Villa Belparc restaurant in Slottsskogen

We have been lucky to live within walking distance of the city park, Slottsskogen, in Gothenburg, Sweden. It's a great place for us to spend the day while the kids have been off during the Pandemic. We like to go for walks (especially evening summer stroller walks), outdoor play and learn about animals (there's a small zoo that's free with Seals, Penguins, even Moose), fika and picnics. 

The Natural History Museum is also located at the park and it has recently reopened with limited numbers each day during the Pandemic. We still try to stay outdoors so we haven't visited it since before the Pandemic started.

There are a few cafes at the park where we can stop for lunch or a drink. The 3 cafes we are most familiar with are Björnvillan Cafe, Azalea cafe and Villa Belparc. We recently had lunch at Villa Belparc and they've updated their outdoor area. 

There are a couple of different areas at Villa Belparc. You can sit in the main restaurant area, or just outside of it in the Garden. You can order fika or ice cream (from Lejonet & Björnen) at the little Cafe in the Garden. We have also ordered Lunch items there as well, and they bring out the food to you.

If you want to eat in the main restaurant, you follow the path through the Garden and then wait to be seated. Once you get to the table they can explain how ordering food works. 

First, you scan the QR code at the table to see the menu. Then you place your order and even pay for everything through Swish (a Swedish app that allows you to pay by entering the person or business phone number). We have been using Swish for a few years now and it's all over Sweden. We have even seen it used to pay for things at a Flea Market or Loppis, you can use Swish to pay from your phone. 

We were quite impressed by the ordering system. And it didn't the long to get our water and ice - which is a huge crowd pleaser for our table since kids love to play with and eat ice (especially if it's so hot out). With this type of ordering system, the food arrives when it's  ready so we got one dish right away and the rest followed.

I ordered the shrimp sandwich or "räkmacka" which is a great Summer dish. Sprinkle with lemon for a little zest.

There's a kids menu at the restaurant and both kids were happy with their dishes (Hot dog and Fish & Chips). Once we were done enjoying the meal, we could just leave without worrying about paying since we pre-paid using the App.

It was a pleasant experience overall. We have only started eating out at restaurants outdoors with the kids. So they are also just getting used to sitting and eating in a restaurant and have been pretty good. I also make sure to bring some toys and books to keep them entertained.

When you're sitting in Villa Belparc, it really feels like you're in a fancy restaurant by a pond, you forget you're in the park. Villa Belparc is kid friendly but if you're with small kids, I'd opt to sit on the terrace and not next to the water. Afterwards, you can continue exploring the park or go for a stroll to see the seals.  I would definitely recommend Villa Belparc with or without kids for a great lunch option while at Slottsskogen. 

Enjoy your summer and remember, don't forget your snacks. 

Villa Belparc
A O Elliots Väg 10, 413 11 Gothenburg, Sweden

Slottsskogen
Check out their website for opening hours and events (they are starting to host summer concerts this month)