Restaurants in the Lake Saimaa region are known for their pride in local heritage and purest ingredients. Finland, and the Saimaa region in particular, is a rather exotic destination, and Finnish food is still an unknown concept to many travellers. Finnish food is widely known pure and we have a great appreciation for our country’s produce and responsible production methods.
Restaurants in the Lake Saimaa region
What to expect and what to look for in Lake Saimaa region
When you travel on the Saimaa, you will clearly notice the special features of the region. Lots of lakes, islands, forests, fields and pure untouched nature. Indeed, our region has lived on lakes and agriculture. Self-sufficiency has been important because the distances have been long and still are. We value the bounty of nature and in restaurants in particular this is reflected in the preference for small local producers. Some restaurants even have their own gardens, offering centuries-old traditions and the freshest ingredients. The seasonal approach brings variation to the menus, and the Savoy and Karelian heritage is reflected in both traditional specialities and dishes that are guaranteed to be a must-try.
Local ingredients and popular recipes
The restaurants in the Saimaa region offer more and more wonderful taste experiences directly from the surrounding nature. They cherish old recipes, preservation methods for year-round use of raw materials, local production and the combination of new innovations with old know-how. The cuisine of Lake Saimaa is fairly similar to the rest of Finland with a few local delicacies. Expect to find tasty dishes of beef and pork, as well as the more exotic moose and boar meat as mains or appetisers. Our specialty is in our freshwater fish, vendace. Lingonberry sauce is popular with game meats, as are other sauces from cranberries or mushrooms.
Restaurants around Savonlinna, Mikkeli and Varkaus will also always have many freshwater fish dishes on offer, typically straight from the local lakes. Vendace is a local favourite and often fried in butter. Be sure to give “kalakukko” a go too, a deep pie made with rye flour and filled with bacon and fish.
For dessert, check out sweet pies made with delicious, locally grown fruits and jams. Berries such as European blueberries from the local woodlands will always find a place on the table, along with summer strawberries and cream.
Hints on the best restaurants of the region
When looking for restaurants in Savonlinna or Mikkeli, if you want a taste of the truly local food, head over to marketplace. Highly recommended and affordable, it serves freshwater fish straight from the local waters. It proves very popular with locals and tourists alike, outside in the sunshine and right on the waterfront.
Popular restaurants in Mikkeli include the charming Tertin Kartano, which is set in an old manor house on a functioning eco certified farm. Both offer delicious food and great service.
Bon appétit! Or as the locals say, hyvää ruokahalua!
Explore our restaurants
Special food experiences
In the Lake Saimaa region, you’ll find special food experiences available only on select days, for groups, or just a few times a year. These exclusive events offer a chance to enjoy local flavours in a truly special setting.
Explore these unique culinary experiences and check the website for specific dates. If you’d like to arrange a private event, contact the company directly to book your own unforgettable food adventure.
