Balthazar

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

Where Borås Comes to the Table

Balthazar sits along the bank of the Viskan river in central Borås, part of the Pallas Shopping block, with glazed walls that keep the quietly flowing water just a couple of metres away. The setting is warm and unhurried – muted brown tones, a sense of permanence – the kind of room that earns its place as a genuine local meeting point rather than simply a restaurant to pass through. Part of the Viskan Group, the address combines a full-service brasserie, a Café & Bakery next door (separated by a glass wall), and a boulebar, all under one roof.

A Menu That Earns Its Recognition

White Guide awarded Balthazar its Fine level recognition in 2026, and the cooking makes clear why. The menu leans on French bistro classics and Swedish staples, with the occasional well-judged detour further afield. Lamb racks come with a soft cauliflower purée and grilled pointed cabbage, lifted by a browned hazelnut jus with an Asian inflection – a dish that shows real kitchen confidence without announcing itself too loudly. Elsewhere, the brasserie's own schnitzel is served with herb-roasted potatoes, butter-mounted red wine sauce, tossed peas and caper butter; dill-breaded cod fillet arrives with dill-boiled new potatoes and a classic Danish remoulade. Oysters and steak tartare are menu staples, as is the Chef's Burger. Three-course dinners and tasting menus are available for those who want to settle in properly.

The Wine Cellar

The wine list is one of Balthazar's most serious commitments. A generous selection is available by the glass, but the cellar list goes considerably deeper: Burgundy Grand Crus from Domaine de la Romanée, aged Hermitage from Guigal, multiple vintages of Château Kirwan from Margaux, Barolo and Barbaresco from Ceretto and Sottimano. It is a collection that rewards anyone willing to spend time with it, and it gives the brasserie a dimension rarely found outside the largest Swedish cities.

Café, Bakery and Beyond

The Café & Bakery opens from morning, with breads and pastries made from scratch using organic flour. Open-faced smørrebrød and fresh baked goods sit in the counter display – a lighter alternative that shares the same address without sharing the same pace. The glazed veranda offers a choice between full indoor shelter and something closer to the riverside air outside.