Malmö is the third largest city in Sweden, and while it's often overlooked - it's a vibrant and lively city with lots to offer (especially on the food scene). It's a multi-cultural city with some of the best falafel, but you'll also find more upscale and fine-dining options.
While now based in Copenhagen, I'm originally from the Malmö area, and still frequently visit to check out new places and revisit my favorites. It's a short trip from Copenhagen, with the train to Malmö only taking 35 mins!
In this guide, I've included all of my personal favorites and as always - I'll continue to add to this list as I try new places.
Approximately 1 out of every 10 Swedes is a vegetarian and/or vegan, and that number keeps growing. These breakfast and brunch places reflect this with two fully plant-based cafés, and plant-based options basically everywhere you go.
My absolute favorite brunch spot in Malmö. You can't book - so just go early, or be prepared to wait. The café serves the most amazing plant-based menu. I especially love their seasonal pancakes.
A little off the beaten track in an industrial area (that is just screaming for some gentrification), you'll find Mygel. Book a table - so you don't trek out here for nothing, and enjoy their seasonal and polished brunch.
Book a 3-course brunch at MJ's hotel. Located in their covered courtyard, you'll feel like you're whisked away to another world. Get some starters to share, a main just for yourself, and something sweet to finish it all off!
P.S. If you happen to be staying at the hotel, you'll get access to their amazing breakfast buffet served in this same space!
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Fika Time & Bakeries
Sweden is all about the "fika". So how do I explain it? I googled the official definition and Visit Sweden defines it as a... "one of Sweden's most cherished customs, most often enjoyed with coffee and a cinnamon bun ('kanelbulle')." And you know what - that is pretty accurate. So get a pastry, get a coffee - and FIKA!
I absolutely adore this bakery - but my number one highlight is their "semla/semlor" made fresh in January/February. The rest of the year, try their cardamom buns (kardemummabulle) or classic Swedish cinnamon rolls (kanelbulle or kanelsnäcka). This is the original location, but a few more have opened around the city due to popular demand. I'll tag those at the bottom of this guide. They've also got a kiosk inside the central station if you want to grab something on-the-go.
Located in a cozy old yellow house in the old city center, you'll find Lilla Kafferosteriet (Little Coffee Roastery). Great coffee, and a cozy backyard to soak up the sun - or sit inside and enjoy the old and quaint building. Tall people - beware, the ceilings are low.
Plant-based bakery known for their weekly creative filled donuts "munkar". From elderflower curd to peach melba to apple cinnamon - it's a Malmö Must!
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The Freshest Falafel & Hummus
Malmö's probably got some of the best falafel in the world. You could try a new falafel joint every day - but I've picked two of my favorite's that are also relatively easy to visit from the city center. And with good falafel, comes good hummus - so I've thrown two of those on the list too.
A little farther away from the city center, you'll find Värnhems Torget and Värnhems Falafel. You'll recognize it because there is always a queue out the door and along the sidewalk. Fresh falafel - but a highlight is also that they make their bread fresh on the spot. It's pure takeaway, so there isn't really anywhere to sit - but you can find a spot on the nearby "torg" square.
In a bright yellow shack with a roof overgrown with vines, you'll fine Badran's Super Falafel. It's super fresh, super popular, super fresh and super falafel-y. Choose between large (stor) or (x-stor) extra large. And don't forget to get halloumi too. Grab a bench outside (note: no indoor seating - but that doesn't stop the locals!), or bring your food to the nearby park and enjoy some sun.
On the perimeter of the shopping mall "Triangeln", you'll find Hummusson with it's 4-6 seats indoors and a few extra outdoor spots in the summer. Get the Hummusson mix bowl which includes: salad, hummus, babaganoush, falafel and pita!
This place takes hummus bowls to the next level. It's popular for lunch - but for dinner you can actually book a table, so that's a great option if you want to be sure to get a spot. Super creamy hummus, and a mix of vegan + vegetarian + meat-based toppings depending on what you feel like.
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Casual Bites
There's a good mix of lunch and dinner places in this list. I'll note that many places in Sweden do a great lunch deal - so make sure to take advantage of that and save some $$$.
Spoonery is probably the best place for lunch, and after originally opening by Skt Knut - they've now expanded across the city (see all locations in the bottom of this guide). If you want the classic Swedish experience, get the meatballs - but they've got 8-10 other dishes on the menu too - all serving up different "spoonfuls" of cuisine.
Malmö is known as the 'City of Parks', and one of the best places to eat is the local café in Slottsparken (Castle Park). Stop by for lunch, fika, a glass of wine or ice cream in the summer time.
When the old and charming Malmö Saluhall got replaced with a TGIFs for a while (I'm not even joking... like seriously Malmö? What were you thinking?), at least a brand new and dedicated foodhall was established. A wide mix of cuisines and great if you've got a small(ish) group that can't decide on what they want to eat. Two favorites are: PAPI - the Italian food bar, and FAVVO ice cream for dessert.
Another burgers & shakes kind of place. I love the cookies & cream milkshake! They've also got a diner style location by Malmö's beach - Ribersborg (affectionally called Ribban by the locals).
Another family run Vietnamese restaurant that does an excellent bun (rice noodle salad) and pho. Personally, I prefer to drop by for lunch as it's more lively during the lunch rush.
The vegan sister restaurant to Cantonese LU. Also located on cozy Davidshallstorg!
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Upscale-ish Dining
The upscale(ish) food scene in Malmö has really transformed the past couple of years. While there night not be a ton of Michelin or Bib Gourmands in this upscale list, I do think all of these restaurants serve exquisite food in a wonderful setting. Once again, some of these places do great lunch menus - so don't miss out on that if you want a taste tester at a fraction of a dinner price.
BOOK AHEAD - I repeat, Book Ahead! Lyran is my absolute favorite restaurant in Malmö - but it's tiny so you'll need to book well in advance or get lucky. Choose between a vegetarian, pescatarian or meat menu. It's intimate, it's delicious and the wine pairings are perfect.
Elegant cocktails, excellent fresh ingredients, and well thought out dishes. I've only been by for lunch - but I'd love to drop in here for dinner. It's cozy in that minimalistic and New Nordic kind of vibes, and the menu reflects that too.
Lebanese food at its finest, with the interiors to match - that's Occo. A dinner club style restaurant with lavish decor and live entertainment. You'd think the food wouldn't live up to the hype, but it's really excellent and the portions are generous.
A quaint restaurant that recently got a nod from the Michelin Guide. Excellent quality food. Get the menu and wine pairing. Pescatarian? Vegetarian? No problem - just let them know. P.S. Don't be afraid to ask for an extra cheese course. It's worth it. Oh, and get that extra glass of dessert wine too.
Head through the lobby of Elite Hotel in Gamla Väster, and you'll end up at Quan. It's dark and ultra lounge-y, but the cocktails and food don't disappoint. Creative cocktails with fusion Asian dishes. They've also got great lunch deals.
Their sharing style menu isn't for everyone - but it's pretty damn delicious. Lots of great natural wine, and the vibes of an old school deli. The one thing I will note: This is probably the least vegetarian friendly restaurant in Malmö, which is a real bummer...
They've also got a lovely courtyard in the summer. A sunny beautiful bench for spring days. And a great place to stop in for a lazy breakfast.
This restaurant is run by Jennie Walldén who grew up in Sweden, but is adopted from S. Korea. At Namu, she fuses the flavors of her early childhood memories with wonderful Swedish produce. She was a winner of Sweden's Master Chef, and her restaurant quickly received a Bib Gourmand. Once again, they do great lunch specials - but go in the evening for the full experience. Before or after, drop by her cocktail bar - GAJI - for a drink.
FUN FACT: I used to workout at the same gym as Jennie.
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Bars
A couple of local favorites for cocktails and wine. Remember the drinking age in Sweden is 18+ at bars and restaurants, but 20+ if you want to buy alochol at the state-run alcohol stores: Systembolaget.
The hotel lobby boasts a dark and mysterious bar. Fabulous drinks, and gets really busy during local after work (AW) events. Don't miss the black & white photo booth in the back!
Malmö's most popular natural wine bar which also serves an array of bites for dinner. An open kitchen area, and a great variety of wines on tap for a glass or caraffe + even more by the bottle!
I've been wanting to go here - but every time I do, it's full. So book ahead! Asian inspired cocktail by Jennie Wallden (owner + chef at Namu). Come here for upscale cocktail bars in sleek Scandi-vibes.
Newly reopened as Grand Italian which is both a Sky Bar and Eatery, I've only been here under previous ownership. It's a beautiful view of Malmö on a clear day!
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Bubble Tea & Ice Cream
You can never go wrong with ice cream - so I've shared two of Malmö's favorite places here. More surprising is that Malmö has a very popping Bubble Tea scene, and a few really good ones that I personally think are worth the hype.
A Malmö classic - "The Little Ice Cream" factory churns out homemade ice creams. Don't miss the local favorite - the blue MFF ice cream - in support of the local football team.
Upscale bubble tea with creative options. They've got an uber creamy taro-coconut, but I prefer the more traditional oolong tea or a fruity passionfruit/lychee tea. They change the menu seasonally. It's popular, so be prepared to wait.
Another solid bubble tea option in Malmö. I love the regular milk tea, but again - their coconut taro is lovely - as are their fruit teas!
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Psst... I've heard rumors
As a foodie, I've always got a list of places that I want to try - but haven't quite gotten to yet. If I happen to visit, I'll make sure to update them to the categories above - but in the meantime, here's a list of my want-to-visits that I've heard from friends and family are worth it:
Located in Malmö's old Mazetti Chocolate Factory, the looming eyes of the logo still give me Gatsby Vibes. Literature reference aside, SOI29 should deliver some real HOT and authentic Thai food.
A popular breakfast/brunch place in more local neighborhood - Slottstaden. It's always been packed when I've wanted to visit, so I've popped next door to Spoonery for an early lunch.
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Additional Locations
St. Jakobs Stenugnsbageri - Behind Central Station
Hi there! I'm Jasmine - a foodie based in wonderful Copenhagen, Denmark. I love exploring different restaurants - and I'm the go-to person for restaurants recommendations amongst my friends & family. I also love travelling, but especially love the planning phase to make sure that I don't miss out on hidden gems + optimizing your time! I'd love to help you explore Copenhagen + Southern Sweden.
Feel free to follow me on my food-stagram where I post my favorite meals here in Copenhagen, as well as during my own personal travels: @deguzsation