Malmö is located on the Öresund Strait and has direct access to the cold, clear waters of the North Atlantic Ocean, providing an exceptional natural pantry for seafood. That bounty permeates the city’s food culture, from Michelin-starred tasting menus that extol the virtues of local shellfish to casual fish-and-chips shops and bustling seafood markets. Unlike many coastal cities where fine dining reigns supreme, the beauty of Malmö is its diversity—world-class gastronomy and humble, high-quality street food are just blocks apart.
Here are the best 5 seafood restaurants in Malmö. Three are seafood specialists in their own right, while two are Michelin-starred restaurants that showcase stellar seafood as part of more expansive tasting journeys. Whatever you’re looking for, Malmö has it: a two-star gourmet experience, a relaxed lunch of freshly fried fish, or a traditional Swedish shrimp sandwich in a historic market hall.
Top 5 Seafood Restaurants in Malmö
- Vollmers
- Johan P
- Söderholmens Fisk
- The Fish and Chip Shop (Södertull)
- SMAK
A Closer Look at the Top 5 Seafood Restaurants in Malmö
1. Vollmers
Vollmers is the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Malmö and the only starred restaurant in the city, with two stars since 2017. The restaurant is located in a townhouse that has been in the Vollmers family for four generations (originally a tailor shop) and represents a deeply personal, family-driven approach to fine dining. The idea is beautifully simple: almost everything is produced locally and each dish is labeled with how far its main ingredient has traveled—typically between 100 and 200 kilometers. The restaurant is in the middle of its biggest renovation since it opened and will relaunch in a quest for a third star .
Key Points
- Michelin Status: Two Michelin Stars (The first star awarded in 2014 and the second star awarded in 2017)
- Distance-marked menu: Each course tells you the kilometres its main ingredient has travelled, emphasizing hyper-local sourcing
- Seasonal Nordic food: Excellent seafood dishes include brown crab with sorrel, nettle with lumpfish roe and guinea fowl egg
- Setting: A family-owned townhouse with a laid-back, homey vibe and knowledgeable, funny service
Achievements
- Malmö’s only Michelin-star restaurant (two stars)
- First Swedish restaurant to put ingredient travel distance on menu
- Third star under renovation
- The restaurant manager has Michelin stars tattooed on her arm—”with “space for a third.”
Feedback
Diners rave about Vollmer’s “classic Nordic style” and “very nice” seasonal ingredients. Highlights often include the signature 100-year-old bread and inventive wine and berry-juice pairings. The service is professional, warm and humorous. The restaurant is open Tuesday-Saturday 6 p.m.
Contact Information
Website: https://vollmers.se
2. Johan P
Johan P is a very popular seafood restaurant in Malmö, with well-prepared fish and shellfish in Swedish and Continental styles. The restaurant is located on Hjulhamnsgatan in the district of Västra Hamnen (Western Harbour). It mixes an elegant setting (white walls, tiled floors and crisp white tablecloths) with a relaxed, casual dress code. In summer, there is an outdoor area with waterfront dining and views of the Öresund Strait.
Key Points
- Specialising in fresh seafood and shellfish, prepared in Swedish and Continental styles
- Prime location: Västra Hamnen (Western Harbour) with outdoor summer seating with views of the water
- Wine programme Good wine list, carefully selected to complement seafood
- Atmosphere: Upscale, yet casual – fine dining, but without the formality.
Achievements
- “relaxed fine dining,” according to Fodor’s Travel Guide
- One of the most popular seafood places in Malmö
- Known for excellent shellfish platters and old-school preparations
Feedback
Johan P is described by diners as offering “relaxed fine dining” where the focus is very much on the quality of the seafood. In summer the waterfront location is a big draw and the wine list gets regular praise. The restaurant is good for special occasions or casual lunches.
Contact Information
Website: https://www.johanp.se
3. Söderholmens Fisk
Söderholmens Fisk is a popular fish market and restaurant in a food market in the center of Malmö. Part fish store, part casual dining place and some of the most authentic and reasonably priced seafood in the city. It’s a small, intimate space with indoor seating and a small outdoor area. Regulars come for the classic fish & chips (195 SEK), the famous fish soup and the classic Swedish räksmörgås (shrimp sandwich) piled high with fresh, hand-peeled shrimp.
Key Points
- Signature Dishes Fish & Chips (195 SEK), fish soup, shrimp sandwich (225 SEK for 250g fresh shrimp) and oysters
- Casual Market Setting: Located within a vibrant food market, guests serve themselves bread from a communal counter
- Sustainability Focus: Focus on fresh, sustainable seafood. Staff are knowledgeable and accommodating.
- Price Point: Very reasonable for the quality. Generous portions.
Achievements
- Excellent reviews: 4.5/5 stars from over 220 Google reviews and 74 Tripadvisor reviews
- Generally considered to serve the best fish & chips and fish soup in Malmö
- Known for friendly, professional service and generous portion sizes
Feedback
Visitors have praised the “very tasty fish” and “nice atmosphere,” one of whom commented that the fish & chips was “crispy” and “fresh.” The staff is “super friendly” and “accommodating.” Some diners say the portions can be small for the price and the breading on the fish can be salty at times. Söderholmens Fisk is widely regarded as one of the best value seafood options in the city.
Contact Information
Website: https://www.soderholmensfisk.se/
4. The Fish and Chip Shop (Södertull)
The Fish and Chip Shop, located in Malmö’s Södertull area, has been lauded with rave reviews for serving what some claim are the best fish and chips in Sweden. Unlike many fast food interpretations, this place fillets its fish fresh daily and you can tell the difference in taste and texture. The batter is “incredibly crispy” and won’t turn soggy, even if it’s delivered or taken away. The modern, open dining room has plenty of space and a lively outdoor seating area lends itself to people-watching in good weather.
Key Points
- Signature Dish: Fish & Chips with crispy batter and fresh hot fish
- Freshly filleted fish The shop’s commitment to fresh filleting sets it apart from its competitors
- Modern Setting: The decor is clean and modern, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. The atmosphere is cosy and welcoming
- Bonus Options: Also serves loaded fries and has beer that won’t break the bank
Achievements
- Rated as “some of the best fish and chips in Sweden”
- Praised by customers for its “cozy atmosphere,” “friendly staff,” and “generous portions”
- One of Malmö’s favorite casual seafood spots
Feedback
Customers rave about the hot, fresh fish and the perfectly crispy batter that “doesn’t get soggy.” The portions are generous, too. The service is called “fast” and “attentive.” The focus is classic fish & chips, but the loaded fries and other options are highly rated too.
Contact Information
Website: https://thefishandchipshop.se
5. SMAK
SMAK is a popular restaurant in central Malmö serving an elevated buffet-style dining experience with a heavy focus on fresh, local ingredients. The lunch buffet changes daily. There are three choices: meat, fish and vegetarian. The seafood option is usually a highlight, with baked cod swimming in a rich tomato sauce and sprinkled with dill and fennel receiving particular accolades. The price also includes unlimited filter coffee, tea and use of a well-stocked bread station and salad bar, which makes SMAK exceptional value for the quality.
Key Points
- Buffet Style: Lunch buffet with daily rotating meat, fish and vegetarian dishes
- Seafood Highlight: Signature baked cod with tomato sauce, dill and fennel (melts in your mouth)
- Inclusive Extras: Meal price includes freshly baked bread, access to salad bar, unlimited tea/coffee
- Atmosphere: lively, family-oriented dining room; courtyard seating; servers are attentive and explain dishes themselves
Achievements
- “High-quality and delicious food” at “reasonable prices” is highly rated by diners
- It is described as “an elevated buffet-style eatery” with a focus on Swedish cuisine
- One of the best value-for-money places in Malmö for a high-quality seafood lunch.
Feedback
“Delicious and high-quality food,” “generous inclusions” (fresh bread, salad bar, coffee and tea) and “friendly and attentive” staff are the words diners use to describe SMAK. The courtyard dining area is especially nice in good weather. The restaurant is great for families and has plenty of room for strollers in the dining area.
Contact Information
Website: https://smakmalmo.se
FAQ
Which Malmö restaurant has Michelin stars?
Vollmers is the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Malmö, with two stars since 2017. The restaurant is currently undergoing renovation and has expressed its desire to obtain a third star.
Where can I find the best fish and chips in Sweden?
The Fish and Chip Shop in Malmö’s Södertull district is frequently cited as having some of the best fish & chips in Sweden, praised for its incredibly crispy batter that doesn’t get soggy and its commitment to fresh filleting.
Does SMAK have a seafood option on its buffet?
Yes. The buffet at SMAK is different every day but always features fish and meat and vegetarian dishes. Signature favourite: oven-baked cod with fennel, dill and tomato sauce
Which restaurant offers waterfront dining?
Johan P is situated in the Western Harbour (Västra Hamnen) and has outdoor summer seating overlooking the Öresund Sound. The restaurant serves elegant seafood in a relaxed, casual atmosphere.
Are there any seafood restaurants suitable for families?
Yes. SMAK is very family friendly—the large open-plan dining space is stroller friendly, the staff are lovely and it’s great value for money. Other popular casual dining options include Söderholmens Fisk and The Fish and Chip Shop.
What is the price range for seafood in Malmö?
Prices vary widely. Eating at Vollmers, with its two Michelin stars, is significantly more expensive than the more relaxed alternatives. Fish & chips at Söderholmens Fisk is 195 SEK; a similar dish at The Fish and Chip Shop is similarly priced. SMAK’s buffet is moderately priced with a salad bar, bread and unlimited coffee/tea.
Is it necessary to book ahead for these restaurants?
Yes. ‘It’s important for Vollmers to book well in advance. Reservations are also strongly recommended for Johan P. Söderholmens Fisk, The Fish and Chip Shop and SMAK do not always require reservations but they are recommended at peak lunch times and on weekends to shorten waiting times.
