Superb fish and seaside-hotel charm on Helsingborg's waterfront promenade

We love Helsingborg. It is our go-to getaway when we want a short break from home and really good food at reasonable prices. The standard of the restaurants is generally high – in terms of flavour, atmosphere and service alike. This weekend we headed back to Pålsjö Krog, one of the town’s most iconic restaurants and one that had been on our wish list for a long time.

Pålsjö Krog sits right on the Øresund, next to the historic Pålsjöbaden – a charming open-air sea bathhouse from 1909 – with views across to Kronborg Castle and the north coast of Helsingør. The inn exudes classic seaside-hotel atmosphere and has a natural elegance that hits exactly the right note.

We walked there from the harbour in Helsingborg – a beautiful, relaxed stroll of about 25 minutes along the waterfront promenade. The mood along the way is almost Mediterranean, and you have fully unwound by the time you step into the restaurant.

Welcome & atmosphere

Inside, we were given a warm welcome and promptly shown to our table. You can choose to sit in the cosy restaurant or in the bar area, which has an exclusive selection of cocktails and drinks – perfect for a summer evening overlooking the sea.

The service was both professional and genuinely welcoming – we felt seen and looked after from start to finish. Everything was served with a smile, and the staff were great with children and adults alike.

Although there was no dedicated children’s menu, our daughter Oliva was met with great flexibility. She had meatballs with brown gravy and mashed potatoes, and Alberte had chips – simple and just right. It really makes a difference when children feel welcome at restaurants of this calibre.