenburg an essential addition to your checklist of culinary delights.

Now that spring is rearing its coveted head and the last of the winter snow is melting, we can finally indulge our senses and explore the streets of Scandinavia once again. With choices ranging from Scandinavian and Asian, French to Italian, gastronomes looking to take their dining experiences up a notch will be thoroughly delighted by what Gothenburg has to offer.

From old classics to hot newcomers, below is a Vogue-approved list of the six must-try spots. The only question remaining is: where to book first?

Related: How Gothenburg is becoming an unlikely wine region with its first ever city winery

There are a whole host of restaurants in Gothenburg with Michelin stars attached to their name and one of these coveted places is Bhoga. Renowned for its creative spin on classic Scandinavian recipes, Bhoga offers an array of delectable dishes – with ingredients sourced locally from nearby farms. The ever-changing Scandinavian climate determines Bhoga’s menu, which means that you will always be in for a season al surprise every time you visit.

Pan-Asian restaurant Toso offers a range of aperitive dishes, curated from authentic ingredients and spices, brought to you from all corners of Asia. With dimmed lighting, atmospheric music, and five metre-tall Buddha towering over you, Toso has a inimitable ambience that perfectly complements the tasty tapas dishes on offer.

Built in 1874, Gothenburg’s infamous Faskekörka, which translates as ‘Fish Church’, is a landmark in the city and a must-try for serious foodies. This historic restaurant sports a menu of culinary highlights, ranked among some of the best in the Nordics. Daily catches determine the menu and, during the summer, you can enjoy your freshly caught seafood, shellfish and crustaceans – accompanied by a curated selection of wines – in an alfresco setting overlooking the Rosenlunds Canal.

Longing for a trip to Paris? Experience the thrills of French cuisine at Levantine, a cosy French bistro in Gothenburg that offers everything from oysters and champagne to croissants and tartare. With a view overlooking one of Gothenburg’s many beautiful parks, the mouth-watering menu combines both classic French dishes with locally sourced Swedish ingredients. And an additional bonus? During warm summer days, Levantine opens up a boule bar in the park across the street – making it the perfect place to hang out with friends and family.

Located on the main boulevard in Gothenburg, the contemporary pan-Asian restaurant Cheri-lee, offers a creative menu of luscious cocktails and scrumptious dishes. When you enter, you’re embraced by a dreamy interior, inspired by Asian metropolitan cities during the 1950s and '60s. The restaurant itself has an open kitchen, allowing visitors a peek at chefs preparing the dishes over a Japanese Robata grill. On the menu you will find traditional Asian dishes such as dim sum, dumplings and sushi that have taken on a modern interpretation.

In the mood for creamy pasta or scrumptious pizza? Then Tavolo is the place to go. Indulge your senses with culinary highlights from across Italy, made from locally sourced ingredients. The menu boasts innovative thinking and creative curation by intertwining Italian classics with Swedish ingredients. The most prominent interior piece is the gigantic horse head statue, graciously posed above the bar, making this Italian restaurant utterly unique.