Delightful café terraces and beer gardens

For many of Halmstad’s restaurants, 1 April marks the beginning of the alfresco dining season. This is when tables and chairs come out of storage and take their place on the city’s pavements and squares, where they will remain into the autumn and sometimes throughout the winter. Here are a few tips for a pleasant alfresco dining experience. Enjoy!

The Bulls

Halmstad’s largest restaurant terrace can be found at The Bulls (swe) External link, opens in new window. on Lilla Torg. From spring until autumn, the square Lilla Torg is filled with palm trees, bars and great places to eat and drink alfresco. The Bulls has an international character, offering well-cooked, rustic fare in a convivial atmosphere. Get there early though, as the tables soon fill up!

Fridolfs krog

The kitchen at quintessential Halmstad restaurant Fridolfs Krog (Swe) External link, opens in new window. turns out classic dishes such as Kvibille-packed Swedish pork tenderloin, a firm favourite with the city’s residents and visitors alike. Lined with citrus and olive trees, the restaurant’s splendidly atmospheric terrace dining area is enclosed by the homely brick walls of the surrounding buildings. In fine weather you can sit beneath the stars, while when it rains you can listen to the pitter-patter of raindrops on the sheltering awnings. Either way, you will be treated to a Continental-style alfresco dining experience.

Krog & Co

A brasserie with Swedish roots, Krog & Co (swe) External link, opens in new window. is located on Storgatan. Here, you will be greeted by a relaxed atmosphere that effortlessly unites food, drink and people. Take a seat on the popular terrace and order the famous chicken wings. You won’t be disappointed!

Cortado Coffeshop

Looking for Halmstad’s sunniest alfresco dining experience? Your quest is over. Cortado Coffee Shop External link, opens in new window. is on Norre Torg, next door to the historic statue 91:an Karlsson and Norre Port, the old northern city gates. Coffee is the main act here, but the menu also includes various food options throughout the day. Sit in the sun and observe Halmstad’s street life from a front-row seat.

Söderpiren

Söderpiren (Swe) External link, opens in new window., or the South Pier, is located next to the marina at Västra Stranden. Enjoy an invigorating lunch or refreshments in a glorious seaside environment. Relax in the outdoor seating area when the sun is shining or shelter indoors on windy days and enjoy the sight of the waves crashing on the shore. The view across Laholm Bay adds that extra spice.

Bistro Jarlen

Neighbourhood restaurant Bistro Jarlen (swe) External link, opens in new window. is nextdoor to the Halmstad Theatre. Bistro Jarlen serves good food influenced by both Swedish and French cuisine and the restaurant’s passion for both the culinary arts and wine is unmistakable. Enjoy your meal among olive trees on the cosy, atmospherically lit veranda. The restaurant’s boules court is a big plus and the perfect summer activity!

Hummër Grill & Bar

The Hummër Grill & Bar (swe) External link, opens in new window. on Storgatan welcomes you with a pleasant terrace on which you can sit equally comfortably in the early spring as on a warm summer evening. The menu combines top-class meat, lobster and seafood dishes and sides, all made from scratch. Order the classic Surf & Turf, or perhaps a delicious charcuterie board, and settle down to watch the world pass by.

Solsidan

Welcome to Solsidan (swe), External link, opens in new window. Lilla Torg’s latest and sunniest alfresco dining experience. The terrace opens as the spring sun begins to warm up and remains an obvious place to enjoy some rays throughout the summer months, when the sun blazes down from early in the day. During the evening, the restaurant and bar serve classic pub dishes and drinks of all colours.

Punch Restaurang & Bar

The menu of this popular neighbourhood restaurant in Tylösand offers both magical pizzas and Scandinavian dishes from the à la carte menu. During the summer, the area is teeming with people and the outdoor tables fill up quickly, while sportingly inclined guests gravitate to the adjacent miniature golf course. Punch Restaurang & Bar (swe) External link, opens in new window. is the perfect place for anyone looking for good food in combination with a little exercise!

Göstas Café & Restaurant

Just above the beach in Steninge, surrounded by rugged coastal pastures and offering a fantastic view of the sea, you’ll find Göstas Café & Restaurant (swe) External link, opens in new window.. Here, you can enjoy a relaxing coffee break or a tasty lunch sandwich in the garden–or savor a delightful dinner in the glow of the evening sun.

Bread on Wine

At Torntorget, with a magical view over the Nissan River, you’ll find Bread on Wine (swe) External link, opens in new window.–a wine bar inspired by the flavors and traditions of Italy and Argentina. Alongside a carefully curated wine list, you can enjoy high-quality dishes designed for sharing at the table. How about tapas, sourdough pizza with truffle cream and oyster mushrooms, or grilled dry-aged sirloin with chimichurri.

Tallhöjdens Värdshus

In Simlångsdalen, Tallhöjdens Värdshus (swe) External link, opens in new window. offers not just one, but two inviting outdoor terraces to relax on. Unlike the lively buzz of city cafés, here you’re surrounded by nature and trees, creating a serene atmosphere with the soothing sounds of the forest–a completely different kind of background music.

Restaurang Vattnet

Restaurang Vattnet (swe) External link, opens in new window. is located in the heart of Halmstad, right by the Nissan River. Here, you can enjoy locally sourced food and drinks in a modern and welcoming setting. The restaurant offers a varied menu to satisfy every taste—from lighter lunch options to hearty dinners. On weekends, a popular brunch is served. With its outdoor seating by the water, Vattnet is the perfect spot for both casual weekday meals and special occasions.

Brunchbaren

At the lovely outdoor terrace of Brunchbaren (swe) External link, opens in new window., you can enjoy food, drinks, and company. Right next to it flows the tranquil Nissan river. Brunch is served all day long. You'll find the classic dishes and beverages typical of a brunch restaurant, along with flavorful surprises, always in tune with the season. Brunchbaren is located in the Halland Art Museum, just a short walk from Halmstad city.

Hamngatan 43

Summer restaurant Hamngatan 43 (swe) External link, opens in new window. offers alfresco dining in a beautiful location on the bank of the Nissan River. The perfect venue for a pleasant summer evening spent in good company. The eclectic menu offers everything from sushi to burgers and sirloin steaks.

Grands Bistrobar

At the cozy outdoor terrace of Grands Bistrobar (swe) External link, opens in new window. at Stationsgatan 44, you can enjoy delightful bistro dishes according to the season. Here, both taste buds and senses are tantalized. The menu and drink list are influenced by flavors from Southern Europe and the Riviera, combined with classic Swedish and local tastes.

Rotundan

At the top of the hill in Norre Katts Park stands the historic Rotundan (swe) External link, opens in new window., which transforms into a true cultural oasis during the summer months. The menu combines tasty street food from around the world with homemade pastries–always with vegan options available. Add a beautiful view of the Nissan River, a vibrant cultural program, and plenty of live music, and you’ve got a clear summer favorite.

Källarkrogen Vinyl

On Hamngatan in the city center, you’ll find Källarkrogen (swe) External link, opens in new window. Vinyl, cozily tucked away in a cellar dating back to 1897. Among beautiful brick walls and vaulted ceilings, exciting culinary experiences are served in a relaxed atmosphere. In summer, you can swap the cellar setting for a vibrant outdoor terrace right by the Nissan River, with a lovely view of the City Library and Nissastrand on the opposite bank.

A Little Party

Did you know Halmstad has something as unique as a champagne bar? Right by the Nissan River promenade, you’ll find this gem–perfect for anyone who loves champagne paired with carefully selected accompaniments and flavorful main courses. At A Little Party (swe) External link, opens in new window., the coolers are always stocked with more than 200 different champagnes, and every single one is available by the glass.

More Outdoor Dining Spots

Most of Halmstad’s restaurants and cafés have outdoor tables. You can find more tips for pleasant alfresco dining on the pages below.