Santa’s Salmon Place
If you want a warm, simple meal that children remember, Santa’s Salmon Place is a safe bet. It sits inside Santa Claus Village and cooks fresh salmon on an open fire in a traditional Finnish tent. Service is friendly and quick once seated, but queues form in peak hours. Expect child-friendly sides, hot berry drinks and a cosy setting that works well between activities. Card payments are accepted. Parking is available in the village area.
At a glance
Location: Pukinpolku 5, Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi
Hours: Daily 11:00–19:00 (check on the day in case of changes)
Best for: Warm, open-fire salmon; short, simple menu; cosy tent atmosphere
Family perks: Kids share easily; hot berry juice and glögi; cake of the day
Dietary: Ask about salt-only seasoning; vegetarian cheese and desserts available
Alcohol: No service above 2.8% ABV
Payments: Cards accepted; table service and takeaway
Where it is and how to plan your visit
The restaurant is inside Santa Claus Village, so it fits neatly into a day of reindeer visits, sled hill play and Santa activities. Winter paths are ploughed but can be icy. Prams work on main routes; a carrier is handy for snowier sections. The tent fills fast from late morning to mid-afternoon, especially in December and during February half-term. Arrive close to opening or later in the afternoon if you want shorter waits. Put your name down and use nearby play spots while you wait.
What families eat here
The menu is short and clear. The star is fresh salmon cooked over open fire and served with Finnish salad and warm bread. Portions are generous and easy to share between a parent and younger child. Lighter plates include Lappish cheese with cloudberry jam, cake of the day, and hot drinks. Children enjoy hot berry juice and spiced glögi. If you prefer mild flavours, note that the salmon is seasoned with salt only. Ask staff for any extras that suit your child’s tastes.
Seating, warmth and pace
The setting is a traditional Finnish tent with a central fire. It is warm and cosy, with the smell of wood smoke that feels very Lapland. Layers still help when doors open and close. Staff move orders at a steady pace, but peak-time waits are normal. Keep hats and mittens handy for children and plan a calm break after the meal. The atmosphere suits shy eaters who need a gentle reset in warmth after outdoor activities.
How to avoid queues with children
Queues are the main friction point in winter. These tips help:
Eat early at 11:00 or after 16:00.
Visit on a weekday if you can.
Send one adult to hold the place while the other keeps children moving near the tent.
Use hot drinks to keep energy up while you wait.
If the line is long, consider takeaway and a nearby indoor corner for a quick picnic.
Prices and value
Expect good quality at a fair tourist-area price. Salmon is the main cost item. Sharing one main plus a dessert and hot drinks often suits families with younger children. There is no alcohol above 2.8%, which keeps the focus on food and warm drinks. Card payments are widely used and quick.
Dietary notes and allergies
Open-fire salmon uses salt as the only seasoning. This keeps flavours simple and helps many families with dietary limits. Ask about ingredients if you have a milk or fish allergy. Lappish cheese contains dairy. Cloudberry jam is fruity and usually a hit with children who like sweet flavours. Staff are used to winter visitors and will answer ingredient questions in English.
Pair it with nearby family activities
Because you are in Santa Claus Village, it is easy to pair lunch with reindeer rides, sled hill play next to warm huts, or a short private Santa slot. Keep activities short for little legs, then use the meal as the warm-up break. If you plan an afternoon visit, bring spare gloves and a fleece layer so children stay comfortable after eating.
Getting there and parking
If you are based in Rovaniemi centre, taxis and buses reach Santa Claus Village quickly in winter traffic. Private transfers with child seats are easy to arrange through your activity provider. If you drive, follow village parking signs and allow time to walk in snow. The tent is close to the main paths and easy to spot.
When this restaurant suits your family
Choose Santa’s Salmon Place when you want simple, honest food cooked in a way that feels authentically Lapland. It suits families who enjoy a short menu, warm surroundings and mild flavours. It is not ideal if you need a long, slow restaurant sitting at peak lunch with no waiting time. For that, consider an off-peak slot or a different venue with reservations.
Quick FAQs
Do they take bookings?
Plan for walk-in. Lines form in peak hours. Arrive early or later in the afternoon.
Is it warm enough for toddlers?
Yes. The tent is heated by the open fire. Keep extra layers handy for door drafts.
Can children share a portion?
Yes. The salmon portion is generous and easy to split.
Is there stronger alcohol?
No. The venue does not serve alcohol above 2.8% ABV.
Is there takeaway?
Yes. Takeaway is available and useful if queues are long.