Flavors from Nature
Good food, generous meals, and warm hospitality are a natural part of Karelian heritage. Traditionally, dishes were baked in a wood-fired oven, which also warmed the home. In our cafés you can taste authentic Karelian pies (karjalanpiirakka), pyörö pastries, and rye bread.
Fresh lake fish finds its way into burgers and artisan pizzas, while Valamo’s wines are the perfect match for dinner. Your culinary journey in Northern Saimaa begins here.
Please note: not all company websites are available in English. However, all hosts warmly welcome you and are happy to assist international visitors.
Cafes
Businesses that are open only during the May-September holiday season are marked in green. It is always a good idea to check the opening hours on the companies’ websites.
RAAKKYLA
Koivuniemi Camping
At Koivuniemi, the coffee pot is always on, and the hostess bakes everything herself – from traditional Karelian pies to delicious cakes.
HEINÄVESI
Lintula Monastery Summer Café
The monastery’s retro-style café serves traditional Karelian pastries, the monastery’s own coffee blend, and herbal teas.
LIPERI
Mocca – Café with a Mission
A warm-hearted meeting place in the village center of Liperi. Enjoy café treats, soup lunch, and brunch. In summer, relax on the terrace.
LIPERI
Ollila – Summer Café for the Whole Family
Ollila invites you to a cozy farmhouse and courtyard to taste sweet and savory treats made from family recipes.
LIPERI
Pulla-Pulju – Village Café and Bakery
People come from near and far to Pulla-Pulju for Karelian pies, rye bread, and traditional lanttukukko (swede and pork pie).
LIPERI
Puromäki Garden – Summer Café in an Herb Garden
Surrounded by herbs, this café serves gluten-free delicacies, local products, and harvest from its own garden.
HEINÄVESI
Café Rinnekeskus Pääskynpesä
A cozy café at the family ski center, serving homemade buns, doughnuts, and Karelian pies. For a bigger appetite, enjoy soup lunch or pizza.
HEINÄVESI
Ronttopuisto – Third-Generation Summer Café
Famous from social media, Jaakob and Rita bake fresh doughnuts and bagels every morning with their own recipes. Children will love the sculpture park, bouncy castle, and playground.
HEINÄVESI
Torvela Pop-up Summer Pizzas
Palvelu Väkkärä serves pop-up pizzas at the former Torvela school. The rest of the summer is spent in the kitchen of s/s Heinävesi.
Restaurants
LIPERI
Gaiju – The Best Restaurant in Vaivio
Delicious burgers, salads, and pizzas enjoyed in a former school building or on the cozy terrace.
HEINÄVESI
Heinäkissa – Lunch Restaurant
Traditional flavors in a generous lunch buffet in the center of Heinävesi. In the evenings, karaoke and fun.
HEINÄVESI
Kermacotta – Summer Restaurant at Kermanranta
Alongside its famous cakes, you’ll find changing salads, waffles, and burgers – served with a youthful twist.
HEINÄVESI
Kermankeidas – Summer Restaurant by the Rapids
The host of Kermankeidas cleans fresh vendace every morning and fries them in a cast-iron pan – said to be the best in Finland.
HEINÄVESI
Leiskari – Summer Restaurant at the Karvio Canal
Leiskari brings locals and travelers together over tasty burgers and pizzas, accompanied by Valamo wines and spirits.
RÄÄKKYLÄ
Paksuniemi – Summer Restaurant at the Harbor
Paksuniemi serves its own smoked meat, lake fish, baked potatoes, pinsas, and burgers. Or just stop by for coffee.
LIPERI
Saaristonpuoti – Finland’s Best Pizza
At Tutjunniemi harbor, discover new pizza flavors and lovely desserts this summer – plus cruises from Joensuu harbor.
LIPERI
SUMMER – Summer Oasis at Kirkkolahti
In addition to artisan pizzas and pinsas, enjoy traditional Karelian pies and vatruska pastries with egg butter. A wide selection of non-alcoholic drinks is also available.
HEINÄVESI
Trapesa – Restaurant of Valamo Monastery
Trapesa serves a rich lunch buffet with its own sauerkraut. By order, enjoy a Russian tea table with traditional delicacies.