Lakeland Finland is known for its unspoilt nature that is also the source of its culinary delicacies. Organic and sustainable are not just empty words here, you can taste the purity of the ingredients used in every bite. Find out where in the region you can expect the most unforgettable taste experiences.
Karelian food culture
Karelian food culture has strong roots in nature and in North Karelia you can taste the traditional flavors with a modern twist. Restaurants with a sign “Karelia à la Carte” guarantee a pure flavor of Karelian cuisine, which is a unique combination of Western and Eastern traditions. One of the regional specialties is rye crust, rice filled Karelian pasty.
1. Restaurant Parppeinpirtti in Ilomantsi
Restaurant Parppeinpirtti is the Crown Jewel of Karelian Cuisine. Here in the eastern part of Lakeland Finland, you’ll experience warm hospitality and enjoy delicious Karelian specialities from the buffet, while traditional kantele music plays in the background, creating an all-round feel-good atmosphere. The restaurant is open year round. The summer café is open daily from June to August. From the bakery you can purchase hand-made Karelian pasties.
Learn more about Restaurant Parppeinpirtti ↗
2. Restaurant Kielo – Gourmet temple in the centre of Joensuu
In the centre of North Karelia’s largest city, Joensuu, Restaurant Kielo welcomes you with menus prepared from the best seasonal ingredients from nature and the garden, characterised by strong and memorable flavours. The restaurant’s cuisine playfully combines traditional preparation methods with modern ideas. Each menu is created with love and passion, so you can look forward to an unforgettable taste experience in an exceptional setting.
Learn more about Restaurant Kielo ↗
3. Vanai Bistro & Bastu on the lakeside in Hämeenlinna
Vanai Bistro & Bastu is a new culinary hotspot in Hämeenlinna, on the shore of Lake Vanajavesi and right next to the town’s railway station. The cuisine is as diverse as Finnish nature. The menu includes fresh vegetables, fish from Lakeland Finland and locally produced meat dishes. Sauna and hot tub perfectly round off the overall experience.
Learn more about Vanai Bistro & Bastu ↗
4. Restaurant Uoma in the heart of Hämeenlinna
At Uoma in the centre of Hämeenlinna, you can expect menus prepared from high-quality food in a relaxed atmosphere. The cuisine focuses on Nordic ingredients with international influences. In summer, fresh delicacies from the restaurant’s own vegetable garden are served. Uoma is known for having a selection of drinks that always perfectly matches the food.
Learn more about Restaurant Uoma ↗
5. Sauna and dinner at Sataman Viilu in Jyväskylä
Sataman Viilu in Jyväskylä invites you to enjoy holistic moments of indulgence. The modern sauna restaurant at the lively harbour of the university city perfectly combines relaxation and culinary experiences. First relax in the sauna and whirlpool and then have a fantastic dinner – authentic flavours and seasonal ingredients play an important role in the house cuisine. It is recommended to book a table in advance.
Learn more about Sataman Viilu ↗
6. Country gourmet-food at Restaurant Moose Manor in Jämsä
The Restaurant Moose Manor (“Hirvikartano”) in Jämsä in the Jyväskylä Region serves its guests unpretentious country specialities that are prepared with love. The dishes – for example fresh fish from Lakeland Finland – are flavoured with mushrooms, cloudberries and lingonberries from the surrounding forests and marshes. And the best thing is: if you order a main course, you get free admission to the private small zoo where, among others, moose and reindeer await you.
Learn more about Moose Manor ↗
7. Restaurant Näsinneula in Tampere
What could be a better way to round off your stay in Tampere than having a meal at the rotating Restaurant Näsinneula with a 360-degree panoramic view of the city and lakes? At 124 metres above the ground, Näsinneula is the highest restaurant in the Nordic countries. The menu offers a wide range of sophisticated cuisine. The wine list includes a fine selection of excellent wines. Recommendation: On weekdays, a delicious lunch menu, including dessert, is served until 3 pm.
Learn more about Restaurant Näsinneula ↗
8. The “Ode to Nature” menu at Restaurant Kajo in Tampere
An absolute highlight of culinary skills in Lakeland Finland is the “Ode to Nature” menu at Restaurant Kajo in Tampere. Let yourself be surprised and inspired by what the restaurant’s kitchen creates from the best local and seasonal ingredients. This menu is never the same, but always full of magnificent taste experiences that will tantalise all your senses. It is made perfect by carefully selected beverage combinations.
Learn more about the "Ode to Nature" menu at Kajo ↗
9. Taivaanranta Restaurant & Teerenpeli Distillery Showroom in Lahti
The basement of the Taivaanranta Restaurant in Lahti is where the roots of the Teerenpeli distillery lie. Here you will find the original malt whisky distillery and the Teerenpeli showroom, where guided tours for groups are offered by appointment – including tasting. Of course, you can also just book a table at the restaurant and indulge in authentic Finnish dishes and excellent craft beers.
Learn more about Restaurant Taivaanranta ↗
10. Award-winning indulgence at Restaurant Roux in Lahti
Restaurant Roux is a charming restaurant in the centre of Lahti, known for its good food and high-quality wine selection. Roux was named Restaurant of the Year 2016 by the Finnish Gastronomic Society. Chef and co-owner Sami Häkkinen creates seasonally inspired Finnish and Nordic cuisine à la carte from local ingredients, which you can enjoy in an ambience that is as tasteful as it is traditional and elegant.
Learn more about Restaurant Roux ↗