André, the face of Avalons restaurant and bar and his favorites

André Elmberg is the man behind the restaurant and bar at Avalon Hotel in Gothenburg. As an expert in the restaurant world, he shares his top tips – both about Avalon and other gems in Gothenburg. Let’s take a closer look at what André has to say!

Hi André! Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you do at Avalon?

I’m the Food and Beverage Manager at Avalon Hotel in Gothenburg. My work really covers almost everything, from being the handyman and maître d’ to general manager, psychologist, and leader. I have a passion for travel and haven’t taken a vacation in Sweden for over ten years.

What makes Avalon unique?

It’s primarily the fantastic staff, the thoughtful design, the art, and the atmosphere. We have a really great team, with many who have worked here for a long time, including myself, as I’ve been here for 11 years. Many colleagues have been here for over eight years, which creates a secure and enjoyable work environment.

Rumor has it Avalon serves Gothenburg’s best shrimp sandwich. What’s the secret behind it?

That’s right! The secret lies in a really good bread, like our malt bread, and of course, fantastic shrimp. We taste-tested ten different types of shrimp before we settled on the perfect flavor. It turned out the best shrimp was also the most expensive, but sometimes you get what you pay for!

What does a perfect visit to Avalon’s restaurant and cocktail bar look like?

Start with one or two cocktails at the bar. Then enjoy Champagne and löjrom toast, followed by a main course with a fine wine from our cellar. Finish off with an Espresso martini for the complete experience.

Tell us about your new cocktail menu! What were your thoughts when creating it?

This summer, we focused on creating accessible flavors that everyone can enjoy, while still being sophisticated enough to represent our cocktail bar. In autumn and winter, we go deeper and create more complex drinks that fit the season.

Do you have a favorite room at Avalon?

Absolutely, Room 22 – the Deluxe Panorama room on the sixth floor with a view of Kopparmärra at Kungstorget. It’s really a great experience!

When is the best time to visit Avalon?

I think winter is the coziest time. That’s when all the candles are lit, making the restaurant extra homey. It’s also a fantastic spot for people-watching when you sit here and watch folks pass by outside.

André, what other spots in Gothenburg would you recommend besides Avalon?

Bov Discobar here in Gothenburg, Fae at Lindholmen – a Chinese restaurant, and Bruno Cocktail Bar are also really good. Cadierbaren in Stockholm is another great spot.
Which celebrity would you like to cook for?
I’m honestly not that interested in celebrities, but if Anthony Bourdain were still alive, it would have been an honor to cook for him.

What’s the best restaurant or cocktail bar you’ve visited?

Noma, without a doubt. I’ve been there twice, and it was absolutely fantastic. Cadierbaren in Stockholm is also a favorite, and Little Red Door in Paris is one of the best cocktail bars I’ve visited.

This or that

Swedish or Neapolitan pizza?
Swedish.
Suite Vallgatan or Suite Kungsgatan?
Suite Kungstorget.
Starter or dessert?
Starter.

Thanks so much, André!