We spotlight 5 standout espresso retailers value 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, may not at all times be the primary place that involves thoughts when occupied with specialty espresso, however maybe it must be. Dwelling to the Nordic Espresso Fest and a thriving espresso tradition, this coastal metropolis is filled with cozy, artistic cafés that take their drinks critically with out shedding their welcoming spirit.

Observe me on a espresso tour by Gothenburg and uncover a number of the spots that made me fall in love with its espresso scene.

Kaffelabbet

Kaffelabbet has been a cornerstone of Gothenburg’s espresso neighborhood since 2015, providing not simply wonderful brews but in addition top-quality gear and skilled recommendation. It feels much less like a typical espresso store and extra like a lounge for espresso fanatics: a spot the place you’ll be able to drop in to speak about brew ratios, check out grinders, or simply get pleasure from a superbly made cup. Additionally they often set up espresso programs and cuppings, making it a hub for anybody seeking to deepen their espresso information, no matter expertise stage.

I ended by for a batch brew and was happy to see Quo on bar—a brand new Swedish roastery based mostly within the city of Skärhamn. The brew was clear, vibrant, and an ideal introduction to Kaffelabbet’s deal with high quality. It’s the sort of spot the place one cup simply turns into a protracted, informal dialog about espresso developments and equipment—and I really like that welcoming, nerdy vitality.

Morgon Espresso Roasters

Whereas technically a roastery reasonably 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 shiny blue baggage, impressed by Gothenburg’s shipyards, are immediately recognizable, and their deal with long-term relationships with producers shines by 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 advocate. I swung by, grabbed a do-it-yourself cookie and a flat white, and felt immediately at house amongst fellow espresso lovers. The occasion felt relaxed and pleasant—the sort 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 deal with providing memorable espresso experiences. Their menu showcases coffees sourced from considerate micro-roasters, and the house feels constructed for curiosity—not solely about espresso, however about craft and experimentation on the whole. It’s clear that A43 is dedicated to pushing each their crew and their friends to discover new flavors and strategies.

Naturally, after 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, robust 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 developed right into a multi-location success story, full with their very own roastery and bakery. Da Matteo’s cafés supply a mix of Italian heat and Nordic minimalism, creating full of life but relaxed areas excellent 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 places throughout my keep and bought to expertise firsthand why the corporate is so beloved. I attempted the beans that received them the Finest 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 sort of espresso you need to sit with. 

I additionally couldn’t resist attempting their wood-fired pizza, which was simply as memorable: easy, flavorful, and made with the identical care that defines every part they do. The comfy ambiance and pleasant employees made it straightforward to linger and revel in all of it.

Alkemisten

Situated within the Kvillebäcken district, Alkemisten seems like a real neighborhood café, with a mission centered on neighborhood and real service. Their deal with 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 day by 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 sort of meal that feels each hearty and somewhat bit particular. Paired with a shiny, balanced espresso, it was a easy however memorable expertise. If I lived in Gothenburg, I’ve little question Alkemisten would grow to be an everyday 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 main deal with 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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