Food and drinks by the water

Restaurants

SILL & DYNAMIT ♦ Enjoy a delicious meal with views of Lake Vänern’s gentle waves and one of Mariestad’s most beautiful spots—the guest harbor. You’ll often be treated to a stunning sunset whether you’re seated inside or on the spacious outdoor terrace. The well-prepared food is made from locally sourced ingredients from quality-conscious suppliers. Enjoy fish, meat, and vegetarian options. Don’t miss the beer from their own brewery or other microbreweries! Dogs are welcome both indoors and outdoors.

HAMNRESTAURANGEN BOJEN ♦ Enjoy great food in Mariestad’s lovely guest harbor. At Bojen, you sit right by the quay, overlooking the boats and the sunset over Lake Vänern. The rooftop terrace makes the food taste even better with the beautiful view.

*BODARNA I HAMNEN ♦ Mariestad’s guest harbor is a natural summer meeting place. Visitors and locals come here to eat, drink, enjoy ice cream in the sun, and socialize. Sit outdoors by the water and choose from various food stalls in a food court setting. Enjoy your meal at the shared outdoor seating by the quay.

Here you’ll find:

• Albins Fisk & Delikatesser
• Alex Skafferi
• Glassmagasinet
• Hamnens Churros
• Hamnens Pizzeria
• Lago E Collina
• Lundis Bakficka

SÄLLSKAPET MARIESTAD ♦ Located by Lake Vänern in the historic folk park of Mariestad, this restaurant offers lunch, dinner, after-work events, and more. The large outdoor deck on the pier offers views of the marina, Torsö Island, and the Torsö Bridge—perfect for sunsets. The menu features local ingredients and global flavors, with a focus on sustainability and seasonal produce.

SANDHOLMEN CAFÉ BAR & BISTRO ♦ Sandholmen is located in the middle of Karlsholme Folkets Park – with views of Lake Vänern’s sparkling waters and the small marina in one direction, and the Old Town with the cathedral in the other. Here you can enjoy breakfast, brunch or coffee, have a drink, and choose something good from the menu. The restaurant has a spacious outdoor seating area with an awning roof, and there are also facilities for private events and conferences.

RESTAURANG BRYGGHUSET ♦ Located at the bridge to Torsö, this restaurant offers great food and fantastic views of Torsö, the bridge, and Östersundet. The menu includes à la carte, salads, and pizza, with takeaway options. The venue is also available for private events.

LAXHALL HAMNKROG & KONFERENS ♦ At the far end of Torsö Island, enjoy your meal in a beautiful archipelago setting. The food is made from local and Swedish ingredients. From the dining room and outdoor seating, you can see across the narrow strait to Brommö. Open daily in summer for breakfast, lunch, and à la carte; open on weekends during shoulder seasons and for themed evenings and entertainment.

NORRQVARN HOTEL & RESORT BY VÄNERPORT ♦ Located by the Göta Canal near Lyrestad, about 20 km northeast of Mariestad. Dine on the dock with views of the boats and enjoy locally sourced food. The hotel kitchen is certified by “Taste of West Sweden,” which promotes sustainable and authentic regional cuisine. The former mill also offers hotel rooms and conference facilities. Dogs are welcome both indoors and outdoors.

 *RESTAURANG KAJUTAN ♦ In Sjötorp, right by the Göta Canal and Lake Vänern, this cozy inn and restaurant offers great food and drinks with canal views. The large terrace overlooks the locks and the lively summer scene. The small kitchen uses local ingredients, and during high season, themed evenings like shrimp feasts and BBQ buffets are held. Available for group bookings year-round.

CAFÉ BALTZAR VON PLATEN ♦ Located in the old shipyard warehouse in Sjötorp, this café shares space with the Canal and Maritime Museum. Enjoy coffee or a meal with views of the canal. The outdoor terrace overlooks the upper harbor basin and is just steps from the locks. There’s also a shop with clothes, jewelry, and home décor. Open most of the year except January–March.

*KANALKROGEN I SJÖTORP ♦ Overlooking Lake Vänern and right next to the Göta Canal, this summer-only restaurant and pub offers meals and drinks in the sun. A large deck and grassy outdoor area invite socializing. Live music almost every week during summer.

*PERSSONS I BACKEN ♦ Located in Sjötorp by the Göta Canal with views of Lake Vänern, this local fish restaurant serves fish and chips made from freshly caught perch and zander from Vänern, and cod from the west coast. Choose your fish, sauce, and fries. Simple but delicious! Open from May to September.

Cafés

DAISY'S PLACE ♦ A cozy little café in Lyrestad, right by the Göta Canal. Sit outside and watch the boats pass by. Enjoy homemade pastries based on grandma’s recipes. Also sells curiosities and gifts. Open year-round.

HAMNMAGASINET I LYRESTAD ♦ In the heart of Lyrestad by the Göta Canal, this large heritage museum is run by the Lyrestad parish local history association. The café serves homemade buns and cookies. The museum spans three floors with exhibits ranging from telephones and farming tools to early 20th-century interiors and a general store. Open in summer and the first Sunday of each month the rest of the year.

*CAFÉ BÄCKEN ♦ A summer café with homemade treats in a pleasant setting. Outdoor seating on large grassy areas with views of Lake Vänern. Also features mini-golf with courses themed around Mariestad landmarks and other activities.

*SNAPENS FRILUFTSGÅRD ♦ Beautifully located by Lake Vänern just outside town, this outdoor area offers trails, a beach, and a summer café serving coffee, ice cream, sandwiches, and homemade pastries. Run by Mariestad’s Outdoor Club, it’s open daily in summer and Sundays 10:00–14:00 the rest of the year, with quiz walks on Sundays.