Gothenburg, the capital of West Sweden, is gaining an enviable reputation as Europe's newest culinary centre of excellence.

With a stunning collection of restaurants - and chefs blessed with the choicest ingredients - a trip to Gothenburg will make a gastronome glow.

Boasting no less than four Michelin-starred restaurants in addition to an abundance of other excellent eateries, Gothenburg is now firmly on the map for food lovers and offers superb value for money, with a three-course meal in top restaurants costing an average of £40 per person.

Less than a two-hour flight from London, Gothenburg has a rich food heritage and is the perfect location for a quick holiday break for anyone interested in food and culture.

One of the most attractive aspects of dining in West Sweden is the lack of advance booking required for restaurant tables. Even the very top establishments can be booked less than a week in advance, making weekend breaks still more appealing.

The city centre is compact and each restaurant can easily be reached on foot. Alternatively, trams and buses are free when you purchase a Gothenburg Pass. Costing £16 for 24 hours, it also allows free access to a host of attractions and additional discounts on shopping.

Gothenburg's location - between coast and countryside - ensures a plentiful supply of fresh fish; seafood grows more slowly in the cold waters of the North Sea, enhancing its quality. Excellent raw ingredients, locally produced and sourced, such as organic vegetables, also contribute to the complete dining experience. Local award-winning head chefs all emphasise the quality of local ingredients as an important contribution to the excellence of their menus.

Typical Swedish cuisine for the 21st century is a fusion of traditional Nordic cooking combined with new flavours and ideas from throughout the world. Swedes are avid travellers and their gourmet style is increasingly influenced by a mixture of cultures.

A laid-back approach to dining in Gothenburg ensures an informal atmosphere with a distinct lack of stuffiness. There are no dress codes to worry about and, with only one sitting per evening, diners can enjoy the restaurant environment without any pressure to move on and make way for others.

Incredible food coupled with excellent value for money and a lack of fussiness are the hallmarks of fine dining, Swedish style.

For further information on Gothenburg visit www.gothenburg.com. For information on the region, visit www.westsweden.com.

Flights to Gothenburg with Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) start at £25 per person return including all taxes.

The article Glorious Gothenburg - Gourmet food fit for the gods originally appeared on 999 Today