Restaurant Kajo is located opposite Tampere Central Station on Rautatienkatu and has quickly become one of the city’s most talked-about restaurants. The name “Kajo” refers to a soft glow on the horizon, and the whole dining experience is built around a deep respect for nature and local producers. The team works closely with hunters, fishers and small farmers, aiming to use every part of each ingredient: prime cuts, bones, peels and by-products find their way into stocks, ferments, powders and infusions. The dining room is minimalist and warm, with wood, ceramics and shelves filled with jars of preserved berries, herbs and forest flavours that later appear on the plates.
Kajo’s signature is its “Ode to Nature” tasting menu, which changes with the seasons and highlights Finnish and Nordic ingredients at their peak. Expect lake fish, game, root vegetables, mushrooms, wild herbs and berries, often combined with techniques inspired by Japan and other parts of Asia – yet always with the produce itself at the centre. Fire, smoke, fermentation and carefully crafted sauces give depth to the dishes, while the beverage pairings bring together natural-style wines, carefully selected bottles from small producers and thoughtful non-alcoholic options. The restaurant is featured in the Michelin Guide and appears frequently on shortlists of the best places to eat in Tampere, making it a destination for food travellers as well as locals.
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