Bara Vara in Helsingborg

Bara Vara is the sister restaurant of one of our absolute favourites in Helsingborg – Sillen & Makrillen – and with those expectations, it was exciting to find out whether the little sister could live up to that high standard. Spoiler: it could. And then some.

The restaurant isn’t down by the harbour like its big brother, but a little further up in town, close to Kärnan and the buzz of the city. We had a table on their lovely terrace, and it was the perfect spot for a summer evening. Inside there’s a handsome bar and a modern, relaxed interior – but we stayed outside all evening, where the atmosphere hummed without ever feeling hectic.

The service was first-rate – professional and attentive in exactly the right way. The pace was calm but never sluggish, and we felt noticed and well looked after from start to finish.

I ordered the Arctic char – my go-to favourite whenever I’m in Sweden – and here it was served better than I have ever experienced. Perfectly cooked, with crisp skin and succulent flesh, and with accompaniments that suited it without stealing the show. I’ve previously had a really good version at Palsjö Krog (you can read that review here → [link to Palsjö Krog]), but this one takes first place.

We also had the tortellini – a generous portion with plenty of flavour and lovely balance. Real thought had gone into both taste and texture, and it all came together.

For snacks we shared patatas bravas, olives and crisps with dip – simple and good, and it worked perfectly with two glasses of Veuve Clicquot and a crisp Chablis with the food. Classic choices, but they suited the mood and the dishes exactly.

And then the sweet finale: a crème brûlée that is clearly the best I have ever had. A thin, crisp layer of caramel on top and a creamy, vanilla-scented custard beneath. No fuss, just perfectly balanced craftsmanship.

All in all, an evening where we got the lot: good food, good wine, fantastic service and an atmosphere you simply want to linger in.