Johan P

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

Nothing New at Johan P — and That's Exactly the Point

The name on the door doesn't belong to anyone. Johan P is the Swedish echo of Juan Perez, a running joke among the staff of the now-defunct airline Trans Air, who once flew out of Bulltofta in Malmö. When two of those stewards decided to open a simple fish tavern — tiles on the walls, the best of the sea on the table — they reached for that name. In 1982, when Saluhallen at Lilla Torg opened its doors, the idea became a restaurant.

Four decades and several owners later, Johan P is still standing. Current owners Niklas Billsten and Joakim Nilsson took over in the early 2000s, and in 2014 the restaurant moved to its present address on Hjulhamnsgatan — a stately old space that once housed Malmö Spritförsäljnings AB, carrying an atmosphere that still breathes the early twentieth century. A 2024 renovation brought a new bar, new booths, and fresh wall decorations, but the spirit remained untouched.

The Sea, the Season, the Catch

The restaurant's own words say it plainly: "Fish and seafood at the highest level has been our trademark since 1982." The menu follows the season and the catch rather than trends — the same noble base, not infrequently fused with the best of contemporary food culture. That fusion sensibility keeps the cooking alive without ever betraying its roots. White tablecloths, the clink of glasses, and the best from the ocean's pantry: this is what Johan P has always been.

The White Guide has recognised this consistency, placing Johan P at a very fine level in its 2026 edition — a reflection of a kitchen that earns its reputation through daily discipline rather than reinvention.

Champagne, Wine, and the Full Experience

Champagne is almost a second identity here. Over 400 varieties from the major champagne houses line the shelves, and the wine cellar — built up over more than a decade — is among the more extensive in southern Sweden. The focus, naturally, falls on white wines chosen to match the seafood at the heart of the menu. The wine list has earned repeated recognition from Star Wine List, most recently a silver award in 2026.

Below the restaurant, a long table running the full length of the wine cellar awaits groups who want an evening among good bottles and kitchen food ordered to match. Friday afterwork, brunch, lunch, a dedicated shop, catering, and a private Chambre Séparée round out what Johan P offers — a full address for anyone who takes fish, seafood, and a well-chosen glass seriously.