The 2024 best lunch in Finland is Neste Matin ja Liisan Asema in Lapinlahti

The result of the Finland's Best Lunch 2024 competition has been determined. The best lunch restaurant of this year was found outside the Helsinki metropolitan area after a two-year break, as we crowned Neste Matin ja Liisan Asema from Lapinlahti as the winner of 2024.

Last year, the victory was claimed by the Star Lunch Restaurant in Vantaa, and in 2022, the top spot was taken by the Satama Bar & Bistro in Helsinki. However, the fantastic lunch experience is not limited to just big cities, as in addition to Lapinlahti, Finland's Best Lunch has been found in previous years at JJ'S BBQ in Salo and Mimosan Aito in Kouvola. The distribution of wins across different parts of Finland emphasizes the significance of the competition in showcasing Finland's rich lunch offerings and provides inspiration to explore various lunch restaurants across the country.

Over 100 000 voters have spoken

The Finland's Best Lunch competition has year after year sparked great enthusiasm among both lunch restaurants and consumers across Finland. This year, a staggering number of over 100,000 votes were cast for 5,784 restaurants, representing a remarkable 31 % increase compared to the previous year. The number of votes has nearly doubled over the past couple of years.

This large number of votes, 100,080 voters, reflects the significance of the lunch culture in Finnish everyday life, says Edenred's work life expert Laura Lahtinen.

Lapinlahti's Neste Matin ja Liisan Asema emerged victorious in Edenred's Finland's Best Lunch 2024 competition, demonstrating that exceptional lunch experiences can also be found at service stations. The second place was secured by Vantaa's Bistro Liekki, and the third place was taken by Bamilami Food Truck, operating in Helsinki's Kamppi Square.

95 % of our customers come to dine. We have systematically developed our lunch, under the guidance of our skilled chefs who have worked with us for decades. The victory is a great thank you especially to them, and of course to our customers, says Jouni Majala, the owner of Neste Matin ja Liisan Asema.

The list of the top 50 lunch restaurants in 2024 can be viewed in its entirety on the campaign page (in Finnish).

Bringing the local favorite to the awareness of the whole Finland

Neste Matin and Liisan Asema have succeeded in creating a communal environment in Lapinlahti, where food and togetherness are at the heart. The service station is more than just a lunch restaurant for many – it's a place where villagers spend holidays, such as Mother's Day or Christmas dinner.

The villagers, workers, and motorists embraced the vote. We are truly grateful. Our loyal customers made our victory possible. This means a lot to our staff. We have shed many tears of joy together due to our great popularity, rejoices Jouni Majala.  

An important acknowledgment for working together as a team

This is the first service station whose lunch has been voted the best in Finland. Due to its location, it has managed to attract not only local residents but also commuters and passersby to enjoy the lunch experiences offered by the restaurant.

The victory is a testament to the passion for food and dedication to customer service that is ingrained at Neste Matin and Liisan Asema. The win feels significant as it reflects the commitment to service and the collective effort of both the staff and the entire local community. The restaurant constantly works to ensure that customers have a great experience and to bring a smile to their faces.

Behind everything is the commitment to service, good food, and a food concept developed with heart over the years. It's easy for people to come to us, and we welcome everyone as if they were coming home, describes Majava, who has been a family entrepreneur for 40 years.

Both newcomers and perennial achievers in the top 10

This year's top three in the Best Lunch in Finland competition were filled by new restaurants. Meanwhile, places 4-6 went to familiar achievers from last year. The fourth spot was taken by Star Lunch from Vantaa, the fifth by Puumalan Poiju from Puumala, and the sixth by Rami Visulahti from Mikkeli.

Lapinlahti continues the success of small towns in Edenred's competition.

The two top performers from small towns share a couple of clear similarities. Both Neste Matin and Liisan Asema and Puumalan Poiju have comprehensive support from the local community. Additionally, both have a large customer base from outside the local area; for Matin and Liisan Asema, it's the motorists on Highway 5, and for Puumalan Poiju, it's the vacationers in the popular cottage municipality, notes Laura Lahtinen.

The lunch competition provides support for restaurants

The lunch competition provides excellent support for restaurants. The general economic situation and rising costs present a particularly severe challenge for the restaurant industry. Edenred's Best Lunch in Finland competition is one way to create positive visibility for restaurants and lunch culture. The purpose of the competition is not only to select the best lunch spot in the country but also to encourage restaurants to improve their service and raise awareness about their operations.

Check out the results of the Best Lunch in Finland 2024 competition (in Finnish). 

Did you know that Finland's most popular employee benefit, Lounari, is turning 50 this year? Explore the 50-year history of the lunch benefit here.