menu

Sweden - Stefan Karlsson

Bailliage of Sweden
Gothenburg, November 4, 2021

We must all strive together
" Stefan draws on flavours from his home region of Småland as well as using the finest seafood from Gothenburg "

Maître Rôtisseur Stefan Karlsson is certainly a chef veteran, not in age but from having clocked up many hours in the kitchen from 13 years old. At 15, he worked regularly during evenings and weekends, a tough job for a young boy. Around his birthplace of Växjö there are mostly forest, meadows and lakes. Stefan wanted to become a farmer, however cooking took over. Moving to Gothenburg was instrumental as the fish and sea made him stay for good.

Working at The Place, with Gothenburg's first Michelin star, probably taught Stefan how to gain a star for his future restaurants. In 1991, as a Commis in the Bocuse d’Or Competition, Stefan met his cooking idols with Werner Vögeli as the leader. The future outlined, he gained more experience at Michelin 1-star Restaurant 28+ in Gothenburg.

Stefan’s career in competitions began as a young chef: part of the West Swedish National Team of Chefs he also represented Sweden in a Nordic championship. During five years on Swedish Culinary team Stefan won Chef of the Year in 1995. Many competition victories and awards followed including The Gastronomic Academy's honorary gold medal. As Chairman of the Jury in the Chef of the Year Competition, Stefan’s responsibility annually is choosing a new jury with the right mix of competence. If anyone knows the different skills of the well-known chefs in Sweden, it’s Stefan.

Within the Volvo car company an executive shared a vision of a first-class restaurant and training place combined where chefs could practice in real-life situations. Stefan’s help was enlisted leading to Restaurant Fond being born with him at the helm. Sadly, there were spending cuts. Nevertheless, Stefan continued to run the restaurant as his own. Whilst open its Michelin star was renewed annually.

Stefan encourages competitions. “They develop both individual and restaurant”, he says. Valuing his younger chefs through education, they have won many titles. Encouraging them to work together, supportive coaches are available. Stefan proudly affirms, “We have a culture with the key word ‘good’ which we strive after together.”

Everyone thinks about food creating new dishes constantly. Stefan draws on flavours from his home region of Småland as well as using the finest seafood from Gothenburg. “Seafood should not go by car,” he says.

Stefan received the Restaurateur of the Year’s honorary award based on his care of the restaurant world’s future generations. After Fond, culture and food philosophy live on in the acclaimed SK Mat and Människor - with a Michelin star of course.

The group includes five restaurants of different types. Each added when Stefan realised there was a gap in the Gothenburg restaurant map. No exception is Tavolo, an Italian-themed restaurant with New York influences is his latest addition. The magnificent dining room is decorated with Italian influences having a statement four-metre high horse’s head sculpture. “It is very successful” he comments modestly.

Stefan lives in the countryside where he spends his free time in woods and lakes similar to his childhood Småland.

Having visited all the group’s restaurants in the group, we anticipate the launch of a new secret project.

Catarina Offe
Conseiller Gastronomique

Translation into English by Margareta Henry, Chargée de Missions Honoraire

Beirut, March 27, 2024

A pioneer specialising in the culinary arts

Alanya, March 25, 2024

Speaking from the heart

Uppsala, March 26, 2024

An obvious choice to become a Chef

Search in map