Arctic Tasting
24-27 Sep 2025
A delightful food event for food enthusiasts of all kinds! In Arctic Tasting, local restaurants and cafés compete against each other to create the most delicious tasting dish. The winner is voted by the customers.
May the tastiest dish win!
Join us on a taste expedition! See the dishes on this page and rate the ones you try— it’s worth it! Among the participants, we’ll be drawing winners for gift cards worth €80 and €30 to visitors’ favorite restaurants, as well as Arctic Food Lab and Oulu2026 products. The winning dish will be announced on this page and on our social media channels on September 30th.
Beef pastrami pizza (7€)
Bistoria Patio
Bistoria Patio’s beef pastrami pizza is made with meat from Viskaali Farm and sourdough from Meriläinen Bakery. The pizza features beef, red onion, truffle, mozzarella, mayonnaise, arugula, and tomato sauce.
The dish is lactose-free.
Address: Nallikarinranta 10, 90510 Oulu
Opening-hours: Wed-Fri 2 pm – 9.30 pm & Sat 12 pm – 9.30 pm
Accessibility: Access to the restaurant is through heavy doors without automatic door openers. The restaurant has an accessible restroom.
Chanterelle cappuccino (7€)
Bistro Mesu, Radisson Blu
Using locally sourced golden chanterelles and pairing it with a rich 8 month mature cheese foam. With the dish resembling a cappuccino, the combination of the velvety, earthy, forest-like flavours of the soup pair spectacularly with the tangy, strong, but light cheese foam. Bistro Mesu’s home-made Saaristolaisleipä and wild mushroom compound butter helps finish the dish by bringing a sweet and fresh taste that helps round out the experience.
The dish is lactose-free and also available as a gluten-free option.
Address: Hallituskatu 1, 90100 Oulu
Opening-hours: Wed-Sat 3 pm – 11 pm
Accessibility: There is an accessible entrance to the restaurant through the hotel reception. An accessible restroom is available on the same floor.
Chocolate-beetroot cake and tar caramel (5€)
Bistro Mesu, Radisson Blu
Beetroot has been a traditional Finnish vegetable for around 200 years. Combining it with Finnish chocolate creates a powerful contrast between richness and earthiness. The dish is finished with a classic Oulu flavour – tar. The sweetness of the tar caramel and the delicious cream cheese crème balance the cake and create a rich, harmonious whole.
The dish is lactose-free and gluten-free.
Address: Hallituskatu 1, 90100 Oulu
Opening-hours: Wed-Sat 3 pm – 11 pm
Accessibility: There is an accessible entrance to the restaurant through the hotel reception. An accessible restroom is available on the same floor.
Lemon oyster mushroom “kauratto” with herb-butter fried whitefish (7€)
H2O Rotuaari
The lemon oyster mushrooms come from a local grower who is part of the Arctic Food Lab network, and the whitefish is sourced from nearby waters. The dish is completed with organic wild oat kauratto – a northern, nutritious, and flavourful alternative to the classic risotto.
Lactose-free and gluten-free.
Address: Kauppakortteli Pekuri 2nd floor. Kirkkokatu 14, 90100 Oulu
Opening-hours: Wed-Fri 8.30 am – 5 pm & Sat 10 am – 4 pm
Accessibility: The restaurant has an accessible entrance through the main door. An accessible restroom is located nearby, and a code for access can be obtained from the cashier.
Cranberry caramel cheesecake + filter coffee/tea (5€)
H2O Rotuaari
Homemade caramel cheesecake, made with local cranberries, combines the refreshing tartness of northern berries with smooth, velvety caramel.
Lactose-free and gluten-free.
Address: Kauppakortteli Pekuri 2nd floor. Kirkkokatu 14, 90100 Oulu
Opening-hours: Wed-Fri 8.30 am – 5 pm & Sat 10 am – 4 pm
Accessibility: The restaurant has an accessible entrance through the main door. An accessible restroom is located nearby, and a code for access can be obtained from the cashier.
Meze Assortment (7€)
Hagia Sofia
A unique appetizer assortment created in Hagia Sofia – meze including; tzatziki, eggplant paste, hummus, vine leaf roll and ezme dip which combine the spicy flavors of Turkey and pure Finnish ingredients. The meze is served with lavash bread made from Utajärvi flour.
The dish is lactose-free, suitable for vegetarians, and contains no nuts or shellfish. A gluten-free option is available upon request.
Address: Kirkkokatu 2, 90100 Oulu
Opening hours: Wed-Sat 3 pm -9 pm
Accessibility: The restaurant is located in the historic Franzen building, which does not have an accessible entrance.
The Miniburger (7€)
J&S Burger
Taste the Arctic tasting with the miniburger! A small burger packed with big taste – let it take you on a journey of new flavours! Choose between a juicy smash patty or a delicious veggie option, paired with homemade special mayo. This delicious mini-sized burger is the perfect way to explore different combinations.
The dish is lactose-free and a vegetarian version is available upon request.
J&S Burger joins the Arctic tasting with two locations: grill trailer in the Oulu Market square and restaurant in the city of Ii.
Address: Grill trailer: Oulu market square, Kauppatori, 90100 Oulu. Restaurant: Ouluntie 370, 91100 Ii.
Opening-hours: Grill trailer: Wed-Sat 11 am – 9 pm. Restaurant: Wed – Fri 11 am – 9 pm & Sat 12 pm – 9 pm
Accessibility: Grill trailer is accessible. The restaurant’s main door has a 10 cm threshold. The door on the terrace has an accessible entrance.
Finnish blueberry pancake with spruce tip whipped cream (5€)
Kahvila Kiikku
A traditional and delicious Finnish pancake, enriched with the flavours of the northern forest. Contains blueberry syrup from Kujala and hand-picked blueberries from Kiiminki.
Address: Ainolanpolku 1, 90130 Oulu
Opening-hours: Wed – Sat 10 am – 6 pm
Accessibility: The café has two entrances, each with a small threshold. The main entrance provides access to the cashier and an accessible restroom. The other entrance, accessible via a gravel path, leads to the café seating area.
Pulled beef loaded fries (7€)
Kummeli Bistro & Bar, Scandic Oulu Station
This dish features loaded fries topped with tender pulled beef from Viskaali Farm in Muhos. It’s the perfect pub food – hearty, flavorful, and satisfying.
The dish is lactose-free and gluten-free. A dairy-free option is also available.
Address: Kajaaninkatu 17, 90100 Oulu
Opening-hours: Wed – Sat 5 pm – 9.30 pm
Accessibility: There is an accessible entrance to the restaurant through the hotel lobby. An accessible restroom is located on the lower floor.
Smoked reindeer tart (7€)
Magnolia Coffee & Bakery
In this dish, a tasty northern reindeer filling is wrapped in a choux-style roulade, creating an irresistible combination. Served with a refreshing lingonberry compote made in our own kitchen.
The dish is gluten-free and lactose-free, and it is suitable for both low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets.
Address: Kauppakortteli Pekuri 2nd floor, Pekurin Patio. Torikatu 15-17, 90100 Oulu
Opening-hours: Wed – Fri 10 am – 7 pm & Sat 10 am – 6 pm
Accessibility: The café is accessible via a wheelchair lift. An accessible restroom is located next to the café, and a code for access can be obtained from the cashier.
“Omenainen unelma” – Apple dream (5€)
Magnolia Coffee & Bakery
This dessert features delicious local Oulu apples paired with autumn flavours, topped with a rich mascarpone mousse and caramel sauce.
The dish is gluten-free, lactose-free and sugar free and it is suitable for both low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets.
Address: Kauppakortteli Pekuri 2nd floor, Pekurin Patio. Torikatu 15-17, 90100 Oulu
Opening-hours: Wed – Fri 10 am – 7 pm & Sat 10 am – 6 pm
Accessibility: The café is accessible via a wheelchair lift. An accessible restroom is located next to the café, and a code for access can be obtained from the cashier.
“Metsäseikkailu” – Forest adventure (7€)
Teaching restaurant Hilikku
Restaurant Hilikku’s Forest Adventure features potato flatbread, wild herb sour cream sauce, a cheese mix of smoked cheese and Emmental, funnel chanterelle mushrooms, and Finnish cold-smoked rainbow trout.
The dish is lactose-free, and a gluten-free version is available upon request.
Address: Kasarmintie 8H, 90130 Oulu
Opening-hours: Wed – Fri 11 am – 1 pm
Accessibility: Access to the restaurant is through heavy doors without automatic openers. The restaurant has an accessible restroom.
“Puro” – Creek (7€)
Oula Kitchen & Bar
This Puikula potato soup features ingredients from the Oulu2026 region, sourced from Tyrnävä and Raahe. The popular malt bread served with it is baked fresh daily in Oula’s kitchen.
Lactose-free and available with gluten-free bread upon request.
Address: Kirkkokatu 3, 90100 Oulu
Opening-hours: Wed – Thu 5 pm – 10 pm, Fri 5 pm – 10.30 pm & Sat 4 pm – 10.30
Accessibility: The entrance to the restaurant is accessible. An accessible restroom is located on the lower floor.
Nature (5€)
Oula Kitchen & Bar
Sea buckthorn picked from the Raahe archipelago is paired with pumpkin and meadowsweet – nature’s flavours at their finest.
Dairy-free and gluten-free.
Address: Kirkkokatu 3, 90100 Oulu
Opening-hours: Wed – Thu 5 pm – 10 pm, Fri 5 pm – 10.30 pm & Sat 4 pm – 10.30
Accessibility: The entrance to the restaurant is accessible. An accessible restroom is located on the lower floor.
Lasaretti’s Whitefish tartare (7€)
Restaurant Lasaretti
Restaurant Lasaretti’s delicious whitefish tartare features locally cured whitefish, apple purée, rye crisps, nettle oil, and dill.
The dish is lactose-free.
Address: Kasarmintie 13B, 90130 Oulu
Opening-hours: Wed – Sat 4 pm – 9.30 pm
Accessibility: There is an accessible entrance to the restaurant. An accessible restroom is located in the entrance hall.
Bothnian whitefish, Annabelle potatoes, cucumber and spruce sprout (7€)
Restaurant Nallikari
Restaurant Nallikari’s whitefish dish is made with whitefish caught from the Bothnian Bay, accompanied by cucumber, potato, and spruce tips from the Oulu region.
The dish is dairy-free and gluten-free.
Address: Nallikarinranta 15, 90510 Oulu
Opening-hours: Wed – Fri 11 am – 10.30 pm & Sat 12 pm – 10.30 pm
Accessibility: There is an accessible entrance at the back of the restaurant. The restaurant has an accessible restroom.
“Pohjoisen makuja” – Northern flavours (7€)
Restaurant & Bar Roast, Scandic Oulu City
This dish brings you the flavours of the North – whitefish, vendace, and reindeer. It’s a cold starter, a small tasting plate that’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in the Arctic tasting.
The dish is lactose-free and gluten-free option is available upon request.
Address: Saaristonkatu 4, 90100 Oulu
Opening-hours: Wed – Sat 5 pm – 9.30 pm
Accessibility: There is an accessible entrance to the restaurant. An accessible restroom is available in the hotel lobby.
Aurora Pearls (7€)
Robbie’s The Sandwich Shop
Aurora Pearl is a rich and earthy creation that celebrates Finnish flavors with a twist. Grilled Juustoleipä brushed with garlic butter is topped with tender pearl oyster mushrooms, fresh rucola, and a touch of truffle mayonnaise, bringing together comfort and elegance in every bite.
Address: Rautatienkatu 10, 90100 Oulu
Opening-hours: Wed – Fri 10 am – 6 pm & Sat 11 am – 6 pm
Accessibility: The restaurant is not accessible
Oulu-style sausage and fries à la UP (7€)
UP Bar & Lounge
French fries from Vihanti, house-made sauces, fresh spring onion, and pickles made with UP’s own recipe – all topped with the classic Kotivara sausage. A perfect choice for lovers of traditional sausage and fries!
Dairy-free. Also available as a vegan option, which is also gluten-free
Address: Pakkahuoneenkatu 12, 90100 Oulu
Opening-hours: Wed – Sat 4 pm – 2 am
Accessibility: The entrance to the restaurant is accessible. The restaurant has an accessible restroom.
Blueberry & Thyme sour (5/7€)
UP Bar & Lounge
A syrup made from Oulu-grown blueberries and flavoured with thyme is blended with cranberry juice, lemon juice, and a smooth foam made from either egg white or aquafaba (chickpea brine).
Contains no gluten, soy, or dairy products. Also available as a vegan option.
Alcohol-free version 5€ and alcoholic version 7€.
Address: Pakkahuoneenkatu 12, 90100 Oulu
Opening-hours: Wed – Sat 4 pm – 2 am
Accessibility: The entrance to the restaurant is accessible. The restaurant has an accessible restroom.
Good Old Day (7€)
Zivago
Slow-cooked cabbage roll filled with minced beef from Viskaali, seasoned with flavour notes from both Finland and Germany. Served with brown butter mashed potatoes, pan gravy, and marinated lingonberries.
Lactose-free, wheat-free, and free from fish, soy, and nuts.
Address: Kirkkokatu 29, 90100 Oulu
Opening-hours: Wed – Thu 4 pm – 10 pm (kitchen 9 pm)
Fri 4 pm – 12 am (kitchen 10 pm)
Sat 2 pm – 12 am (kitchen 10 pm)
Accessibility: The entrance to the restaurant is accessible
Day Of Berries (5/7€)
Zivago
Berry-filled flavours & memories of a summery Oulu. The alcoholic version contains vodka produced in Tyrnävä.
Alcohol-free version 5€ and alcoholic version 7€.
Address: Kirkkokatu 29, 90100 Oulu
Opening-hours: Wed – Thu 4 pm – 10 pm
Fri 4 pm – 12 am
Sat 2 pm – 12 am
Accessibility: The entrance to the restaurant is accessible
The tastiest events from Oulu2026
Arctic Tasting has been organised since 2022. The event celebrates the richness and expertise of northern food culture, offering savoury and sweet treats to enjoy at lunchtime or in the evening. Each dish brings out the values of the Arctic Food Lab: local ingredients, unique flavours and nuances of the northern culinary tradition. This event invites you to taste local producers, restaurants and delicacies – flavours born in the Arctic and prepared with great passion.
The Arctic Tasting is not just a local celebration – it is growing and internationalising towards the 2026 Capital of Culture year, when the flavours of the North will conquer ever larger audiences.
It’s awesome that great restaurants in Oulu are being highlighted! (visitor feedback)