Saariselkä, Lapland

Best Restaurants in Saariselkä (2026)

Updated 2026 · Curated by local scouts

Saariselkä punches above its size for food, with reindeer and Lapland flavours front and centre: Laanilan Kievari for fireside fine dining, Restaurant Petronella for a polished Arctic dinner, Kuukkeli for hearty all-day eating, and Teerenpesä for a relaxed pub meal.

For a small fell resort, Saariselkä eats well, with a handful of restaurants that lean hard into local Lapland ingredients, reindeer above all, alongside salmon, berries and game. Expect cosy, fire-warmed rooms and proper Arctic cooking. These are the places worth booking, from special-occasion dinners to easy everyday meals.

Laanilan Kievari

A cosy, characterful inn-restaurant that's widely rated among the best dining in all of Lapland. It specialises in reindeer, including a roasted reindeer shoulder for two finished by the fireplace, and delivers genuine fine dining in a warm, authentic Lapland setting. It's the standout special-occasion meal in the area.

Location is approximate.

expensiveyear-roundSateenkaarenpääntie, Saariselkä

From the scout

Book ahead and consider the shared, fireplace-finished reindeer dish; it's the signature and best enjoyed at a relaxed pace.

Restaurant Petronella

A well-regarded Scandinavian fine-dining restaurant in the village serving polished plates of Lapland produce, from reindeer to fish, in a comfortable setting. It's a reliable choice for a proper sit-down dinner without straying from the resort centre.

Location is approximate.

expensiveyear-roundHonkapolku, Saariselkä village

From the scout

A strong alternative to Laanilan Kievari for an Arctic dinner; reserve in peak winter weeks when the village fills up.

Bistro & Café Kuukkeli

The dependable all-rounder in the centre, open long hours for breakfast buffet, lunch, dinner and à la carte. The menu spans pizzas and burgers to Lapland staples like reindeer stew and creamy salmon soup, making it the easy go-to when you want something hearty without a big production.

Location is approximate.

moderateyear-roundKuukkeli shopping centre, Saariselkä

From the scout

Good for families and flexible timing; the reindeer stew and salmon soup are the local-flavour picks on an otherwise casual menu.

Teerenpesä

A popular pub-restaurant in the heart of the village, Teerenpesä is the relaxed, sociable option, equally good for a casual meal or a drink after a day on the fells. It rounds out the village with an unpretentious, lively spot that stays busy through the season.

Location is approximate.

moderateyear-roundSaariseläntie, Saariselkä village

From the scout

The natural place for an après-ski or post-hike beer and a casual bite in the centre.

Kakslauttanen resort dining

Out at the famous igloo resort, Kakslauttanen's restaurants serve Lapland-themed menus in dramatic log-and-fire surroundings, including dishes built around reindeer and local produce. It's a destination meal in itself if you're staying nearby or want to pair dinner with seeing the igloo village.

Location is approximate.

expensiveyear-roundKakslauttanen Arctic Resort, near Saariselkä

From the scout

Worth combining with an igloo stay or a visit to the resort; non-guests should check whether a reservation is needed.

Quick Comparison

#	Name	Cost	Best Season
1	Laanilan Kievari	expensive	year-round
2	Restaurant Petronella	expensive	year-round
3	Bistro & Café Kuukkeli	moderate	year-round
4	Teerenpesä	moderate	year-round
5	Kakslauttanen resort dining	expensive	year-round

FAQ

What food is Saariselkä known for?

Lapland cuisine built around reindeer, which appears as steaks, stews and fireside roasts across the village's restaurants, alongside Arctic fish like salmon, wild berries and game. Laanilan Kievari is the best-known place for a reindeer-focused fine-dining meal.

Planning a trip to Saariselkä?

Read the full Saariselkä travel guide: getting there, where to stay, and what to do by season.

Explore Saariselkä

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