Next! at Hammars Backar, Kåsebergaåsen

Few places capture the essence of the Swedish summer like Hammars Backar — that rolling coastal ridge above Kåsebergaåsen, where wildflowers bend in the Baltic breeze and the sea below looks perpetually glazed in light. It’s a landscape that makes you slow down.

Perched quietly near the edge of that view sits  a restaurant that feels both relaxed and ambitious — part beach café, part bistro, and entirely in tune with its surroundings. You come here after long walks through wind-swept grass and stay for hours, barefoot in spirit, with wine glasses catching the golden reflection of the coast.

The Food: Honest, Playful, and Unmistakably Nordic

There’s a kind of joy in how the kitchen at Next! cooks — unfussy yet deliberate, contemporary but comfort-driven. You taste the sea, the fields, and the freedom that only comes from coastal cooking done right.

Fish Tacos

Sunlight, sea air, and tacos — the trio you didn’t know you needed in Sweden.

These arrived bright and generous: lightly battered fish nestled in soft tortillas, topped with crisp greens, diced tomato, and a swirl of creamy dressing that tied it all together. The batter crackled on first bite, revealing fish that was fresh, flaky, and perfectly seasoned.

There’s something wonderfully global about this dish — Mexican in form, Nordic in soul. A seaside snack turned sophisticated.

Crab Cakes

These were the kind of crab cakes that bridge worlds — Nordic restraint meeting coastal indulgence. Gently crisped outside, tender and fragrant within, the patties carried sweetness from the crab meat balanced by dill and lemon. They didn’t shout; they murmured elegance. The texture leaned softer than expected, but the flavour lingered long after the plate was cleared.

Fish with Mashed Potatoes & Lingonberries

This dish — the unexpected star of the afternoon — encapsulated everything that’s beautiful about Swedish coastal fare.

A hearty, rustic plate: pan-fried fish fillets, their skin crisp and speckled, resting on a cloud of buttery mashed potatoes. Over the top — a scatter of pickled red onions, fresh dill, and tart lingonberries that danced against the richness below.

It was that perfect Swedish contrast — fat and acid, salt and sweet, sea and land. The kind of dish that doesn’t just feed you, but anchors you to the place.

Fish & Chips

(Though not pictured here, we sampled two varieties across the trip — one beer-battered, one breadcrumbed — each with its own Nordic charm.)

The version leaned toward the British classic, light and crisp with a pale-gold crust. The fish — impossibly fresh — flaked apart under the fork. Served with thick-cut chips and a tangy sauce that hinted at dill and mustard, it was proof that even the most familiar dishes can feel entirely new when served under Swedish skies.

A Sweet Finish — and a Clever Hack

And then came the curveball: pistachio ice cream — not on the menu, but served alongside coffee. You, in a stroke of brilliance, dropped it into your latte.

It melted slowly, turning the drink into something decadent and silken — part affogato, part pistachio dream. The kind of food hack that deserves its own line on the menu.

Verdict: A Coastal Gem Worth the Detour

Hammars Backar is what every summer restaurant aspires to be — soulful, scenic, and grounded in its geography. The menu isn’t long, but every plate feels personal. You taste the sea, the sunlight, and the chef’s quiet confidence.

From the perfectly fried fish to the unpretentious yet polished service, every element hums in harmony. And that pistachio ice cream latte? The perfect signature moment — simple, clever, and entirely your own.

Rating: 10/10 for atmosphere, 9/10 for food — and an 11/10 for that pistachio-latte magic.

Would return, always.