Fine Dining at Restaurant Elsa
Anyone visiting the Ylläs region should make time to visit Restaurant Elsa. Known locally as Ravintola Elsa, this gastronomic jewel is only a 15-minute drive from Äkäslompolo and Ylläsjärvi. Its rich history is just as fascinating as its menu.
The restaurant is known for its excellent food and was named in honor of the owner's husband's grandmother, Elsa Ylläsjärvi. The chef, a well-known individual who has won awards for her culinary expertise, brings her extraordinary talent and enthusiasm to every meal. She has participated in master chef Finland and her taste and creativeness are amazing!
The restaurant setting
As soon as you arrive, you are surrounded by a breathtaking scene. The warm atmosphere draws you into a historically rich story as soon as you enter. The wine cellar's unusual history is explained by a welcoming waitress, who explains how the building's history is entwined with the cellar's construction. The experience is further enhanced by Restaurant Elsa's history. Originally a stone barn in Central Finland, the structure was founded and constructed in 2002 by Matti Hirvasoja. What is now known as Hannukainen was formed by combining stunning kelo wood with enormous stones. This storytelling enhances your dining experience, making it feel both intimate and steeped in heritage.
The layout of the seats is equally impressive. In a daring approach that provides many tourists with an amazing and unforgettable experience, all guests eat together at a long table that can accommodate up to 18 people. This layout distinguishes Restaurant Elsa from traditional eating facilities by fostering a sense of community and shared experience. It fosters an environment where interpersonal relationships thrive, transforming every meal into a memorable, group celebration.
The dining experience
The actual dining experience is a constant surprise. Each course is created on the spot using natural, locally sourced products and prepared using the no waste philosophy. There is no menu available so you’ll be surprised throughout the evening. As you progress through the courses, you will notice subtle echoes of familiar flavors that strengthen your bond with the local cuisine. With each meal, you are given a tiny container that contains one of the wine pairing's ingredients. You are then challenged to guess what it is, which makes for an entertaining and interesting conversation starter. An beautiful mix of Arctic juices, highlighting the plentiful local berries, is offered to those who prefer non-alcoholic options.
A sneak peek at the menu might feature treats like bread produced from grain grown nearby, pasta prepared from domestic organic eggs, Arctic grayling taken in Muonio, and fall smoked whitefish. With the promise of unending ice cream, marshmallows you can toast over a roaring fire, and coffee made the old-fashioned way over an open flame, the evening ends on a lighthearted note. The ice-cream is extra special due to the cows. There is a fascinating story that during the war the cows were transported to Sweden to keep them save but only about 60 returned.
Restaurant Elsa is not just a meal; it’s a journey through history, culture, and exceptional culinary artistry, led by a female chef whose expertise and passion bring every dish to life. Whether you are a couple, a group of friends, or a solo traveler, dining here is a bold and spectacular experience that sets it apart from any other restaurant in the region.
A journey through history, culture, and extraordinary culinary creativity, Restaurant Elsa is more than just a meal. Its female chef's knowledge and enthusiasm make every dish come to life. Dining here is a daring and stunning experience that distinguishes it from other restaurants in the area, whether you are traveling alone, with a group of friends, or as a couple.
Practical information
The Ylläs villages are roughly a fifteen-minute drive from the restaurant. It is feasible to take a bus there and then walk for ten minutes, but there are no designated walking routes, so it could be risky in the dark. The simplest would be to take a taxi or drive in your own car. If you are traveling with a couple of others, you may expect to pay about 100 euros for a cab ride back and forth.
To guarantee your space, be sure to make a reservation online. Book your experience here: Elsa
Restaurant Elsa needs to be at the top of your list if you want to enjoy a fine dining experience in the Arctic.
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