2112: The Most Rock ‘n’ Roll Burger in Europe is Served in Gothenburg

First published in FNL-Guide in September 2025

The story begins in 2011, when two then-members of the Swedish metal band In Flames, bassist Peter Iwers and guitarist Björn Gelotte, decided to fulfill a long-held dream. Together with their childhood friend Mattias Lindeblad, they envisioned a place that would merge their two greatest passions: high-quality food and the raw energy of rock music.

The name was no coincidence. 2112 pays homage to the legendary 1976 album by Rush, a choice that reflects the founders’ deep admiration for progressive and iconic rock. When the restaurant opened its doors in April 2011, it marked the beginning of a journey that would turn 2112 into a gastronomic landmark for every self-respecting rock fan, and every guitarist who’s ever fallen in love with distortion.

Like almost every Swedish creation, 2112 carries a distinct aesthetic. The owners’ motto, “quality and service,” runs through every detail, from the design and music selection to the menu itself, establishing it as the go-to destination for the ultimate burger experience in Scandinavia. The menu focuses on premium ingredients and careful preparation, distancing itself from the outdated notion that anything “rock” must be rough and unrefined.

Its signature dishes have become local legends, often borrowing names — and flavors, from the world of music. The “Smoke on the Water” and “In Flames” burgers, for example, are not just nods to iconic tracks; they taste as powerful as their names suggest.

Another defining feature of 2112 is its beer selection. The restaurant boasts an impressive lineup of mostly local brews, with special emphasis on labels from Odd Island Brewing, a craft brewery founded roughly a decade ago by another In Flames member, drummer Daniel Svensson, in collaboration with two small local breweries.

Having spoken with Peter Iwers several times over the years, mostly about music, he once told me that he never misses a chance to invite any touring musician who happens to pass through Gothenburg. That’s easy to believe, a quick glance at 2112’s Instagram account reveals countless photos of artists from around the world, posing between tables or behind the restaurant’s now-iconic burgers.

The success of the original concept led to the creation of MG5 by 2112, located right next door. MG5 focuses primarily on American-style street food, keeping the same rock atmosphere that defines the main venue. From time to time, local musicians, people who, for Gothenburgers, are just friends from the neighborhood but for the rest of us are legends we’ve waited years to see live, perform during dinner service, turning a casual meal into a spontaneous gig.

In 2012, the founders published a book titled Restaurant 2112 , A Tale of Meat and Metal, available in English and now a collector’s item on major online platforms like Amazon. The book chronicles the restaurant’s story, shares recipes, and offers behind-the-scenes tales from their journey as musicians turned restaurateurs.

Today, 2112 has become more than a restaurant. It’s a destination, a pilgrimage site for music lovers from around the world and a beloved local spot for those who appreciate great food and authenticity. It stands as proof that artistic identity can be translated into an entirely different medium, creating something both genuine and unforgettable.