Discover the unique tastes of the Mikkeli region, where pure local ingredients, seasonal produce and Finnish food traditions come together.
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.
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!
Finnish cuisine from local ingredients at Restaurant Niinipuu
Restaurant Niinipuu offers local gastronomy in beautiful rural surroundings.
Product pageBoathouse Dream – an unforgettable lakeside dinner for two
A private, world-class dining experience for two in a historic boathouse on the shores of Lake Iso-Vuolinko.
Product pageTry a local vendace dish at Mikkeli Market Square
A local vendace dish offers a small taste of the region's food culture.
Product pageGarden Café seasonal lunch
Enjoy a seasonal buffet lunch at the Garden Café, featuring fresh local ingredients and Nordic flavours in a charming garden setting.
Product pageTraditional Tastes of Old Savonia
Travel back in time to taste the traditional delicacies of the Savonia region
Product pageSavour the rich flavours of the Saimaa region at Sahanlahti Resort
Three high-quality restaurants invite you to enjoy unforgettable dining inspired by the surrounding lakes, forests, and fields. Each venue offers its own unique atmosphere, allowing you to discover your favourite way to experience local cuisine.
Product pageBistro Holvi
Bistro Holvi, located in the heart of Mikkeli, serves locally inspired cuisine made with fresh regional ingredients.
Company pageThe 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.
Enjoy D.O. Saimaa dinner at Tertti Manor
Enjoy a refined dining experience at Tertti Manor, where seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and D.O. Saimaa-certified products come together to showcase the authentic flavours of the Lake Saimaa region.
Product pageIn 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.
Blueberry rye-pie workshop
At Okkola’s Savolainen mustikkakukko (bilberry rye pie) workshop, you’ll learn the traditional craft of baking delicious rättänä pastries.
Product pageTertti Manor Restaurant seasonal grand buffet
Indulge in Tertti Manor’s seasonal grand buffet, featuring over 50 locally sourced, handcrafted flavours inspired by the pure nature of the Finnish Lakeland.
Product pageExperience the enchanting Lake Saimaa combined with the flavours of the wild
A unique outdoor dining experience on Lake Saimaa, where seasonal wild food is prepared over an open fire and enjoyed in a peaceful island setting surrounded by pristine nature.
Product pageCoffee 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.
A rustic old-time café experience at Riimukivi Summer Café
A highlight of your visit is the delightful Riimukivi Summer Café, an experience in itself. Here, you can savour authentic Savonian delicacies prepared using local ingredients and time-honoured recipes, all served in a warm and nostalgic atmosphere, capturing the charm of the 19th century at Riimukivi Historical Farm.
Product page