Sauna Restaurant Kuuma: Stunning Views and Cozy Ambiance (Sauna Optional!) As a first-time visitor to Tampere, Sauna Restaurant Kuuma came highly recommended, and it certainly didn't disappoint, even without experiencing the sauna itself! Located right by the water, the views from Kuuma are absolutely breathtaking. The cityscape of Tampere, reflected beautifully on the lake, provides a stunning backdrop, especially as the light changes. It’s a fantastic spot to simply sit and soak in the Finnish scenery. While the name suggests a focus on the sauna experience, the restaurant and cafe areas are equally inviting. The atmosphere is warm and cozy, with a modern yet rustic charm. I opted to skip the sauna on this occasion, but found the restaurant to be a perfect place to relax and unwind. My primary reason for visiting (besides the view!) was to try their highly praised hot chocolate, and it lived up to the hype. Rich, creamy, and perfectly comforting, it was the ideal beverage to enjoy while admiring the panorama. The menu also looked promising, with various dishes that seemed to highlight local ingredients. The staff were friendly and welcoming, making the experience even more pleasant. Even if you're not planning to indulge in the sauna, Sauna Restaurant Kuuma is well worth a visit for its spectacular views, cozy ambiance, and delicious hot chocolate. It’s a tranquil escape right in the heart of Tampere, and I’d definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a scenic and relaxing break. I left feeling refreshed and with some...
Read moreOne of the nicest places in Tampere centre for a quick bite, a cocktail or a beer. Features several bars and great views to the Laukontori harbour on the two-storey outdoor terrace. A bit on the expensive side though. This is also a sauna: for 15€ you get an electronic bracelet that opens the door in to the sauna section and locker rooms (press the locker lock down with the bracelet to lock it). Bring a towel and a swimsuit (mandatory, saunas are co-ed) or rent them onsite. The bracelets are bought on the downstairs bar counter. There are two saunas, one of which is a smoke sauna. You can freely wander into the outside bar counter to get drinks while bathing (no drinks allowed inside the wet sauna area though).
Everything is great and modern design-wise. Staff is very helpful and the overall mood is relaxed. The saunas are very mild, so they are well suited for foreigners too. An authentic Finnish sauna experience? Not so much, more like a spa. Still a great place to visit if you don't require lots of löyly (steam/heat). A place to dip into the lake is also provided.
Lunch in this place is pretty great also, modern pre-plated dishes with a salad buffet. Dinner reservation system could use improvement: of the listed 2 phone numbers and one email address only the direct phone line to the restaurant answered.
The ala carte menu, designed by Sara La Fountain, is absolutely delightful, the fennel sorbet / licorice dessert is easily one of the best i have...
Read moreThe food was surprisingly tasty and on point. I had Skagen for starters which was of good quality. However, the setup was out of the ordinary.
As main course I had the iberico pork-dish. The pork it self was cooked to perfection and was very juicy. The breading was crispy. Side dishes were well suited to the course.
Before the dinner we had a sauna. This is after all a sauna-restaurant. The saunas were good and spacious. You were able to get a good temperature, even by Finnish standard. I’d say they were suited for around 10-12 people each.
For some reason the changing rooms were designed for ~4 persons at the time. Also, the showers were unisex and very dark. Which didn’t make the spa experience very enjoyable.
Afterwards on top of my mind was the top and lows. Unfortunately the top (food) wasn’t really there to cover for the overall experience downturn...
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