Fodor's Expert Review Savotta

Savotta means "lumber camp," and the hearty food those lumberjacks would want is reflected on the menu here. Located on Senate Square, directly across from the Lutheran Cathedral, the 250-year-old building is adorned with knickknacks from a bygone era. The food is traditional Finnish food at its best—no effete New Nordic nonsense here—and meat dishes (including wild game) predominate. Elk and reindeer make an appearance, though there are plenty of fish and vegetarian options. The "Provision Master's Menu" comes with a starter for two consisting of goat cheese, pâté-like reindeer rillettes, pickled chanterelles, smoked pike, arctic char, smoked salmon roe, and a host of other delicious delicacies. The most popular main course is reindeer round-top roast and smoked potatoes. Pair it all with the strong unfiltered traditional beer called sahti. Dessert is a house-made ice cream flavored with licorice. The cheerful staff are informative when it comes to questions about this very Finnish cuisine.