The best cafés in Oulu

What is it? A French, family-run patisserie and café serving top-class pastries.

Why we love it? Mon Chou’s immaculately crafted pastries are quite simply the best in the city. The selection usually features French classics such as mille-feuille, layered tartlets and colourful macarons. With French pastries, texture is just as important as flavour, and at Mon Chou this is given particular care. Take the individual-sized St Honoré cake, for example: a delightful combination of silky cream, whipped cream and crisp, caramelised choux pastry. Other gems include flaky croissants and pain au chocolat with just the right level of dark chocolate. Alongside a range of coffees, there’s also a gourmet tea selection, with the lavender-studded Provence in Love tea wonderfully soft and luxurious. In the warm, welcoming café, you can choose a table in the art deco-inspired section and easily imagine yourself popping into Paris.

Time Out tip: You can also buy fresh baguettes to take away, and order celebration cakes from the café.

Address: Pakkahuoneenkatu 5 B 20, 90100 Oulu
Opening hours: Tue–Wed 8–18, Thu 10–18, Fri 8–18, Sat 10–17
Expect to pay: Pastries approx. €6.80–8, macarons €2.40, croissants from €2.95, coffees from €2.90, French tea €3.60

What is it? A cosy, versatile café and bakery located in what is said to be Oulu’s most beautiful building.

Why we love it? Puistola’s café space is charming, with its chequered floors and arched windows that flood the room with light. Tables start filling up from early morning, and many customers happily linger for hours. You can enjoy everything here, from breakfast to pastries baked in the in-house kitchen and slices of pinsa. Among the expertly made pastries are classics like Brita cake and red velvet cake, alongside limited-time specials such as an irresistibly indulgent Paris Brest filled with salted caramel and pistachio. Savoury options include vegetable quiche and filled focaccia. The café’s own street-level bakery also produces delicious sweet buns and sourdough loaves. The sourdough doughnuts are particularly tasty, and we also recommend the café’s own rich artisan ice cream. The drinks menu covers hot and cold options, from freshly roasted coffees to speciality coffees and lemonades. Brewed tea can also be ordered by the pot.

Time Out tip: You can buy fresh bread to take away. There are usually a few different breads of the day available, all baked in the café’s own bakery.

Address: Pakkahuoneenkatu 15, 90100 Oulu
Opening hours: Tue–Thu 8.30–19, Fri 8.30–20, Sat 10–19
Expect to pay: Coffee €3.50, brewed tea €3.50, speciality coffees from €3, Brita cake €5.50, cake slices from €5.90, filled focaccia €8, scoop of ice cream €5

What is it? Reportedly the city’s only fully vegan café, with an impressively wide selection of gluten-free options too.

Why we love it? As soon as you step inside kahvila Aino, the cold wind outside gives way to a homely warmth: Lotta, who runs the café, has been baking since early morning. Everything at Aino is made in-house, so the ovens have already been hot for hours. It’s equally heart-warming to see the small café’s entirely vegan offering, with many items also gluten-free. The counter usually features a selection of pies, cream-filled croissants and brownies, which are among the café’s most popular treats. There are also various cakes, cupcakes and savoury bakes, such as a ‘feta’ and tomato pie. The cream croissant looks tempting and doesn’t disappoint: the crisp croissant is generously coated in chocolate and filled with vegan cream, jam and fresh berries. The seasonal pumpkin spice latte is wonderfully smooth and spiced. Other hot drinks include matcha latte and blueberry latte, while cold options range from lemonades and flavoured sodas to fresh juice.

Time Out tip: In late winter and early spring, the super-popular Biscoff cream bun goes on sale and people have been known to queue for it. There are only six customer seats, so it’s best to arrive at opening time.

Address: Merikoskenkatu 9, 90500 Oulu
Opening hours: Tue 12–16, Wed–Fri 11–16, Sat 11–15
Expect to pay: Sweet pies and brownie €3.95, cream croissant €6.95, cupcake €5.10, filter coffee from €2.20, matcha latte €4.90

What is it? A standalone café connected to the Mallaamo clothing rental service.

Why we love it? This is a place to indulge your sweet tooth, as Cafe Mallaamo is a feast for the eyes: bright colours and pastel tones, checks and stripes, lush floral garlands and balloons. Candles, striking paper lampshades and leafy plants add to the atmosphere. Soft sofas invite you to linger over a cup of tea or coffee, and it’s no wonder the comforting sweet and savoury pies sell out quickly. You’re encouraged to relax here in a beautiful yet laid-back setting. There are also filled cakes and cheesecakes, sweet buns and croissants on offer. The charming smoothie bowls come with chia pudding, the house granola and fresh berries alongside the smoothie itself, making for a refreshing alternative to classic café treats. On Fridays, Mallaamo hosts afterwork drinks, with glasses of sparkling wine being raised. For a non-alcoholic option, there are organic lemonades such as zesty ginger, served in a stemmed glass.

Time Out tip: Oulu’s most legendary wall, featuring the iconic Paska Kaupunni graffiti, is located directly opposite the café and is a popular spot for photos and selfies. Although the graffiti has been painted over countless times, it has reappeared time and again for almost 40 years.

Address: Uusikatu 19, 90100 Oulu
Opening hours: Tue–Thu 11–19, Fri 11–22, Sat 11–15
Expect to pay: Cake slices €6.90, sweet pies €4.90, savoury pies €5.30, smoothie bowl €8.50, coffee €2.90, speciality coffees from €3.60, glass of sparkling wine €4.90

What is it? An atmospheric café set in an old villa building.

Why we love it? The romantic Hostel Cafe Huvila villa is a wonderful place to enjoy a beautiful slice of cake or a traditional cinnamon bun. The former malt beverage factory villa has been renovated with respect for its history, and its decorative tiled stoves and antique furniture take you on a charming journey into the past. The menu focuses on classics such as lemon meringue cake and chocolate cake, while a touch of exotic flair comes via mango lassi and Indian chai tea. Most of the cakes are made in the café’s own kitchen, as are the sweet buns, whose aroma greets you at the door. Huvila’s cinnamon bun isn’t oversized, but perfectly portioned and wonderfully soft and moist. We’d argue it’s the best in the city.

Time Out tip: The café also serves an excellent lunch. Fresh sweet buns are usually ready around lunchtime, so you can pick one up to take away at the same time.

Address: Panimotie 1, 90520 Oulu

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 10–16

Expect to pay: Small coffee €2.20, speciality coffees from €3, cake slices €6–7, house bun €2.80

What is it? A new café at the railway station from a long-established local bakery.

Why we love it? Opened in autumn 2025, the café from much-loved Huovinen Bakery has been a hit from the very start. There’s a lively buzz even when no trains are arriving or departing. And why not, when the wide-ranging selection is very reasonably priced and the opening hours are long. If you’re craving cake first thing in the morning, the counter is already laden with treats: alongside pastries and cakes, there are sweet and savoury bakes, salads, smoothies and both hot and cold drinks. Popular classics include generously filled savoury pies with a deliciously thin crust. There are always raspberry baskets among the pastries. Some flavours change with the seasons, such as the ever-lovely Danish pastry, whose winter version combines soft caramel with pleasantly sharp cranberry. The cranberry and salted caramel pastry is a classic, multi-layered treat, decorated in winter with rose-gold sprinkles. The gingerbread latte is rich and indulgent, like dessert in a cup.

Time Out tip: The café is also open on Sundays and sells fresh products from Huovinen Bakery, such as breads and sweet loaves. Thanks to its railway station location, it’s a great place to pick up excellent snacks for a train journey too.

Address: Rautatienkatu 11 A, 90100 Oulu
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 6–20, Sat 8–18, Sun 9–16
Expect to pay: Savoury pies €2.40, filled bagels €6.50, seasonal Danish €2.60, pastries from €2.70, coffee €3, gingerbread latte €6.60

What is it? Finland’s first and the world’s northernmost Brazilian café, with a softly colourful vibe.

Why we love it? Gentle Brazilian music welcomes us as we step into this colourful, warm-hearted Samba café. If anywhere, this is where service is always heartfelt. The spirit of the place is reflected in the menu too: everything is authentically Brazilian, and running the café is a big dream come true for owner Gerlandia Barros. The counter focuses mainly on sweet treats, including various cakes and brigadeiro balls, alongside savoury pão de queijo, or cheese bread. Originally from north-eastern Brazil, Gerlandia has also introduced the traditional tapioca crêpe, available with both sweet and savoury fillings. The crisp exterior paired with Brazilian grilled cheese and sweet honey makes for a delicious combination. The cheese bread is satisfyingly filling, with a fun texture that’s crisp on the outside and softly chewy within. The brigadeiro balls, complete with little flag decorations, are irresistibly cute and perfect for a sugar fix. Brazilian coffee is beautifully smooth and dark-roasted, while the guava juice is wonderfully refreshing. Many of the café’s offerings are gluten-free and lactose-free.

Time Out tip: The café also sells Brazilian products, from guava jams and tapioca biscuits to local beer.

Address: Hallituskatu 30 M 5, 90100 Oulu
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 10–19, Sat 11–18
Expect to pay: Brazilian coffee from €3.90, guava juice €5.90, brigadeiro €3, lemon tart €5.90, cake slices €5.90, tapioca crêpes from €9

What is it? A personal, warm-hearted cultural café where everyone is welcome just as they are.

Why we love it? Café dogs Simo and Dödö greet guests at Cafe Konstantiina with wagging tails. If you arrive on your own, you’re likely to be joined by one of them, or by a regular, of whom there are many. Often called Oulu’s living room, this cultural café welcomes everyone with open arms and ensures a safe space for minorities too. There’s plenty to look at: an aquarium along one wall, an old mannequin dressed in a sequinned gown in a doorway niche, and a disco ball hanging from the ceiling. The love of culture shines through in the café’s free events, ranging from gigs by emerging musicians to improvisation theatre and even burlesque performances. On the menu you’ll find sweet cakes and pies, as well as savoury triangle sandwiches. The most popular item is the freshly made pancakes, available in classic form and more unusual flavours such as bitter almond or tar. The tar pancake is a lovely blend of traditional Finnish pancake and Oulu’s local history. Served with berry, chokeberry and apple jam made by the café owner’s mother and a dollop of whipped cream, it feels like being a guest rather than a customer.

Time Out tip: The café also serves a popular, affordable soup lunch, available for as long as the pot lasts. A new special pancake flavour is introduced every month.

Address: Torikatu 12, 90100 Oulu
Opening hours: Mon–Sat 10–19
Expect to pay: Coffee €2.50, speciality coffees from €2.50, tar latte €4.80, pancake with jam and whipped cream €4, cake slices from €4.50, triangle sandwich €5

What is it? A mirror-clad sauna floating on the River Oulu, Olosauna is one of the city’s newest public saunas and also a café that welcomes visitors who aren’t using the sauna.

Why we love it? You won’t find an experience quite like this anywhere else. At Olosauna, a modern, spa-like setting meets warm wood, local traditions and picturesque river views. The sensory soundscape and calm café space, softly lit by candles, beautifully emphasise wellbeing and slowing down. Olosauna’s press-pot coffee and brewed tea are served to your table, complete with a small ceramic milk jug. Smoothies and chia puddings from the in-house kitchen, along with the beautifully made small pastries and cake slices from Hyväkakku, make for a thoughtfully curated selection. The chia pudding is generously topped with fresh raspberries, while the house-made granola has a lovely hint of cardamom. The sea buckthorn pastry fits the setting perfectly: vibrant and elegant, showcasing this healthy coastal berry. There are also savoury pies and hand-made crisps to enjoy, perhaps with Italian organic lemonades or beers from the nearby Varikko Brewery. Altogether, the offering is a fine balance of local products and special treats that lend the experience a slightly celebratory feel.

Time Out tip: If a café visit turns into a desire for a sauna session, it’s easy to make it happen. Stylish black swimsuits for women and men are available to buy, and the sauna price includes a towel, seat cover and washing products. The café also has a Neurosonic chair that guests can use freely to relax while taking in the river views.

Address: Vaakunakyläntie 9, 90500 Oulu
Opening hours: Mon, Wed–Fri 15–22, Sat 12–22, Sun 12–18
Expect to pay: Small press pot of coffee or tea €3.50 (two cups), large €7 (four cups), chia pudding €4.50, pastries €3.50, sea buckthorn cake €4.50, Italian organic lemonade €4.50

What is it? A café set inside a greenhouse next to a popular playground.

Why we love it? Kiikku is an absolute favourite with families, thanks above all to its location. The café is surrounded by beautiful Ainola Park, rose and apple gardens, and a playground with stunning river views. The menu is perfectly suited to families, with classic juice boxes, scoops of ice cream with sprinkles, and fresh sweet buns and cookies. You’ll often also find filled croissants, savoury pies and cake slices, all at prices that suit a smaller budget. At weekends, waffles are cooked to order. The atmosphere is wonderfully unique, with lush greenery filling the greenhouse all year round and art often on display. The café is relaxed and welcoming, making it easy to pop in wearing outdoor gear. Dogs are welcome too.

Time Out tip: There’s plenty to see nearby, including the neighbouring greenhouse with tropical plants, the Oulu letters and the Oulu Museum of Art.

Address: Ainolanpolku 1, 90130 Oulu
Opening hours: Vary by season. In summer daily 9–20, in spring Mon–Fri (Sun) 10–18, in autumn and winter mainly at weekends
Expect to pay: Coffee or tea €3, brewed tea €4, cappuccino €4.20, savoury pie €4, pastries and cake slices from €4