Familjen — Restaurant in Göteborgs Stad

This was our first visit to Familjen, and with its strong reputation, positive reviews, and solid credentials, our expectations were understandably high. Unfortunately, it failed to meet most of the standards we anticipated for an exquisite dining experience.

The venue itself, while cozy, offers nothing remarkable. The decor consists of small tables, basic chairs, and sofas—comfortable enough, but lacking any distinctive charm. Our experience with the staff was mixed; while some were polite and attentive, others seemed disengaged. On a positive note, the cutlery and glassware were well-suited to the beverages, and the environment was quiet enough to allow for easy conversation.

One of the few highlights was the attentiveness regarding my wife’s food allergies, which she had mentioned when booking the table. Some of the waitstaff were already informed of her allergies, which was a pleasant surprise as this is rarely the case. However, there were no alternative dishes offered to accommodate her allergies. Instead, the food she couldn’t eat was simply removed from the plates, leaving the dishes incomplete. While the set menus are reasonably priced, the à la carte options are quite limited.

The true disappointment, however, was the food itself. The langoustine soup was essentially a smoky broth with a single, small langoustine. The selection of Swedish cheeses amounted to three small pieces served with crackers—unless you have allergies, in which case you just get the cheese. While the flavors were good, the portions were too minimalistic to be satisfying.

For the main course, we ordered the T-bone steak for two. Unfortunately, the potatoes were undercooked and hard, the meat was decent but not exceptional, and the gravy was overwhelmingly salty and smoky. The dishes were served on mismatched dessert plates, which may have been intended as a quirky touch, but it was more inconvenient than charming, detracting from the overall experience.

Given the disappointments throughout the meal, we didn’t feel encouraged to try either of the two dessert options—cherry ice cream or pear ice cream.

All in all, we expected much more from a restaurant with Familjen’s reputation. While we had a good time together, the experience itself is likely to remain a quirky memory rather than a culinary highlight. Regrettably, I cannot, in good conscience,...

Having a gin drink with fresh apples and dill was an amazing entre för the evening was an extraordinary experience.

Familjen, one of the best bars in Göteborg is a delightful discovery for anyone looking to enjoy a relaxed and warm atmosphere combined with excellent cuisine. The bar has a distinct homely feel, aptly fitting its name "Familjen" which means "family" in Swedish. The interior is elegantly designed with comfortable seating and subtle, modern decor that makes you feel right at home.

The menu is a fusion of traditional Swedish dishes with a contemporary twist, and every item promises a burst of flavor. The standout dish during my visit was the 'Biff Rydberg,' a Swedish classic that was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The portions are generous, making it great value for money.

The drink selection is impressive, with a variety of local and international wines, beers, and inventive cocktails. The staff at Familjen Bar are knowledgeable about their offerings and are more than willing to help with recommendations.

Service here is exceptional, with staff that are attentive without being intrusive. They contribute greatly to the friendly and inviting atmosphere, making sure that every guest feels part of the 'family.'

In conclusion, Familjen Bar is a must-visit in Göteborg for its cozy ambiance, fantastic food, and superb service. It's perfect for a casual dinner, a romantic date, or even a night out with friends. Highly recommended for a genuinely enjoyable experience!

It seems the bar need more of premium rums to make even...

I really wanted to love this place, especially since it looks incredible on paper. Unfortunately, I took my partner here for his birthday, and it turned into a disappointment. It feels like a classic case of "we made it into the Michelin Guide, so now the customers will come no matter what."

We ordered the set menu (Menu Familjen). The first course was decent, but it was all downhill from there. The beef in the main course was almost inedible—very stringy, fibrous and so tough that I had to spit some of it out. I'm not sure if this was due to poor cooking or just a cheap cut of meat. When I mentioned this to the waiter, she kindly offered to replace it, but since my partner's was equally bad, I declined. Given the long wait between courses, we didn't want to risk waiting any longer.

Speaking of wait times, after the main course, we were asked if we wanted dessert—despite having prebooked a set menu that included it. I said that we had the set menu, however after waiting another 25 minutes with no dessert in sight, I asked for the bill and left.

It's painfully obvious they are cutting corners, both on ingredients and staffing. The waitstaff was kind and did their best, but they were clearly understaffed, which resulted in long waits for everything. It’s rare for me to leave such a critical review, but this experience warrants it. Overall, a disappointing and somewhat embarrassing choice for a...