Café & Bar 21

Written By Guest User

Café & Bar 21 is a modern, central spot on Rovakatu 21 with a warm room and fast service that suits families. The menu is built around savoury and sweet waffles, big salads, soups and gelato, with vegan and gluten-free options. Hot chocolate is a favourite in winter. Early sittings are calm, and you can book in busy weeks before Christmas and during February half-term. This guide explains what to order with children, how to book, how they handle diets and how to fit 21 into a relaxed winter day.

At a glance

  • Central location near hotels and Lordi’s Square

  • Savoury and sweet waffles, salads, soups, gelato; cocktails for adults

  • Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available

  • Card and digital payments; free Wi-Fi

  • Lunch, dinner, late night; weekend hours can run late

  • Booking recommended at peak times; ask about highchairs and buggy space

Where it is and how to book

You will find the café at Rovakatu 21, right in the centre of Rovaniemi. It is an easy walk from most hotels. Streets can be snowy and icy, so allow extra time with a buggy. Reserve a table for early evening (17:00–18:00) if you want a quieter room. Mention highchairs or buggy space when you book. In December and February, popular times fill quickly.

The room and the rhythm

The space feels lively but welcoming. Coats and snowsuits can go on a rack or behind your seat. Keep hats and mittens in a small bag so nothing is lost. If children arrive cold, order hot chocolate or warm juice first. Then choose food once everyone settles. Free Wi-Fi helps pass the time between courses.

Menu highlights for families

Café & Bar 21 is known for waffles. There are savoury options like chicken, goat’s cheese or salmon, and sweet waffles with berries, pistachio or chocolate. Portions are generous and easy to share. You will also find large salads, bowls, soups and simple sides.

Good bets with children

  • Salmon soup or tomato soup with bread

  • Chicken bowl or simple salad with dressing on the side

  • Small burger or shared savoury waffle with chips

  • Sweet waffle or gelato for dessert

Staff are happy to split portions or bring extra plates. Ask for sauces on the side if your child prefers milder flavours.

Allergies and special diets

Vegetarian and vegan options are marked. Many waffles and salads can be prepared gluten-free. Tell staff about allergies when you book and again on arrival. They handle dietary needs daily and can advise on the safest choices. If you carry an EpiPen, keep it accessible and show your allergy card with the order.

Drinks for parents

The bar serves cocktails and a short wine list. A local twist is the “Lapland Mojito”. For a warm non-alcoholic option, choose spiced tea, hot chocolate or coffee. Tap water is free and staff will refill on request.

Prices and payments

Prices are mid-range for central Rovaniemi. Card and contactless payments are standard. Service is included in Finnish menu prices and tipping is optional. Add a small tip only if you wish to recognise great service.

Facilities for families

Ask for highchairs when booking. Space for a buggy depends on the evening, so call ahead. Toilets are heated and clean. If you need hot water for a bottle, staff will help. The central location means you can combine a quick meal with a short walk back to the hotel.

Fitting Café & Bar 21 into a winter day

Keep the day simple and warm. Many families choose a late lunch here between two short activities, or an early dinner before quiet time at the hotel. Waffles work well when children are hungry after snow play. For nights with older children, the lively room later in the evening can be fun, but early times are calmer.

Example family orders

  • Cautious eater: tomato soup and bread, or a half savoury waffle with chips

  • Adventurous child: salmon waffle or chicken bowl

  • Parents: goat’s cheese waffle with salad, or salmon soup and a shared sweet waffle

  • For everyone: hot chocolate or berry juice; gelato to share

Practical winter tips

Dress in layers that you can remove easily. Floors near the door can be damp, so keep spare socks for small children. Bring a small activity or colouring set for waits. If you expect to arrive straight from an activity, add a buffer for winter roads and slower walking.

Why Café & Bar 21 fits a child-centred day

  • Central and easy to reach on foot

  • Fast service and simple dishes for hungry children

  • Plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices

  • Warm room, Wi-Fi and friendly staff

  • Good value as a shared lunch or early dinner

FAQs

Do we need to book in winter?
Book for December, February and weekends. Early sittings are best with children.

Is there a children’s menu?
Options change, but staff can split portions or suggest smaller dishes. Waffles and soups are easy wins.

Are there gluten-free or vegan options?
Yes. Many items can be made gluten-free and there are vegetarian and vegan choices.

Can the team heat baby food or provide hot water?
Yes. Ask on arrival and staff will help.

Is there space for a buggy?
Space is limited at peak times. Mention a buggy when you book so staff can advise.

Guest User
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