Readers of this blog should now know that enjoying a destination is always significantly influenced by food, which is why it holds an important place in my blog. I've seen major changes in food in Tampere. Since my visit 12 years ago, Finland has been experiencing a quiet food revolution. This is reflected in Tampere's broad and diverse culinary scene. Additionally, there are many places in Tampere with great prices; here are my top recommendations. (Also, don't forget to check out my previous guide for budget-friendly options.)

1. Zeytuun

Zeytuun, Tampere

Address: Tuomiokirkonkatu 21, 33100 Tampere, Finland

Located in the city center, this venue is vegetarian-friendly and offers great salads, a hearty mezze platter (with perfect baba ganoush and falafel, starting at €18.90), and freshly squeezed juices. The service is friendly, and the meals are served quickly.

2. Tammelantori Market

Tampere also has several excellent food markets. My first stop on my trip was my old favorite Tammelantori Market; here we tried the local blood sausage Mustamakkara at Tapola Tammelantori (Price €2.50 - €4). This delicacy was served with lingonberry jam and washed down with cold milk. After having this for breakfast, you won’t need to eat anything until the evening.

3. Ohana’s

Kauppahalli Market

Another great spot for food lovers is Tampere's Kauppahalli Indoor Market; we had the chance to eat at Ohana’s. Their burgers are fantastic, greasy, and quite delicious. (Prices start at €12.50) The Parmesan-flavored fries are a real treat. Yes. Forget your diet when you come to Tampere.

4. Pizzeria Ravintola Bianco

Address: Otavalankatu 9, 33100 Tampere, Finland

Ravintola Bianco is located in the heart of Tampere, just a few hundred meters from the train station. Here you can find good Italian dishes, pizzas, fresh pastas, and salads. They offer good portions at good prices (Pizza starts at €13.90, pastas at €16.90) and there is also a good selection of drinks, so you can pair your meal with a nice wine or refreshing drink.

5. Gastropub Tuulensuu

Address: Hämeenpuisto 23, 33210 Tampere, Finland

Another must-visit culinary stop is Gastropub Tuulensuu to taste the widest selection of Belgian beers in Finland. You will be pampered with over 150 varieties of Belgian beers; there are also imported beers from Poland, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Hungary. The food here is a bit pricey but the frog legs are excellent, and I also tried their amazing fries (double-fried, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside).

Tallipiha

6. Tallipihan Kahvila

Address: Kuninkaankatu 4, 33210 Tampere, Finland

Strawberry Cheesecake at Tallipihan Kahvila

For those who love sweet treats, don’t forget to visit Tallipihan Kahvila located in the beautiful market of Tallipiha. This cafe, which looks like it came straight out of a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, is quite charming. The strawberry cheesecake here is fantastic.

7. Paakari

Address: Ruutanantie 3, Kangasala

This atmospheric French-style rural restaurant, located in an old postman's house about 25 minutes from Tampere, has a great lunch menu that could be one of the best deals in the area.

The food here is prepared with a good bistro-style cooking focus on seafood. There is also a bakery offering great coffee, cakes, and real salmon sandwiches.

Paakari’s lunch might be the best deal in Pirkanmaa—three courses for under €20, served to your table. In summer, grab a spot on the terrace.

8. Ravintola Borneo

Address: Itsenäisyydenkatu 15, 33100 Tampere, Finland

It’s definitely not a cheap place, but if you love Malaysian cuisine, the unlimited buffet at Ravintola Borneo for €29.99 is very popular with the locals.

9. Pyynikki Coffee Shop & Observation Tower

Also, an old favorite that shouldn’t be missed is the cinnamon munkki donuts at Pyynikin Munkkikahvila. You can burn off the calories later by climbing the 130 steps to the top of Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower; from there you will see a fantastic panoramic view of the city.

Foraging wild berries in the local forest
The best donuts in Finland!

If this hasn’t satisfied your sweet tooth, and you are visiting Tampere in late summer, you might go wild berry picking in a nearby forest. There is nothing more Finnish than wandering in the woods and foraging for wild berries. Maybe you’ll make some jam or vodka! The Pyynikki forest, where the tower and donut cafe are located, is a great place for wild berry picking in the summer.