The 10 best restaurants in Jyväskylä this autumn 2025

What is it? A Mediterranean restaurant with Turkish, Greek and North African influences – plus Neapolitan pizza. The name Cielo (pronounced “sielo”) comes from a Latin root meaning “sky”.

Why we love it? Every dish here bursts with flavour, as if the spices had been freshly picked from the garden. Whether you go for a generous spread of meze to share, a pizza or something from the charcoal grill, you won’t be disappointed. In our opinion, Cielo serves the best pizzas in Jyväskylä. The menu changes a few times a year, but one long-standing favourite is the beyti – grilled minced lamb and sumac onions wrapped in lavash bread. The cocktails and mocktails are creative and taste fantastic, and Cielo also imports Turkish wines and beers.

Time Out tip: You won’t find meze like this anywhere else in Jyväskylä – tasting them is an experience in itself. Try the Girit ezme, a gorgeous feta and pistachio dip with parsley, garlic and basil.

Address: Kauppakatu 19

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11.00–22.00, Fri 11.00–23.00, Sat 12.00–23.00

Expect to pay: Starters from €4.50; mains from €27.90; pizzas from €17.90

What is it? A fine dining restaurant housed in a stunning Jugend-style building with plenty of history.

Why we love it? Kuokkala Manor is a listed building designed by architect Wivi Lönn and completed in 1904. It’s had a varied past, serving as both a private residence and a maternity hospital before becoming a restaurant and event venue in 2021. Dining here is a full sensory experience. Lunch is served twice a week and dinner three times a week. The menu is built around simple, high-quality Finnish ingredients. Despite the elegant setting, the service is relaxed and warmly professional rather than stiff.

Time Out tip: Kuokkala Manor also hosts murder mystery dinners that combine fine dining with immersive theatre – and the setting really does feel straight out of an Agatha Christie novel.

Address: Hämeenpohjantie 50

Opening hours: Lunch Thu–Fri 11.00–15.00, dinner Thu–Sat 16.00–23.00

Expect to pay: Lunch menu €32; dinner menus from €60; mains €35

What is it? A Spanish-style social restaurant – and Jyväskylä’s only tapas bar.

Why we love it? Opened a couple of years ago on the former site of the popular Figaro Wine Bar, La Brava Boqueria is a lively addition to Jyväskylä’s dining scene. The entire menu is designed for sharing, with plenty of choice for all tastes. Don’t miss the crispy patatas bravas or the sizzling gambas al ajillo (prawns in garlic oil). The tapas pair perfectly with Spanish wines, but you should also try one of the house-made cocktails or mocktails. The atmosphere is laid-back, and the upbeat music sets the mood early in the evening. The colourful décor features charming vintage touches – think fringed lampshades, a rotary phone and a sardine tin.

Time Out tip: Book ahead on Fridays and Saturdays – ever since opening, La Brava Boqueria has been fully booked nearly every weekend.

Address: Asemakatu 2

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 16.00–23.00, Fri 16.00–24.00, Sat 15.00–24.00

Expect to pay: Tapas €6–13

Why we love it? A true Jyväskylä institution, Kissanviikset is beloved by locals and visitors alike for its hearty portions and classic dishes. The menu features plenty of meat options – from lamb and reindeer (a rarity at these latitudes) to the restaurant’s signature lankkupihvi (steak on a board). Many dishes come with creamy garlic potatoes. For starters, go for the escargots with parmesan and garlic butter, and finish with the crème brûlée. The interior recalls a traditional Parisian bistro, with soft lighting, candlelit tables, French artwork and an abundance of cat-themed ornaments.

Time Out tip: There are also fish and vegetarian options, but one of the most popular dishes is the Perinteinen Viiksen leipä – a hearty sandwich stuffed with breaded beef schnitzel.

Address: Puistokatu 3

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 15.00–22.00, Fri 15.00–23.00, Sat 14.00–23.00, Sun 14.00–21.00

Expect to pay: Starters from €12; mains €27–48

What is it? A roadside grill in Niemisjärvi, Hankasalmi – about a 30-minute drive from Jyväskylä – that’s been voted Finland’s best burger restaurant for the past two years.

Why we love it? Grill Room’s burgers are everything a proper burger should be. This isn’t your average sausage kiosk – instead, it serves premium, no-nonsense street food made with quality ingredients. The smash burgers are perfectly balanced in flavour and texture, and even the fries are outstanding. Forget ordinary parmesan fries – here you’ll get delicious Västerbotten Pecorino fries. The wild garlic dip is also a must-try. The restaurant itself is a small red cabin extended with a couple of shipping containers, and the country music playing in the background adds a touch of Americana to the atmosphere.

Time Out tip: Be prepared to queue! And if you can’t make it to Niemisjärvi, you might spot the Grill Room burger truck popping up at popular events in Jyväskylä city centre.

Address: Ysitie 362, Niemisjärvi

Opening hours: Daily 11.00–20.00

Expect to pay: Burgers from €10.50; fries €5

What is it? A café and restaurant set in the leafy Kirkkopuisto park – one of Jyväskylä’s oldest green spaces, centred around the city’s church built in 1880.

Why we love it? Bustling and centrally located, Bistro Kirkkopuisto is a versatile spot for coffee, lunch, dinner or a glass of wine. The large windows make you feel like the park’s lime and chestnut trees are part of the interior. With its light wood tones, the décor is refreshingly Nordic. It’s especially popular at lunchtime, with beautifully plated, fine dining-style dishes (the only downside: they could be a bit bigger!).

Time Out tip: Bistro Kirkkopuisto is the only place in Jyväskylä where you can get breakfast all day. The all-day breakfast (€18) includes a choice of sweet or savoury items, overnight oats or fresh juice, and coffee or tea.

Address: Kauppakatu 16

Opening hours: Café Mon–Fri 9.00–20.00, Sat 10.00–20.00; lunch Mon–Fri 11.00–14.00; à la carte Mon–Thu 16.00–22.00, Fri 15.00–22.30, Sat 13.00–22.30

Expect to pay: Lunch €15.50; menus €50–59; mains €22–41

What is it? A restaurant run by a local brewery where you can sample beers, grab lunch or spend a relaxed evening.

Why we love it? Hiisi Taproom is a characterful spot tucked next to Tanssisali Lutakko and a firm favourite for pre-gig drinks. The menu features plenty of snacks to pair with beer – like the pottukeko, a heap of fries topped with lime and coriander mayo and pickled chilli. It’s also a solid choice for lunch, where everything (including the sauces) is made in-house, giving the food a proper depth of flavour. In the evenings, there are heartier options such as salmon and pepper steak.

Time Out tip: This rugged, pub-style venue is a must for beer lovers. There are eight taps behind the bar – one rotating guest beer and the rest from Hiisi’s own range. The brewery even makes its own cider.

Address: Lutakonaukio 3

Opening hours: Mon–Tue 10.30–15.00, Wed–Fri 10.30–23.00, Sat 16.00–23.00

Expect to pay: Lunch €14.90; small plates €5–14; mains €22–35

What is it? A small, cosy restaurant specialising in Italian-style handmade pasta.

Why we love it? Bistro 11 serves up delicious, freshly made pasta generously topped with parmesan. The dishes are simple, satisfying and packed with flavour – exactly how good pasta should be. If you’re a fan of cheese, butter and cream, this is your happy place. Try the Alfredo (chicken or mushrooms in a creamy garlic and pepper sauce) or the indulgent Marry Me Shrimp Pasta.

Time Out tip: Bistro 11 has recently added pizzas to the menu – could Jyväskylä’s best pizza secretly be found here?

Address: Kauppakatu 11

Opening hours: Tue 16.00–20.00, Wed–Thu 16.00–22.00, Fri–Sat 14.00–22.00

Expect to pay: Pastas €22.50; pizzas €18.50–20.50

What is it? A long-standing Jyväskylä favourite serving traditional and modern Indian dishes.

Why we love it? Hidden amid the bustle of the train station, Shalimar has become the city’s go-to Indian restaurant. It now also has a second location on Hannikaisenkatu, just a five-minute walk from the station. Inside, you’ll find a calm setting away from the station noise. Weekday lunch hours are generous, with selected dishes available at good value. You can choose your spice level for each dish from 0 to 5. The naan bread here stands out – firmer and less chewy than usual.

Time Out tip: On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the lunch special is palak paneer, making those days particularly busy. Aim to arrive before 11.00 or after 12.00 to skip the rush.

Address: Hannikaisenkatu 20

Opening hours: Mon 10.30–20.00, Tue–Thu 10.30–20.30, Fri 10.30–21.00, Sat 12.00–21.00, Sun 12.00–20.00; lunch Mon–Fri 10.30–16.00

Expect to pay: Lunch €13.70; mains from €15.50 (takeaway) or from €20 (dine-in)

What is it? A restaurant serving authentic Chinese cuisine.

Why we love it? You might not expect it from its quiet, modest setting, but Fujia serves some of the best Chinese food in Jyväskylä. Dishes may arrive at slightly different times, but the flavours are fresh and clearly made from scratch. The chicken dumplings we tried were, according to one well-travelled member of our group, possibly the best he’s ever had. There’s a buffet available all day, but ordering from the menu guarantees freshly cooked dishes. The à la carte also includes sizzling tie ban dishes served on hot metal plates.

Time Out tip: True to traditional Chinese style, Fujia also offers hotpot dishes you cook yourself at the table – just be sure to reserve ahead for those.

Address: Kauppakatu 10

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 11.00–21.00, Fri–Sat 11.00–22.00, Sun 12.00–21.00

Expect to pay: Starters from €5; mains from €14.50