Frequently Asked Questions
Before we answer your questions...
Punakettu is a second-generation family restaurant in Luosto.
Our family has been welcoming visitors since the early years of tourism in the area. Over the decades, we’ve shared meals with hikers, skiers, tour groups, local residents and travellers from around the world.
We believe good food should be comforting, honest and shared. We respect local traditions, but we also believe good hospitality means listening to the people around the table. That’s why our menu continues to evolve while keeping its roots firmly in Lapland.
Are you a family restaurant?
Yes, and in more ways than one.
Punakettu is now in its second generation of family ownership. For us, being a family restaurant isn’t just about having a children’s menu. It’s about creating a place where everyone feels welcome around the same table.
That includes grandparents, parents, children, friends and even four-legged family members.
What food do you serve at Punakettu?
We serve the kind of food we love to eat ourselves.
Our menu combines local Lapland ingredients, family favourites and dishes that have become guest favourites over the years.
You’ll find traditional Lapland classics, such as poronkäritys (sauteéd reindeer), hearty fish soups, burgers, pizzas and a few surprises you may not expect.
We don’t try to be a museum of old recipes, and we don’t try to be a trendy fusion restaurant either. We simply cook with the same mindset as a good home cook: respect tradition, listen to people and make sure everyone leaves happy.
Is the Glass Pavilion warm in winter?
The pavilion is heated and blankets are available for extra comfort.
That said, this is still Arctic Lapland. Some guests love the fresh winter atmosphere, while others prefer dining inside the main restaurant and visiting the pavilion for photos and the view.
Either way, it has become a favourite place to experience the changing seasons of Lapland.
What is the Lapland Classic dessert?
The Lapland Classic is inspired by a very traditional Northern way of enjoying berries.
For people living through long Arctic winters, frozen berries were completely normal. The contrast between naturally frozen berries and warm caramel sauce is something many locals grew up with, but it can surprise visitors experiencing it for the first time.
Over the years, we learned that some guests loved it while others weren’t quite sure what to think. That’s why it no longer appears on our regular menu.
Instead our dessert menu offer all time favourite ice-cream and bake-it-ourselves chocolate.
But for curious travellers who want to experience a little piece of old Lapland, we still occasionally prepare it on request.
Do you serve traditional Lapland food?
Yes, but in our own way. For us, local food isn’t about copying old recipes but all about respecting the ingredients and Lapland traditions while serving food our guests genuinely enjoy.
You’ll find classics such as sautéed reindeer (poronkäristys), one of Lapland’s most beloved dishes, alongside recipes we’ve developed ourselves over the years.
Our signature Punakettu Pizza combines smoked reindeer, red onion, creamy Lapland cheese and cloudberries. It sounds unusual to some guests at first, but it has become one of our most talked-about dishes.
Another favourite is our Two Fish Soup. Inspired by the traditional Finnish salmon soup, our version features warm-smoked salmon, Northern pike from Lake Kemijärvi, king prawns, fennel, dill oil and homemade malt bread.
Do you welcome tour groups?
Yes.
We have been serving international tour groups for many years and regularly welcome guests from across Europe and Asia during the winter season.
Whether you’re travelling with a small group or a full coach, we’re happy to help arrange meals and accommodate dietary requirements whenever possible. Please contact us for group booking at restaurant@punakettu.fi.
Can I bring my dog to Punakettu?
Absolutely.
Dogs are welcome in our Glass Pavilion. Fresh water is always available and, if they’re lucky, they might receive a little treat from us as well.
Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, a group of friends or with your dog by your side, we want Punakettu to feel like a place where you can relax and enjoy your time together.
What is the Glass Pavilion?
The Glass Pavilion is one of the most unique dining spaces in Luosto and one of the things our guests remember long after their trip.
Open all year round, it offers a different experience in every season.
In winter, guests enjoy the snowy Arctic landscape through floor-to-ceiling glass walls. During the busiest weeks, many visitors come specifically for the atmosphere and photos.
In summer, the Midnight Sun brings long bright evenings and it’s not unusual to spot reindeer wandering nearby.
In autumn, the colours of ruska surround the pavilion in shades of yellow, orange and red.
Can i order takeaway or catering service?
Yes, absolutely. Many guests enjoy our food in the comfort of their holiday cabin, cottage or accommodation.
Our pizzas and burgers are popular takeaway choices, but many other dishes travel well too. We can also prepare larger meals for families and groups staying in the area.
For cabin deliveries and catering-style orders, guest favourites include our meatballs in creamy brandy sauce, sautéed reindeer (poronkäristys), traditional casseroles, two fish soup, oven-baked salmon, fresh salads and bread from local bakeries.
Give us a call at +358 20 710 7790 or send an email to restaurant@punakettu.fi for availability and a quote.
Where do your ingredients come from?
As close to home as possible.
Our reindeer comes from the Maijala family farm in Orajärvi. Northern pike for our Two Fish Soup comes from Lake Kemijärvi. Many of our berries are picked by local people from nearby forests.
Our pizza dough, breads and many baked goods come from Kemijärven Kiuaspulla, while our Karelian pasties come from Puuha-Akka, a local lady whose baking has delighted people in the region for years.
When visitors ask us what local food means, this is our answer: real people, real places and ingredients with a story.
Why is sustainability important to Punakettu?
Because without nature, there would be no Luosto.
People come here for snowy forests, autumn colours, clean air, hiking trails and peaceful landscapes. Looking after that environment is simply part of being a good host.
That’s why we became the first business in the Sodankylä municipality to receive the Green Key certificate.
For us, sustainability isn’t a separate project. It’s part of how we run the restaurant every day.
Why do many guests choose Punakettu instead of a hotel restaurant?
Many guests tell us they were looking for something a little more personal.
As an independent family restaurant, we have the freedom to do things our own way. We know many guests by name, we listen to feedback and we are constantly improving, just as families do around their own dinner table.
Some visitors come for the food, some for the atmosphere, some for the pavilion, and some simply because it feels different from a hotel restaurant.
We are happy to be all of those things.
Where can I enjoy a scenic dining experience in Luosto?
If you’re looking for more than just a meal, our Glass Pavilion offers a unique way to experience the changing seasons of Lapland.
In winter, enjoy snowy landscapes through panoramic glass walls. In summer, watch reindeer wander nearby under the Midnight Sun. In autumn, experience the colours of ruska surrounding the restaurant.
Many guests stop by simply for the atmosphere and photos, while others choose the pavilion as part of a special meal with family and friends.
Where can I eat near the Amethyst Mine?
We’re located in the heart of Luosto village, just a 5-minute drive from the mine. Simply follow the road into the village centre and you’ll find us.
Many visitors stop by Punakettu before or after visiting the Amethyst Mine. Which works out nicely, because digging for amethysts in Finland’s oldest bedrock needs energy & tends to build up a proper appetite.
Whether you’re craving a traditional reindeer dish, one of our signature pizzas, a hearty soup or something sweet to finish your day, we’d be delighted to welcome you to our table.
We’ll be here. Open daily from 12:00.
Where can I eat near Pyhä-Luosto National Park?
Punakettu is a popular choice for hikers, skiers and outdoor enthusiasts exploring the Pyhä-Luosto area.
Located in the heart of Luosto and open all year round, we’re a place to gather after a day in the fells — whether that means a quick lunch, a relaxed dinner, coffee with friends or a well-earned cold beer.
Many visitors come here looking for a more local experience away from the hotel restaurants. Here, you’ll find a mix of travellers and locals sharing the same tables, stories and atmosphere. After all, the best way to experience a destination is often to eat where the locals do.
Do locals eat at Punakettu?
Yes. We are proud to welcome both visitors and local residents throughout the year. Many guests enjoy the mix of locals, travellers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts that gives the restaurant its unique atmosphere.
Are you open year-round?
Yes. We’re open all year round, from snowy winter days to bright summer nights of Lapland.
However opening hours may vary by season, so please check our website for the latest update.
Do I need a reservation?
During peak winter season, reservations are strongly recommended, especially for larger groups. At quieter times, walk-ins are usually welcome.