We spotlight 5 standout espresso retailers price visiting within the coastal Swedish metropolis, together with da Matteo and Kaffelabbet.
BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT
Photographs courtesy of Vasileia Fanarioti
Gothenburg, Sweden, won’t all the time be the primary place that involves thoughts when eager about specialty espresso, however maybe it must be. House to the Nordic Espresso Fest and a thriving espresso tradition, this coastal metropolis is filled with cozy, artistic cafés that take their drinks significantly with out shedding their welcoming spirit.
Observe me on a espresso tour by way of Gothenburg and uncover among the spots that made me fall in love with its espresso scene.
Kaffelabbet
Kaffelabbet has been a cornerstone of Gothenburg’s espresso group since 2015, providing not simply wonderful brews but additionally top-quality tools and professional recommendation. It feels much less like a typical espresso store and extra like a front room for espresso fans: a spot the place you may drop in to speak about brew ratios, take a look at out grinders, or simply take pleasure in a wonderfully made cup. Additionally they frequently manage espresso programs and cuppings, making it a hub for anybody seeking to deepen their espresso data, no matter expertise stage.
I ended by for a batch brew and was happy to see Quo on bar—a brand new Swedish roastery primarily based within the city of Skärhamn. The brew was clear, vibrant, and an ideal introduction to Kaffelabbet’s concentrate on high quality. It’s the form of spot the place one cup simply turns into an extended, informal dialog about espresso developments and equipment—and I really like that welcoming, nerdy power.
Morgon Espresso Roasters
Whereas technically a roastery slightly than a full café, Morgon Espresso Roasters deserves a particular point out (and a go to). Based by Markus Vestergaard and Gabriella Sand, Morgon is a roastery that manages to maintain issues enjoyable and approachable with out compromising on high quality.
Their vivid blue luggage, impressed by Gothenburg’s shipyards, are immediately recognizable, and their concentrate on long-term relationships with producers shines by way of in every cup. “Impressed by the world round us, we rework the fantastic thing about journey and the tales of our producers into every colourful bag, inviting you to style the journey,“ Gabriella says.
On the final Saturday of every month, Morgon opens their roastery doorways for a free tasting session, and it’s an expertise I wholeheartedly suggest. I swung by, grabbed a selfmade cookie and a flat white, and felt immediately at house amongst fellow espresso lovers. The occasion felt relaxed and pleasant—the form of gathering that reminds you why you fell in love with specialty espresso within the first place.
A43 Espresso
Trestles alongside Avenyn 43, A43 Espresso is small however mighty, with a concentrate on providing memorable espresso experiences. Their menu showcases coffees sourced from considerate micro-roasters, and the area feels constructed for curiosity—not solely about espresso, however about craft and experimentation usually. It’s clear that A43 is dedicated to pushing each their staff and their friends to discover new flavors and strategies.
Naturally, once I noticed they’d a Greek freddo espresso on the menu, I couldn’t resist — it’s not every single day you discover that in Sweden. The freddo was expertly ready, sturdy but silky, and served as a refreshing twist on my espresso tour. The baristas have been enthusiastic and glad to speak, making my cease right here really feel much less like an order-and-go expertise, and extra like a shared second round a well-made drink.
da Matteo
Few names are as carefully tied to Gothenburg’s espresso identification as da Matteo. Beginning with a single café within the ’90s, founder Matts Johansson’s dream advanced right into a multi-location success story, full with their very own roastery and bakery. Da Matteo’s cafés provide a mix of Italian heat and Nordic minimalism, creating vigorous but relaxed areas good for a espresso break or a lingering afternoon with a e-book.
“From the primary espresso served in Gothenburg to our bustling roastery, da Matteo displays my dream of mixing Italian heat with Nordic simplicity,“ Matts says.
I visited two da Matteo areas throughout my keep and received to expertise firsthand why the corporate is so beloved. I attempted the beans that gained them the Greatest Roaster title at this 12 months’s Nordic Espresso Fest, and it was a standout second. Wealthy, layered, and filled with character, it was precisely the form of espresso you need to sit with.
I additionally couldn’t resist making an attempt their wood-fired pizza, which was simply as memorable: easy, flavorful, and made with the identical care that defines every part they do. The comfortable ambiance and pleasant workers made it straightforward to linger and luxuriate in all of it.
Alkemisten
Situated within the Kvillebäcken district, Alkemisten seems like a real neighborhood café, with a mission centered on group and real service. Their concentrate on specialty espresso, native produce, and a heat, inclusive vibe is evident from the second you stroll in. Whether or not you’re grabbing a fast espresso or settling in for a vegetarian lunch, Alkemisten makes it really feel such as you’re a part of one thing larger—a every day ritual of connection and good espresso.
I handled myself to their grilled sourdough sandwich with chèvre, apricot jam, and walnuts, and it was completely scrumptious: the form of meal that feels each hearty and a bit of bit particular. Paired with a vivid, balanced espresso, it was a easy however memorable expertise. If I lived in Gothenburg, I’ve little doubt Alkemisten would turn into a daily spot for me.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vasileia Fanarioti (she/her) is a senior on-line correspondent for Barista Journal and a contract copywriter and editor with a major concentrate on the espresso area of interest. She has additionally been a volunteer copywriter for the I’M NOT A BARISTA NPO, offering content material to assist educate folks about baristas and their work.
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