Best Restaurants in Malmö: Where to Eat?

Thankfully, Malmö's food scene, in general, is not flashy or touristic. It's grounded in solid cooking and restaurants that stay true to their roots. Below are some of the best restaurants in Malmö, in our opinion:

1. Vollmers: Founded in the early 1900s by Bertha Vollmer, a German immigrant, Vollmers is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, the only in Malmö. It's known for its progressive take on Nordic cuisine, highlights local ingredients from the Skåne region in the South of Sweden. In their own words, their menu depends on what is in season and "reflects (their) Skåne traditions and memories as much as (their) imagination and desire to innovate".

2. Quan: Located in the heart of Malmö, Quan is an Asian fusion restaurant combining Japanese, Chinese and broader East Asian cuisines with a twist. In their own words, it's "where the flavors of the Far East meet the tastes of Continental Europe". Their menu features dishes such as sashimi, tataki, Korean barbeque, and spicy shrimp tempura. Besides their food, Quan is well known for a amazing and wide selection of cocktails that ranges from smoky and spirit-forward drinks to fresh and floral. It leans heavily into Asian and Japanese influences, with bold flavors, and a clear sense of playfulness. If you're planning to visit Quan, make sure to book in advance as they are almost always fully booked.

3. Escama: Located in central Malmö, Escama is a Spanish gastrobar, known for its diverse tapas menu rooted in Mediterranean traditions. It offers a range of small dishes like grilled octopus, patatas bravas and tuna tartar, reflecting classic Spanish flavours. Their Entrecôte sandwich with Ruccola and Spanish Cheese is absolutely unmatched and they offer a great selection of both cocktails and mocktails. They have a lovely outdoor area, perfect for outdoor dining in the summer and spring.

4. Kontrast Ghee by the sea: Kontrast represents Indian cuisine in Malmö, and does a outstanding job at it. It's menu is built around well-spiced curries, biryanis, and classic North Indian dishes. Their Västra Hämnen location is located directly by the sea offering a great view and an amazing outdoor dining area. If you google "Best Indian restaurants in Copenhagen", you will find answers in some reddit threads saying "Just take the train to Malmö and go to Kontrast". That's how genuinely good Kontrast is. If you're in the mood for a drink, don't skip their mango mojito. Proper Indian food, amazing drinks, and a sea view; what more does one want in life.

5. Dockside Burgers: Located in Dockan by the harbor, Dockside serves some of the best, if not the best, burgers in Malmö. Their fries is unmatched and their fresh cheese dip is out of this world. It's an absolute must for a Malmö trip.

6. Osteria Di Lá: an Italian osteria in the cozy area of Davidshall in central Malmö. Osteria Di Lá serves classic Italy dishes built with seasonal, high-quality ingredients, including fresh pastas, house-baked bread, and some of the best wood-oven pizzas Malmö has to offer. Their Desserts are an absolute highlight as well, especially the tiramisu and the Nutella pizza, which needs no further explanation.

Together, these restaurants give a clear picture of Malmö’s food scene as it really is, diverse cuisines, well-executed cooking, and places that are genuinely rooted in quality ingredients and solid craft. Whether it’s high-end Nordic cooking, well-made international dishes, or straightforward comfort food by the water, Malmö has it all and does it extremely well.

To round off a weekend spent exploring Malmö's food scene, you need to stay somewhere central that keeps everything within reach. Hotel TwentySix is boutique hotel located in the city center, within a five-minute walking distance to the central station. They offer a mix of beautiful hotel rooms and high-end suites with a great service and a reasonable price range. Their breakfast is served at Ruth's, a well-loved local spot known for freshly-baked bread, proper coffee, and a cozy morning atmosphere.