Global Major Cities Guide

A wide variety of dining options from local Swedish cuisine to international dishes.

Sections

Types of Cuisine

Lund’s dining scene reflects both Swedish culinary traditions and international influences. Here are the main types of cuisine you’ll find:

Traditional Swedish Cuisine
- Expect dishes like meatballs (köttbullar), pickled herring (sill), gravlax (cured salmon), and hearty stews.
- Many restaurants also serve "husmanskost," traditional Swedish home-style meals, often with lingonberry jam and potatoes.
- Popular spots: Klostergatans Vin & Delikatess and Mat & Destillat.
International Cuisine
- Italian, Indian, Thai, Japanese, Middle Eastern, and American cuisines are widely available.
- For Italian, try V.E.S.P.A.; for Indian, Govindas Vegetarian Club is a great option; and for sushi, Sushi Yama is a popular chain.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
- Lund is very accommodating to plant-based diets, with many restaurants offering vegetarian and vegan dishes.
- Dedicated vegan spots include Truefood Lund and Green Queen.
Cafés and Bakeries
- Fika (the Swedish coffee break) is a must-try cultural experience. Cafés serve coffee, tea, and pastries like cinnamon buns (kanelbullar) and cardamom buns (kardemummabullar).
- Popular cafés: Love Coffee Roasters and St. Jakobs Stenugnsbageri.
Street Food and Casual Dining
- Food trucks and casual eateries offer burgers, falafel, and kebabs.
- The Lund Saluhall (indoor food market) is a great place to explore local and international flavors.

Price Ranges

Dining in Lund can range from budget-friendly to high-end. Here’s a general breakdown:

Budget (€-€€):
- Meals at casual eateries, cafés, or food trucks cost around 80–150 SEK (€7–€13).
- Examples: Govindas Vegetarian Club (vegetarian buffet) or Falafel No. 1 (affordable Middle Eastern food).
Mid-Range (€€-€€€):
- A meal at a sit-down restaurant typically costs 150–300 SEK (€13–€26).
- Examples: Mat & Destillat (modern Swedish cuisine) or V.E.S.P.A. (Italian).
High-End (€€€-€€€€):
- Fine dining experiences range from 400–800 SEK (€35–€70) per person.
- Examples: Klostergatans Vin & Delikatess (wine-focused fine dining) or Grand Hotel Lund (classic Swedish luxury dining).

Popular Dining Spots

Here are some well-regarded restaurants in Lund:

Mat & Destillat
- Cuisine: Modern Swedish with a focus on local ingredients.
- Price: Mid-range to high-end.
- Highlights: Seasonal menus, creative cocktails.
Klostergatans Vin & Delikatess
- Cuisine: Swedish and European fine dining.
- Price: High-end.
- Highlights: Extensive wine list, intimate atmosphere.
Govindas Vegetarian Club
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired vegetarian buffet.
- Price: Budget-friendly.
- Highlights: All-you-can-eat buffet, cozy ambiance.
Truefood Lund
- Cuisine: Vegan and plant-based.
- Price: Mid-range.
- Highlights: Healthy, sustainable dishes.
Grand Hotel Lund
- Cuisine: Traditional Swedish fine dining.
- Price: High-end.
- Highlights: Historic setting, luxurious experience.
Love Coffee Roasters
- Cuisine: Specialty coffee and light bites.
- Price: Budget-friendly.
- Highlights: Locally roasted coffee, minimalist vibe.

Making Reservations

When to Reserve:
- For popular or fine dining restaurants, it’s recommended to book a table in advance, especially on weekends or during holidays.
- Casual eateries and cafés usually don’t require reservations.
How to Reserve:
- Most restaurants allow online reservations via their websites or platforms like TheFork (known as Bookatable in Sweden).
- You can also call the restaurant directly.
Walk-Ins:
- Many places accept walk-ins, but availability may be limited during peak hours.

Dietary Options

Lund is very accommodating to various dietary needs:

Vegetarian/Vegan: Most restaurants offer vegetarian options, and many have vegan dishes. Dedicated vegan spots like Truefood Lund are excellent choices.
Gluten-Free: Many restaurants cater to gluten-free diets; just inform the staff when ordering.
Halal/Kosher: Halal options are available at Middle Eastern and Indian restaurants. Kosher options are more limited, so it’s best to check in advance.
Allergies: Swedish restaurants are generally allergy-aware. Inform the staff about any allergies, and they will guide you through the menu.

Local Dining Customs and Tips

Fika Culture:
- Fika is a cherished Swedish tradition of taking a coffee break with pastries. It’s more than just a snack; it’s a social ritual. Don’t miss trying a cinnamon bun with your coffee!
Tipping:
- Tipping is not mandatory in Sweden, as service charges are included in the bill. However, rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for excellent service is appreciated.
Lunch Specials (Dagens Lunch):
- Many restaurants offer a "dagens lunch" (daily lunch special) on weekdays, typically priced between 100–150 SEK (€9–€13). This usually includes a main dish, salad, bread, and coffee.
Sustainability:
- Sustainability is important in Sweden, and many restaurants in Lund focus on locally sourced, organic ingredients.
Alcohol:
- Alcohol is expensive due to high taxes. If you want wine or beer with your meal, be prepared for higher prices.
Dining Hours:
- Lunch is typically served from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM.
- Dinner service starts around 5:00 PM, and most kitchens close by 9:00–10:00 PM.

Unique and Culturally Significant Aspects

Lund Saluhall:
- This indoor food market is a must-visit for food lovers. It offers a variety of stalls selling fresh produce, artisanal products, and ready-to-eat meals.
Seasonal Dishes:
- Swedish cuisine is highly seasonal. In spring, you’ll find dishes featuring asparagus and rhubarb. In autumn, mushrooms and game meats are popular.
Crayfish Parties (Kräftskiva):
- If you visit in August, you might encounter a traditional Swedish crayfish party. These festive gatherings feature boiled crayfish, schnapps, and singing.

Lund’s dining scene is diverse, welcoming, and deeply rooted in Swedish culture. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a cozy café, or a fine dining experience, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your preferences. Enjoy your culinary journey in Lund!

Lund

Restaurants