There are not many cocktail havens that live up to expectations in Sweden’s Skåne region. Belle is the state of the art destination in Malmö for those whose thirst for decadent drinks has not yet been quenched.

There are two things in life that a Gastropolitan should always get right: there’s the “cocktail” and there’s the real cocktail — the proper synesthetic drink that never disappoints. And when you’re on a compact trip, who has the time to play around? We always think it’s best to go straight to the source, and the go-to source in Malmö is without a doubt Belle (previously known as Belle Epoque) on Skolgatan, in the colourful Möllan district.

A drinking den for both locals and mixology fanatics, the Belle cocktail bar and restaurant has grown to become Malmö’s main destination for a proper drink. And when you get a taste of their supplies, you’ll understand why the name pops up all over the place. They offer a solid selection of house cocktails, both reinterpretations of the classics and their own magic potions. They come in vintage glasses, some of them similar to the ones you can find in the many antique shops spread around the city. We liked that detail, it gives a sense of authenticity to the place.

Aside from their innovative cocktails, Belle offers a matching and carefully curated food menu that changes seasonally. Eclectic yet balanced, their dishes are tuned in with the international gourmet scene, while being simultaneously connected to the local produce and cuisine.