Ravintola Kajo: An ode to nature

Located in Tampere, Finland, Ravintola Kajo is the place to be for those seeking a dining experience that blends nature’s bounty with culinary artistry.

Kajo – meaning “glow” in Finnish – has ignited Tampere’s food scene with its innovative take on Nordic cuisine. At its core lies a profound respect for nature, a philosophy that shapes every aspect of the dining experience. Kajo’s team, fuelled by endless curiosity, combines high-quality, ethically sourced Nordic and European ingredients with vibrant herbs and spices from around the world. With a masterful touch, they reimagine bold flavour combinations to create unforgettable, world-class culinary experiences.

A symphony of flavours

“Our ethos is about having the courage to innovate and create. Responsibility and sustainability are also at the core of what we do, which means we ensure no part of our ingredients goes to waste; everything is utilised in some way,” explains Kajo’s co-owner, Marko Simunaniemi.

This philosophy drives Kajo’s culinary team to continually push boundaries, resulting in a menu that’s as adventurous as it is thoughtful. Their Ode to Nature menu is a carefully curated journey through Finland’s diverse landscapes, highlighting the finest local produce each season has to offer. “We’re driven by endless curiosity,” shares Veli-Matti Lampinen, Kajo’s head chef and co-owner.

According to Lampinen, Kajo’s menu starts from outside the kitchen: it’s always born out of, and inspired by, the surrounding nature. “The process of learning and discovering how to make the most of seasonal ingredients is a journey that never truly ends.”

Co-owner Marko Simunaniemi wine tasting.

Homely vibes

Kajo’s drinks menu includes selections from different corners of the world – with a focus on pure and high-quality ingredients. “Our drinks selection focuses on small producers, and each bottle is hand-picked with love to guarantee an exciting taste experience,” says Simunaniemi.

Kajo has found its way to diners’ hearts with its pure and bold flavour combinations as well as its warm and inviting ambiance and exceptional customer service. “A lot of guests travel to Tampere specifically to come and dine in Kajo. We’re not the sort of place you’d go to before your plans for the evening; we are the plan for the evening,” Simunaniemi concludes.

Co-owner Veli-Matti Lampinen.

Web: www.kajoravintola.fi
Instagram: @kajoravintola
Facebook: Ravintola Kajo