Hattmakaren

The story

Hattmakarn Brasserie & Bar – Modern Swedish Dining in Central Kalmar

A Brasserie with Character, Right from the Start

Hattmakarn Brasserie & Bar sits at Storgatan 12 in the heart of Kalmar, the project of three partners — Johan, Rubar, and Emil — who spent years working in well-regarded restaurants before striking out on their own. The name nods to the hat-makers who once worked in the very building and surrounding quarter, a heritage the team takes seriously: like those craftsmen, they know that quality is what keeps guests coming back.

The kitchen's guiding principle is straightforward — everything made from scratch, with Swedish classics interpreted in a modern way and room for continental influences alongside them. It is the kind of place where you can settle into a leather sofa in the lounge with a glass of wine, pull up a stool at the bar for a drink and a bite, or take a proper table for a full evening with friends.

What White Guide Noticed

For a restaurant that had barely opened its doors, the 2026 White Guide Fine level recognition says a great deal. Reviewers singled out the lightly cured salmon with miso mayonnaise — served with a composed salad of daikon, seaweed and pear, dressed with a vinaigrette of soy, brown butter and lemon — as the dish that impressed most. On the dessert side, French toast made from brioche sourced at a local bakery, paired with brown butter ice cream, hazelnut praline and a dusting of cinnamon, was described as the evening's showstopper. The wine selection earned its own praise: carefully chosen, and the team's knowledge of the list is evident.

The Atmosphere

The room does not take itself too seriously — the hat motif gives the place a distinct identity without tipping into gimmick — and the service matches that tone: warm, attentive, and genuinely knowledgeable. Tables range from intimate pairs to larger groups of up to eight, and the bar welcomes walk-ins at any hour. Special evenings rotate through the calendar: oyster and sparkling wine nights, taco and tequila Wednesdays, guest bartender sessions. The modern Swedish brasserie format suits Kalmar well, and the fact that tables have been full since day one suggests the city agrees.