10 Best Restaurants in Tampere, Finland
Tampere is known as the “Manchester of Finland” because of its centuries-old industrial heritage. With its city centre rapids and old, red brick buildings, nowadays Tampere is also known for its thriving foodie scene. From gastropubs to brunches, here are the 10 best restaurants in Tampere!
Tampere flavours under one roof
Farmers' Market, Finnish, French, Japanese, European
To get a grasp of Tampere’s foodie scene, pop into the market hall, Tampereen Kauppahalli. Located in the city centre, Kauppahalli hosts both cafés and restaurants. The most acclaimed one is restaurant 4 Vuodenaikaa (Four Seasons) with Finnish and French cuisines. Other options include Sushibar Umami’s Japanese food and the traditional café Linkosuo. Over a hundred years old, market hall is also food for the aesthetic soul in its light blue paint and cast ironwork.
For carnivoers
Restaurant, European, American
Restaurant Huber is a heaven for carnivores – and their vegetarian friends! Huber is essentially a relaxed steak restaurant, with uncomplicated dishes using the finest ingredients. Apart from meat, the menu includes tasty dishes for vegetarians too. Located in the city centre, Huber is a chilled out choice for a meaty dinner washed down with good drinks. P.S. Huber’s sister restaurant Bertha offers meaty feasts on a set menu basis.
Fine dining with a Finnish flair
Restaurant, European, Finnish, Northern European
Ravintola C is for anyone in search of a posh Finnish flair. Located opposite Tampere Railway Station, Ravintola C’s emphasis is on locally produced food and ethical, biodynamic wines. The set menu costs €68 and includes typical Finnish ingredients such as pike, cranberries, and sea-buckthorn – a real treat for any foodie!
For friends of doughnuts
Cafe, Finnish
Simply put, Pyynikin Munkkikahvila is a doughnut café. The doughnuts are freshly baked and of the hole-in-the-middle kind – perfect for some foodie Instagramming. The coffee is locally roasted at Tampereen Paahtimo. Apart from the famous doughnuts, the café is also a popular spot with its 26-metre lookout tower rising on top of the Pyynikki hill. The café is located in the tower.
Best third wave coffee
Cafe, European, Finnish
Tampere’s best third wave coffee find is the city centre coffee shop called Kaffila. The coffee comes from the acclaimed Swedish roastery Johan & Nyström, but apart from being a spot for coffee enthusiasts, Kaffila also has a wide tea selection. Located on the ground floor of a beautiful Art Nouveau building, Kaffila has a cosy atmosphere that invites you to sip your coffee longer than necessary – with a wide selection of snacks to go with the it too!
For fans of brewery restaurants
Craft Ale Bar, Gastropub, Pub, Restaurant, European, Northern European
The brewery restaurant called Plevna in Tampere was serving food and tasty beer even before the current trend of craft beer. Plevna opened its doors in an old cotton mill in the city centre of Tampere in 1994, and the restaurant’s portions are not for the light eater. The menu includes typical Finnish and German dishes such as Grandma’s meatballs with mashed potatoes, Bratwurst, and Plevna’s own sausage pan.
Delicious wines and nibbles
Bistro, Wine Bar, Spanish, European, Finnish
Deli 1909 & Wine Bar is a perfect hangout for wine lovers. Part of the famous Tampere gastropub family, Deli 1909 serves a vast selection of wines from all corners of the world in a cosy setting. The decently priced (in Finnish standards!) menu includes pintxos and crostini as well as cheesy, vegetarian and meaty nibbles, whereas mains include soups, salads and stews. This place is perfect to hang out with a glass of wine after a whole day of sightseeing in Tampere.
Tampere's best waffles
Cafe, Coffee Shop, European, Finnish
Friends of waffles, this is the place for you! Vohvelikahvila, that is The Waffle Café, is located near the city centre’s Tammerkoski rapids in a quaint stone building from 1926. The Waffle menu features sweet and savoury options. The sweet waffles vary from apple and nutty chocolate to liquorice and goat cheese with strawberry jam, whereas the savoury ones include taco, smoked salmon, mushrooms and vegetarian options. The ideal pit stop when strolling the streets of Tampere!
Tampere's best brunch
Cafe, European, Finnish
Fazer is a legendary Finnish chocolate brand, which now has cafés in Finland’s biggest cities too. Fazer Café is a perfect choice for a relaxed breakfast or brunch before sightseeing. You can choose from the weekday breakfast menu two or three items that include, for example, smoothies, chia-seed porridge or poached egg avocado.
Visit a legendary gastropub
Gastropub, Belgian
Tuulensuu is a Tampere institution, also a part of the local gastropub family. Inspired by Belgian cuisine, Tuulensuu’s food menu – and especially its drinks list – is a treasure trove. This is a place for anyone craving for some fried frog legs paired with quality Trappist beer to wash it down!