Welcome to The Søvengård
The Søvengård, located in Grand Rapids, MI, is a captivating American-Scandinavian fusion restaurant that promises a memorable dining experience. With a menu that features thoughtfully crafted dishes like seared duck breast and comforting chicken stroganoff, this eatery showcases seasonal ingredients with flair. Guests rave about the stunning atmosphere, from its relaxed outdoor patio to cozy interiors, making it perfect for casual dinners or special occasions. The attentive service, complete with personal touches from the chef, enhances the experience. Whether you’re savoring the rich flavors of a Swedish sausage or enjoying innovative vegetarian options, The Søvengård is a culinary gem worthy of a visit.
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1232 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, United States Hotline: +1 616-636-2454
Located at 1232 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI, The Søvengård is not just a restaurant; it's a delightful culinary journey into the heart of American-Scandinavian fusion cuisine. This hidden gem offers a unique blend of seasonal, thoughtfully crafted dishes that have quickly garnered praise from locals and visitors alike.
Upon entering The Søvengård, you're greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere that perfectly balances Scandinavian charm with a chic, modern vibe. As you settle in, the anticipation of what's to come is palpable. The menu, curated with an eye for seasonal ingredients, boasts a range of vibrant dishes that reflect both tradition and innovation.
From the moment you sit down, the experience begins to unfold. The amuse-bouche, described by a satisfied diner as a “beautiful” starter featuring chicken and smoked trout roe, sets the stage for a memorable meal. Appetizers like the bone marrow with golden beet relish and sour beer fries offer rich textures and vibrant flavors, perfectly complemented by a delicious remoulade.
The main courses truly shine at The Søvengård. The duck breast is seared to perfection, accompanied by parsnip puree and a citrus gastrique that enhances each bite. However, it is the chicken stroganoff that steals the spotlight—confit chicken served over Kluski noodles in a velvety chicken glace, adorned with root vegetables, sour cream, and dill. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a comforting embrace, leaving you yearning for more.
For those who enjoy a lively atmosphere, the patio at The Søvengård is ideal for enjoying a fun cocktail selection. The restaurant's hot dog nights, featuring both meat and vegetarian options, add a playful twist to the dining experience, making it a great spot for gatherings with friends or a relaxed happy hour.
Customer reviews highlight the level of service as a strong point, with staff members who are attentive and genuinely invested in your dining experience. Many diners have commented on the personal touch from owner and chef Rick, whose passion for his craft is evident in every dish that leaves the kitchen.
In a city bursting with dining options, The Søvengård stands out not only for its high-quality food but also for the warmth and care imbued in every aspect of the experience. This restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it’s a destination where culinary creativity meets genuine hospitality. For anyone venturing into Grand Rapids, a visit to The Søvengård promises to be an unforgettable culinary delight.
Our dinner at The Sovengard was one of the most memorable meals we've had in a long time. We started with a beautiful amuse-bouche from Sous Chef Dave—featuring chicken and smoked trout roe—which set the tone perfectly. The appetizers were stellar. The bone marrow with golden beet relish was rich and silky, and the sour beer fries brought a crispy, tangy punch with their remoulade. For mains, the duck breast was seared to perfection, balanced with parsnip puree, citrus gastrique, and crispy Brussels leaves. But the real standout was the chicken stroganoff—confit chicken over Kluski noodles in a velvety chicken glace, finished with root veggies, sour cream, and dill. It was comforting, flavorful, and felt like a warm hug in every bite. Thoughtful, seasonal, and deeply satisfying—The Sovengard absolutely delivered.
For those of you have read a few of my reviews, you have probably surmised that I'm a fairly simple man. I am quite aware of what I like and don't like. I'm perfectly happy in chain restaurants like Olive Garden or with fast food. I'm pretty easy to please. I'm not one to spend a lot of money on a meal so I tend towards cheaper places Sometimes though, sometimes you need to up your game. My wife and I joined some friends at The Søvengard last week. It's one of my friend's favorite restaurants. It's not much more expensive that your chain restaurants, but it's much much better. The food, the service, the atmosphere. All very good. I dropped my fork at one point and within 30 seconds one of the staff had noticed and gotten me a new one. I got the sausage meal. It has a much better and fancier name but I forgot it. It was really long and sounded very Nordic. That was great. Especially the dill sauce. My wife got the chicken souvlaki. And my buddy got the rainbow trout. That was the best of all the meals. Anyway, try this place out! Enjoy the upgrade.
With the new location a walkable distance from me, I love grabbing drinks with friends here. They always have a fun cocktail selection and a dope patio. A great combination! I also appreciate that there is always at least something(s) I can eat here as a vegetarian, even though that's not necessarily huge in Nordic cuisine. While I typically don't do a full dinner start to finish here, it is a great vibe for happy hour, their hot dog nights (they have vegetarian dogs, too!), and brunch. I hope the community continues to give the new location some love!
We had the pleasure of dining here this past weekend, and it was an absolute treat. This American-Scandinavian fusion gem offers not only incredible food but also a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere. The moment we walked in, we were captivated by the chic yet cozy vibe. The menu is an exciting blend of flavors, and every dish we tried was beautifully crafted and delicious. We especially enjoyed the ribeye and the duck. What truly set this experience apart was the personal touch from the owner and chef, Rick. He came over to introduce himself and share some restaurant history. His passion for his craft shines through both in his conversation and on the plate. Whether you’re looking for a chill spot for a dinner date or just want to savor something new, this restaurant is a must-visit. We can’t wait to come back!
The Decor was engaging. The food was captivating. The drink menu was elaborate and MORE than satisfying. The service was great! This new and still obscure dining opportunity is still accessible without the crowds of better know establishments. Do yourself a favor and visit them before the onslaught of sophisticated dinners decide it is the place to be. There is ample seating with a variety of ambiance choices. For those who enjoy new and unusual dining options, this may become your new haunt! My family looks forward to being regulars at The Søvengard.
My family and I came here for dinner as part of a weekend of getting together. The team at the restaurant was amazing from the point of reservation onward. The care they gave to us via email translated directly to the service and amazing food and cocktails. You can feel the love and thoughtfulness in every aspect. Every bite was amazing but some favorites were the beet tartare, the chicken liver pate, the lamb chop special, and on and on. Highly recommend, and we will be back!
Beautiful restaurant. Loved my dish— I ordered the tagliatelle and it was definitely a 10/10, my new favorite pasta dish in GR. Someone at the table ordered the Mother Earth (bread and crackers with various veg and spreads) and it was so gorgeously plated and all who tried it said it was great. Will definitely be coming back!
Dining at The Sovengard was a a delight. We enjoyed a beautiful evening outdoors in their thoughtfully designed garden setting — a nice mix of relaxed atmosphere and Scandinavian charm. The food was excellent from start to finish. I had the VARMLANDSKORV, a traditional Swedish sausage, which was rich, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. The rainbow trout was another standout — fresh, perfectly cooked, and paired with creative, seasonal sides that really elevated the dish. Service was friendly and attentive without feeling rushed, letting us enjoy the meal and surroundings at a comfortable pace. If you’re looking for unique, high-quality food in a relaxed outdoor setting, The Sovengard is a must-visit.