5 Cool Cafés to Check Out in Gothenburg, Sweden

We highlight five standout coffee shops worth visiting in the coastal Swedish city, including da Matteo and Kaffelabbet.

BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT

Photos courtesy of Vasileia Fanarioti

Gothenburg, Sweden, might not always be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about specialty coffee, but perhaps it should be. Home to the Nordic Coffee Fest and a thriving coffee culture, this coastal city is packed with cozy, creative cafés that take their drinks seriously without losing their welcoming spirit.

Follow me on a coffee tour through Gothenburg and discover some of the spots that made me fall in love with its coffee scene.

Kaffelabbet

Kaffelabbet has been a cornerstone of Gothenburg’s coffee community since 2015, offering not just excellent brews but also top-quality equipment and expert advice. It feels less like a typical coffee shop and more like a living room for coffee enthusiasts: a place where you can drop in to chat about brew ratios, test out grinders, or just enjoy a perfectly made cup. They also regularly organize espresso courses and cuppings, making it a hub for anyone looking to deepen their coffee knowledge, regardless of experience level.

I stopped by for a batch brew and was pleased to see Quo on bar—a new Swedish roastery based in the town of Skärhamn. The brew was clean, vibrant, and a perfect introduction to Kaffelabbet’s focus on quality. It’s the kind of spot where one cup easily turns into a long, casual conversation about coffee trends and gear—and I love that welcoming, nerdy energy.

Morgon Coffee Roasters

While technically a roastery rather than a full café, Morgon Coffee Roasters deserves a special mention (and a visit). Founded by Markus Vestergaard and Gabriella Sand, Morgon is a roastery that manages to keep things fun and approachable without compromising on quality.

Their bright blue bags, inspired by Gothenburg’s shipyards, are instantly recognizable, and their focus on long-term relationships with producers shines through in each cup. “Inspired by the world around us, we transform the beauty of travel and the stories of our producers into each colorful bag, inviting you to taste the journey,“ Gabriella says.

On the last Saturday of each month, Morgon opens their roastery doors for a free tasting session, and it’s an experience I wholeheartedly recommend. I swung by, grabbed a homemade cookie and a flat white, and felt instantly at home among fellow coffee lovers. The event felt relaxed and friendly—the kind of gathering that reminds you why you fell in love with specialty coffee in the first place.

A43 Coffee

Trestles along Avenyn 43, A43 Coffee is small but mighty, with a focus on offering memorable coffee experiences. Their menu showcases coffees sourced from thoughtful micro-roasters, and the space feels built for curiosity—not only about coffee, but about craft and experimentation in general. It’s clear that A43 is committed to pushing both their team and their guests to explore new flavors and methods.

Naturally, when I saw they had a Greek freddo espresso on the menu, I couldn’t resist — it’s not every day you find that in Sweden. The freddo was expertly prepared, strong yet silky, and served as a refreshing twist on my coffee tour. The baristas were enthusiastic and happy to chat, making my stop here feel less like an order-and-go experience, and more like a shared moment around a well-made drink.

da Matteo

Few names are as closely tied to Gothenburg’s coffee identity as da Matteo. Starting with a single café in the ’90s, founder Matts Johansson’s dream evolved into a multi-location success story, complete with their own roastery and bakery. Da Matteo’s cafés offer a blend of Italian warmth and Nordic minimalism, creating lively yet relaxed spaces perfect for a coffee break or a lingering afternoon with a book.

“From the first espresso served in Gothenburg to our bustling roastery, da Matteo reflects my dream of blending Italian warmth with Nordic simplicity,“ Matts says.

I visited two da Matteo locations during my stay and got to experience firsthand why the company is so beloved. I tried the beans that won them the Best Roaster title at this year’s Nordic Coffee Fest, and it was a standout moment. Rich, layered, and full of character, it was exactly the kind of coffee you want to sit with. 

I also couldn’t resist trying their wood-fired pizza, which was just as memorable: simple, flavorful, and made with the same care that defines everything they do. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff made it easy to linger and enjoy it all.

Alkemisten

Located in the Kvillebäcken district, Alkemisten feels like a true neighborhood café, with a mission centered on community and genuine service. Their focus on specialty coffee, local produce, and a warm, inclusive vibe is clear from the moment you walk in. Whether you’re grabbing a quick espresso or settling in for a vegetarian lunch, Alkemisten makes it feel like you’re part of something bigger—a daily ritual of connection and good coffee.

I treated myself to their grilled sourdough sandwich with chèvre, apricot jam, and walnuts, and it was absolutely delicious: the kind of meal that feels both hearty and a little bit special. Paired with a bright, balanced espresso, it was a simple but memorable experience. If I lived in Gothenburg, I have no doubt Alkemisten would become a regular spot for me.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vasileia Fanarioti (she/her) is a senior online correspondent for Barista Magazine and a freelance copywriter and editor with a primary focus on the coffee niche. She has also been a volunteer copywriter for the I’M NOT A BARISTA NPO, providing content to help educate people about baristas and their work.

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