About Mellbygatans

Mellbygatans Restaurant in Lidköping is run by Emil Årmarker, a creative restaurateur and chef who has transformed the restaurant into what it is today since its founding.

At Mellbygatans, you’ll be greeted with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Our goal is to be a gathering place for those who appreciate high-quality food and drink—from classic Swedish comfort food to innovative dishes inspired by Europe and Asia.

Over the years, Mellbygatans has evolved from a tiny deli into a well-loved restaurant and meeting place in Lidköping.

Here’s how it all began:

The Best Restaurant in Lidköping?

Lidköping's Most Luxurious Deli

In June 2007, "Mellbygatans Ost & Delikatesser" opened in a small shop on Mellbygatan 10 in central Lidköping. Marketed as the most luxurious delicatessen in Lidköping, it lived up to the promise. Here, you could find Sivans' cheeses, vintage vinegars, Italian pasta, and local specialties.

The little shop, which initially had only four window seats, also served espresso, lunches, salads, and sandwiches for take away.

From Kinnekulle to Central Lidköping

Before Mellbygatans, Emil and his then-partner Per ran a café, bakery, and deli on Kinnekulle, a small mountain in the region. A customer suggested they open a similar business in central Lidköping that could operate year-round. When a cozy little shop became available on Mellbygatan 10, the opportunity was too good to pass on.

Mellbygatans quickly became a popular addition to Lidköping, earning a reputation for its high quality and friendly, personal service. While working tirelessly with the deli, offering both takeaway and catering, Emil and his coworkers dreamed of something bigger.

Mellbygatans Becomes a Restaurant

In 2010, the first chance for expansion came when Mrs. Danielsson, who had lived next door to the deli (where she used to run a bakery) for 55 years, moved out of her apartment. This newly available space allowed Mellbygatans to expand and create a restaurant with seating for about 35 guests.

With the new setup, Mellbygatans could offer both lunch service and an evening à la carte menu, featuring a variety of local and seasonal ingredients.

Outdoor Seating in the Garden

Two years later, Mellbygatans expanded again, opening a café and a new deli in the small house on the side street (Götgatan). With the café came access to the beautiful backyard, which was transformed into a lovely outdoor seating area.

The garden features a lawn, gravel paths, a plum tree, and space for growing herbs and other fresh ingredients—perfect for enhancing their culinary creations.

Timing is Everything…

By February 2020, Mellbygatans expanded again and underwent a major renovation and remodeling project. Walls were removed, fresh new paint was applied, and a new open kitchen with a wood-fired oven and pizza oven was installed. Mellbygatans had now also taken over the corner shop, previously a sewing store. A new entrance and new bar were built, and there was a long-term goal to eventually start a microbrewery in that same spot.

However, just as the grand reopening approached, COVID-19 restrictions struck, causing significant challenges for the restaurant industry. Mellbygatans adapted with innovative solutions, such as offering takeaways with the help of friends from the Mikkeller Running Club Skaraborg, to keep the business alive.

A Love for Cooking and Focus on Sustainability

While Mellbygatans has gone through many changes over the years, our strong commitment to excellent service, passion for cooking, and focus on sustainability and collaboration with local producers have remained constant.

Today, Mellbygatans is one of the best restaurants in Lidköping, and a welcoming meeting place for anyone who loves high-quality food, wine, beer and drinks. Guests are greeted by a cozy atmosphere, where regulars gather in what we like to call our "big, warm kitchen with spindle chairs."



We warmly welcome you to Mellbygatans!