Local food & flavours of Lake Saimaa

Across the Saimaa region, restaurants, cafés and local producers bring together the purest flavours of Finnish Lakeland. Fresh lake fish, wild forest ingredients and cherished local recipes meet modern Nordic cuisine, creating food experiences deeply rooted in the lakes, forests and changing seasons of Saimaa.

Where to eat in Lake Saimaa - Mikkeli region?

Discover the flavours of the Mikkeli region, where pure ingredients, local traditions and the beautiful Lake Saimaa nature come together on every plate. From relaxed lakeside restaurants and cosy cafés to memorable fine-dining experiences, there is something to suit every taste. Almost all of the restaurants featured here are part of D.O. Saimaa network sharing a passion for high-quality local food, sustainability and the unique culinary culture of the Saimaa region.

Restaurants in Mikkeli region

What to taste in local restaurants?

When arriving in the Saimaa region, local restaurants and market squares offer an easy introduction to the flavours of Finnish Lakeland. The most iconic dish is fried vendace (“muikku”), small freshwater fish typically served crispy with mashed potatoes. Fresh lake fish, seasonal vegetables, mushrooms and wild berries appear on menus throughout the year, from relaxed harbour restaurants to elegant manor house dining.

Traditional Finnish flavours also include Karelian pies with egg butter, creamy salmon soup, rye breads and locally baked pastries enjoyed with coffee. In summer, market squares fill with fresh strawberries, peas and seasonal delicacies, while cafés tempt visitors with cinnamon buns, blueberry pies and traditional berry pastries such as "mustikkarättänä".

Restaurants across the region combine local ingredients with modern Nordic cooking, while historic manor houses and countryside restaurants highlight Saimaa’s culinary heritage at its finest.

Treat yourself to these local delicacies!

D.O. Saimaa – authentic flavours from the Saimaa region

The Saimaa region became the first area in Finland to receive its own regional food label, D.O. Saimaa. The label highlights local producers, restaurants and artisans committed to high quality, authenticity and sustainable production. From freshwater fish and berries to herbs, meats and handmade delicacies, D.O. Saimaa reflects the pure flavours and strong food traditions of the region.

Nature on your plate

In Saimaa, many flavours come directly from the surrounding lakes and forests. Wild blueberries, lingonberries, mushrooms and herbs are gathered seasonally, while local fish travels straight from the morning catch to the restaurant kitchen.

Autumn is especially known for its rich game flavours, celebrated in seasonal menus across the region. At Tertti Manor, game delicacies are served as part of the manor’s beautifully prepared seasonal buffet, while seasonal game dishes can also be enjoyed at Ollinmäki Winery, combining local flavours with the atmosphere of a Finnish countryside winery.

Taste wild berries fresh from the forest, learn to prepare beloved Saimaa delicacies, or join hands-on experiences such as open-fire cooking, berry picking and traditional baking workshops in the countryside.

Finnish coffee culture & sweet treats

Coffee breaks are an essential part of Finnish life. Lakeside cafés, market halls and village bakeries serve warm cinnamon buns, cardamom bread, rhubarb pies and traditional berry pastries that pair perfectly with locally roasted coffee.