Family of four enjoying Lappish food in Kotahovi restaurant in Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.

Lapland’s food culture in Rovaniemi

The pure tastes of Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi restaurant scene is anything but humble! We have everything from award-winning fine dining to authentic, local cuisine, from Rovaniemi city centre bistros to the charming kitchens of the Arctic Circle. Foodies in Rovaniemi get to enjoy the fresh and pure Lappish cooking beyond comparison.

Food in Gustav restaurant in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.

Lapland’s food culture is directly linked to its pristine nature, and Rovaniemi is a great place to explore the fresh produce of northern forests and waters. The Arctic Capital offers not only unique restaurants and relaxing places to dine but also local specialties and urban flavours from around the world. Rovaniemi is home to numerous cafés and restaurants, as well as restaurants available for private dining for groups and events.

Santamus restaurant during summer in Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.

Lappish cuisine is simple and rugged, just like the landscapes it stems from. Fresh seasonal ingredients play a key role in preparation. Bringing out the ingredients’ authentic taste is held in high regard. In Rovaniemi, Lappish food tastes equally delicious in a fine dining setting as well as by a campfire in the wilderness.

A chef making dishes in Yuca restaurant in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.

Beyond the tastes of Lapland, Rovaniemi restaurant scene is mouth-watering with flavours from all corners of the globe. From the Mediterranean herbs and delicacies to authentic Vietnamese, and from original and hot Mexican to contemporary and vegan Nordic – we offer the world on a plate in the Arctic Capital.

Eat and drink

Read more about Lappish treats

Finns love their baked goods, and it would be a shame not to have a taste! A local Lappish staple pastry is a soft barley flatbread called “rieska”, usually enjoyed with butter. Several types of sweet pastries are also characteristic to Lapland, one of the most recognizable being the “kampanisu” that directly translates to “comb scone” due to its comb-like shape.

Reindeer husbandry is a form of livelihood that dates back centuries in Lapland, and the animal is an essential part of Lappish cuisine. Sautéed reindeer served with mashed potatoes and fresh lingonberries or lingonberry jam is the most classic dish, but no parts of reindeer go unused: the meat is served as fillets, cold cuts, jerky, mince and sausages, just to name a few examples.

The forests of Lapland are abundant with wildlife, and the natural areas around Rovaniemi are no different. Game birds, waterfowls, and the kings of the forest: elk and bear all make mouth-watering dishes with seasonal wild produce.

Hunting in Finland is regulated and based on respecting nature, and Finnish hunters recognize their responsibility by adhering to the rules.

Lapland is famous for its pure waters and the amount of fish in them, making it a popular destination among fishermen. Rovaniemi is situated at the confluence of two major rivers, and consequently has long fishing traditions.

Salmon, trout, pikeperch, and arctic char among others are the fish commonly found on plates in the north. The iconic fish dish of Lapland is salmon soup, available in several restaurants in Rovaniemi.

Restaurants in Rovaniemi

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Combine Food experience with arctic activity

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Online booking available

Lapland’s food culture in Rovaniemi

Arctic and world flavours from nature

Arctic and world flavours from nature

From pure nature to your plate

From pure nature to your plate

Rovaniemi offers a world of flavours

Rovaniemi offers a world of flavours

Read more about Lappish treats

Try the Lappish cheese delicacy

Mouth-watering pastries of the north

Reindeer – The Cattle of Lapland

Game – Keeping the natural balance

Fish – Fresh from Rivers and Lakes

Berries – Superfoods of Forests and Bogs

On the Side – Root Vegetables

Restaurants in Rovaniemi

Snow restaurants

Restaurants

Cafes

Charter Restaurants

Bars and night clubs

Sustainable options

Combine Food experience with arctic activity

Visiting package: Sauna, jacuzzi and dinner at Kota Restaurant (autumn)

Magic of the Forest and Log Sauna, 4 hours (Private Tour)

Trip to Santa’s Hideaway 24.12, Rovaniemi

Dinner in Snowland Igloo-restaurant 26.12, Rovaniemi

Private Traditional Finnish Three Course Dinner, 3 hours (Private Tour)

Horse riding whole day at wilderness area (advanced only)

Elf Adventure with Mrs. Claus, Rovaniemi

Visiting package: Snow sauna experience with food by the fire

Ranua Wildlife Zoo Park Visit & Auttiköngäs Visit

VÄKI – Forgotten and Mystical Power of the Nature

Husky Safari 5 km, Barbecue, Meet Reindeers, Hiking to the Lake, Ice Fishing, Day Tour.

Traditional Finnish Christmas Eve with Santa Claus and Sauna, 4 hours (Private Tour)

Kota Dinner at Ounasvaara Chalets, without transfers, Rovaniemi

Visiting package: Food by the Fire at Kota Restaurant

Dinner at Ice Restaurant and entrance ticket

Visiting package: Ice sculpting and dinner at Kota Restaurant (Autumn)

Lapland Winter Park Lunch buffet

Finnish Christmas with Santa Claus, 3 hours (Private Tour)

Explore more Tips for your Rovaniemi holiday

Sustainable Tips for visitors

Sustainable Travel Finland companies

6 ways to experience frozen waters in Rovaniemi

Q&A about ice