Tampere Restaurants and Dining

(Tampere, Pirkanmaa, Western Finland, Finland)

The wining and dining scene in Tampere is more than healthy and restaurants here cater well for the stream of tourists. During the latter part of the 20th century, many new restaurants and pubs appeared in Tampere and brought with them a range of more international flavours.

Those lucky enough to be dining out in Tampere will find that the biggest choice of eateries are spread around the city centre and whilst Finnish cuisine is still popular, a strong American and Irish influence has infiltrated many of the pub-style restaurants. If you are simply looking for a quick bite to eat, then head to the Laukontori or Tammelantori and purchase a traditional mustamakkara (black sausage), which is made from blood and usually served with jam and milk.

Where to Eat

Budget eateries abound in Tampere and all of the usually fast-food favourites are never far away, with burgers and fries readily available at McDonald's, and plenty of filled rolls at outlets of Subway. Kotipizza is also widespread and is a familiar brand of pizza restaurant across Finland.

Most eateries are based within Tampere city centre itself and often dominate specific areas, such as around the train station and along Hämeenkatu, the city's main street. Many restaurants along Hämeenkatu are close to the Tammerkoski Rapids, Koskipuisto Park, the Central Square and Tampere City Theatre.

The nearby streets of Aleksanterinkatu and Kuninkaankatu are both notable dining areas, along with the central Koskikeskus shopping centre, where its popular Koskiterassi restaurants offers views across Lake Pyhäjärvi and Laukontori market square.

With Finnish fare and featuring undeniably the best views, consider dining out at the Ravintola Näsinneula. This elevated restaurant stands at the top of the eye-catching Näsinneula tower and boasts spectacular panoramas at more than 120 metres / 394 feet above Tampere city centre. Hotels in Tampere also often contain good restaurants and this is particularly so at the Ramada on Yliopistonkatu, where the Opera Brasserie is often at its busiest during lunchtime service.