Lapland in Finland, has become a popular tourist destination. Tourists visit this part to see the Northern Lights or the midnight sun. Of course, Lapland has its own impressive cuisine – we help you explore the best restaurants here.
Kaamasen Kievari
Located north of Inari, the town Kaamanen houses an exquisite lodge that gives you an elegant and wild encounter with Nordic nature in the north. Kaamasen Kievari is a popular restaurant among the tourists and locals. It serves authentic Scandinavian food and Lappish cuisine. Many meat dishes served here use locally sourced ingredients, such as reindeer, trout and salmon. These Nordic dishes are well complemented by the decor that includes wooden furnishing and furniture. Kaamasen Kievari Oy, Kaamasentie 2855, 99910 Inari, +358 16 672713
Nili is the word for an old Lappish food storage space, usually built in trees. The ambience of the restaurant itself is artistic, and is an effective representation of traditional Nordic architecture. Using Lappish timber and reindeer horns as decorations, this restaurant exudes an Arctic vibe. The open kitchen in this Arctic restaurant serves many Lappish delicacies, including fish caught in the lakes of Lapland and other parts of northern Finland. Fresh berries are also served to provide you a perfect companion to the main course. Here you can get a genuine taste of what northern cuisine tastes like.
Talking about atmosphere, Levin Panimo & Pub is second to none. This pub has successfully created a fantastic ambience for guests to chill out while having a glass of wine. The wooden furniture, dimly lit candles and yellow lights work together well. They provide guests with a homey and cozy environment for gatherings. Apart from locally brewed beers that have strong Lappish flavors, the food served here is also impressive. Dishes include the reindeer steak and Fisherman’s catch.
Laanilan Kievari
Restaurant, European, Vegetarian
Laanilan Kievari is one of the most popular restaurants in Rovaniemi, the most exciting tourist destination in Finnish Lapland. Using dark timber as the main construction material, this restaurant is dedicated to bring you the most authentic Scandinavian cuisine. This includes their most popular dishes: smoked Arctic char and reindeer steak.
If you are looking for some Oriental elements in your trip to the Arctic Circle, Xiang Long is the best place in the region. Xiang Long is an elegant and simple restaurant with exceptional services and hospitality. This family-run restaurant has been known to provide quality Chinese food, including a lunch buffet. There is a wide range of delicacies offered, including dim sum, prawns and salad. For Lappish cuisine lovers, there are also Chinese dishes using reindeer meat.
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Restaurant Pirkon Pirtti
Restaurant, European, Vegetarian
Situated in the heart of Saariselkä, Restaurant Pirkon Pirtti is the most delightful restaurant in the region and it offers a fascinating range of Scandinavian delicacies. The restaurant is located in a traditional Nordic wooden chalet, with dim yellow lights and wooden furniture. The well-created Nordic atmosphere is well complemented with the Lappish cuisine and a great selection of wines. Lappish fish plank and reindeer meat burgers are two of the most delicious and attractive dining options for their guests. Make sure you try them when you are visiting this restaurant.
Ravintola Aanaar
Restaurant, Hotel Restaurant, Seafood, Fast Food, Street Food
Ravintola Aanaar is situated in the Hotel Kultahovi, which is an elegant and exquisite hotel that underwent a massive renovation in 2014. The picturesque view of Juutuanjoelle is often what the guests find most appealing. The restaurant has a very modern furnishing, which uses light colored timber and bright yellow chairs. Surrounded by this chic and modern vibe, the food served here preserves many Scandinavian traditions, both in term of culinary techniques and ingredients. Arctic Ocean king crab is a must-try dish, which gives you an authentic flavor of the region’s seafood.
Santamus
Restaurant
Santamus not only offers delicacies, they pride themselves in giving you an experience of a lifetime and an excitement for all senses. Santamus is an indoor restaurant, yet it gives you a taste of Arctic wilderness while enjoying your meal. It features pine trees, ponds, Arctic timber and burning firewood, which all work together to give you an authentic feeling of wilderness. Their menu changes according to seasons, but you should try the roasted salmon or the lingonberry pie. These are two of the most delicious dishes in Santamus.
Situated in the Ylläs, Äkäslompolo village, Ravintola Rouhe is an impressive restaurant. The scenery outside this venue is spectacular, with numerous pine trees offering you an authentic feel of the Arctic. The food served here is a combination of local raw ingredients and modern international cuisine. Grilled beef tenderloin and roasted reindeer fillet are fantastic choices. The restaurant uses local ingredients combined with creative food preparation techniques.
Arctic Boulevard
Restaurant, European, Vegan
If you are looking for local Lappish ingredients and Nordic cuisine, then Arctic Boulevard should be on your itinerary. The restaurant offers rooms with three different themes, namely the Arctic Boulevard, Arctic Winter Garden and the Chef’s Table. Each of them showcases different sides of Arctic environment, which will impress. The dishes are made from beef from the nearby highland ranch and fish from the nearby Lappish lakes. These authentic ingredients give you an authentic taste of the freshness of the Arctic.
Born and raised in multicultural Hong Kong, Billy has learnt to appreciate the beauty of cultural diversity from a very young age. He is enthusiastic about travelling and deems every travel experience as a new way of looking at the world. Inspired by the simplicity of life, he is very interested in Scandinavian cultures and lifestyles. Billy is currently an undergraduate in The University of Hong Kong, majoring in English Studies and Geography. His training background has provided him the repertoire for travelogue writing, and the Culture Trip is a platform for him share his adventures with other world travellers .
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