Where to Eat in Rovaniemi? The Ultimate Arctic Circle Restaurant Guide
Updated: 4 days ago
Though largely known as a hub of traditional Lappish cuisine, Rovaniemi has a fairly diverse food culture as well. From fine dining to rustic eateries, city centre bistros to cosmopolitan kitchens, you can find many different cuisines to try but at its heart, there still is fresh ingredients and simplistic Lappish cooking. Here is your ultimate guide to the best restaurants in the Arctic Circle.
Lappish Cuisine
To enjoy the finest Lappish delicacies, head to Nili in the Rovaniemi city centre right next to the Arctic Light hotel. Their menu serves exotic game meat like bear, grouse and reindeer and locally produced mushrooms, salmon and vegetables. The interiors are built and decorated in a rustic style featuring Lappish crafts which adds to the warm ambience. It is one of the most well known Lappish restaurants so it’s very busy and reservations are mandatory.
The Arctic Light hotel itself houses the Arctic Restaurant which offers an exquisite fine dining experience with a spread that highlights the best of local produce like high quality reindeer, moose, salmon, arctic char, king crab and Finnish beef. Their presentation is pretty unique and the Arctic Signature dessert is highly recommended. We definitely believe their chef is one of the best in the region.
Ravintola Roka is a bistro in the city centre that is one of the most sought after spots in town. They serve bistro classics and street food in a unique blend of American, Italian and Lappish cuisines. They don’t make reservations so you might find a queue, but the wait is not too long and the experience more than makes up for it.
Monte Rosa has a claim to being listed as one
of the top restaurants in Rovaniemi. And they claim to serve the best steaks in town. Located in the Arctic City hotel, this restaurant serves classic Lappish dishes in a modern style. Sky Kitchen, the restaurant of Lapland Hotel Sky Ounasvaara, also offers a luxurious Finnish fine dine experience with a stunning view. It is located on top of Ounasvaara hill and you will need to take a taxi to reach there.
Santa’s Fare
Over in the Santa Claus Village, you can check out the restaurant Santamus. They offer a one of a kind fine dine experience out in the open beside an open fire. The menu is a three course one featuring traditional dishes from around Lapland. Pre reservation is strongly recommended. Though there are multiple places that claim to be Santa’s Salmon Place, the real one is located just opposite the Arctic Circle Husky Park (beware of copies!).
You will have to wait in line in the cold, and that can prove to be difficult, but once you get in, it’s an unforgettable experience. They serve fresh salmon and other fishes which they prepare in the traditional style right in front of you. Also on the menu are a selection of local cheeses and desserts.
International Delicacies
Also in the Santa Claus Village, is the very busy Golden Bowl Dimsum. Their menu features hearty Asian fare- dim sums, wok dishes, fried rice and noodle soup. They have an Indian chef who might prepare a couple desi dishes like samosas for you as well!
Back in the city centre, there is Yuca, a taqueria serving authentic Mexican cuisine. They are especially known for their fish tacos. Rosso serves great pastas and pizzas and has decent sized portions at reasonable prices. Himo is another great place to go to if you’re in the mood for Italian- they serve classic pastas and other Italian dishes. Amarillo has a classic TexMex menu and are known for their burgers- especially the veggie bean burgers- and their barbeque. Haarikka Bar and Bites is the perfect place for a fun afterparty as their kitchens are open till quite late. Apart from their nice menu of cocktails and desserts, they serve pastas with a twist and pinsas, which are a pizza-like delicacy from Rome.
Whether you are chasing a Michelin-worthy reindeer steak or sharing late-night pinsas under the midnight sun, Rovaniemi proves that the edge of the Arctic Circle is a surprisingly delicious place to get lost. Whether you are chasing a Michelin-worthy reindeer steak or sharing late-night pinsas under the midnight sun, Rovaniemi proves that the edge of the Arctic Circle is a surprisingly delicious place to get lost.
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