In this post, we’re going to look at some great places to eat in Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland. I really enjoy going to restaurants and finding new spots to eat, and I’ve tried many places in this city. There are both traditional and modern restaurants here, so there’s something for everyone.
I’m excited to share with you some of my favorite places. These are the places I love for their mix of old and new dishes, and they’re popular with the local people, too.
So, let’s start exploring the tasty food that Rovaniemi has to offer.
Cafe & Bar 21
One of the most popular spots in Rovaniemi since 2012. Loved by locals, this place serves both savory and sweet waffles. They also offer other dishes depending on the season, including pastries. In short, it’s a great place for any meal. Just be prepared for a possible wait, as the dining room isn’t very large.
Address: Rovakatu 21
Website: https://www.cafebar21.fi/
Nili
Nili Restaurant is a well-known establishment in Rovaniemi. They serve traditional dishes, including Poronkäristys (reindeer stew, the iconic dish of Lapland). It’s better to make a reservation during the high season.
Address: Valtakatu 20
Website: http://nili.fi/
Gustav Rovaniemi
A fairly new bistro that offers modern, local, and seasonal cuisine in a nice setting.
Address: Koskikatu 12
Website: https://www.gustavkitchenbar.fi/
Frans & Chéri
A large restaurant where you can eat traditional cuisine.
Address: Koskikatu 4
Website: Frans & Chéri
Roka Street Bistro
A nice small restaurant in a lovely setting. The dining area is quite small, so it’s better to make a reservation
Address: Ainonkatu 3LH2
Website: https://ravintolaroka.fi
Pure Burger
If you’re in the mood for a good burger in a vintage setting, this is the place to go! Note that there’s also a place right next door where you can get great pizzas!
Address: Valtakatu 24
Website: http://www.kauppayhtio.fi/
Hanki
A fairly new Korean restaurant. Great if you’re looking for something a bit different. I love their dishes and the service is excellent!
Address: Korkalonkatu 2 C
Website: Hanki
Saigon Noodle bar
Asian cuisine made by a young and energetic team. Perfect for lunch!
Address: Rovakatu 26
Website: Hanki
Scandic Rovaniemi city
You can eat at the Lapland Hotel’s restaurant without staying there. The dishes are traditional and nicely presented.
Address: Rovakatu 26
Website: Scandic restaurant
Santa Salmon Place
I’m not a big fan of Santa Claus Village. It doesn’t get more touristy than this place. But if you’re looking to eat there, I recommend trying the salmon at Santa Salmon Place. Everyone says it’s really good here! So give it a try if you don’t have other options.
Address: Santa Claus Village, Pukinpolku 3
Website: https://santas-salmon-place.com/
Hostel Café Koti
Every day at lunchtime, they offer a salad buffet and a soup that changes depending on the day. Their homemade bread is simply wonderful.
Address: Valtakatu 21
Website: https://hostelcafekoti.fi
Practical Tips for Dining in Rovaniemi
- Meal times: In Finland, lunchtime typically runs from around 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Dinner time starts relatively early, usually from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Remember, these are general guidelines and individual restaurant hours might vary.
- Lounas (Lunch): In many Finnish restaurants, you’ll find a ‘lounas’ option during lunch hours. This is a special lunch deal, often including a buffet of soup, salad, a main course, dessert, and coffee. It’s an excellent choice if you want a filling meal at a reasonable price.
- Reservations: During peak season (winter), it’s generally a good idea to make a reservation, especially for popular restaurants. Even outside of peak season, if you have your heart set on a particular place, it’s always better to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Water: In Finland, tap water is not only safe to drink, but is also often considered some of the best tasting water in the world. In most restaurants, you can ask for a glass of tap water for free.
- Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in Finland. Service charge is usually included in your bill. However, if you receive excellent service and want to show your appreciation, it’s common to leave a tip of around 10%.
- Payment: Most places accept credit cards, and it’s not uncommon for restaurants to be entirely cash-free. It’s always a good idea to check in advance or have a credit card handy.
I hope you found this guide helpful for your culinary adventure in Rovaniemi. If you try any of these restaurants, or if you have other recommendations, please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. I’m always interested in hearing about new places to try. Enjoy your meals in Rovaniemi!
“If you’re planning your day in Rovaniemi, you might want to look at what to do before deciding where to eat. For some ideas, you can read my other post titled ‘What to do in Rovaniemi?‘. It has lots of information about things to do in the city.