Explore Semma's Dining ABC and Grab Some Handy Tips!
Are there portion limits on food? Is coffee included in the lunch price? Can you mix different dishes together? You’ll find the answers to these and many other questions in Semma's Dining ABC!
We hope your experience with us is clear and smooth, whether you're a new student or an occasional visitor. Read through the list below of frequently asked questions and answers regarding the practices at Semma's locations, so you'll know how to proceed when you come for lunch or coffee.
1. Where can I find the opening hours of the locations?
You can find the opening hours of the locations on the homepage of our website or by selecting the desired restaurant from the Restaurants section. We inform about special schedules on social media.
2. Can I mix dishes during lunch?
You can mix dishes that don't have portion limits. These include various sauces, casseroles, and side dishes like potatoes and rice. Feel free to try, for example, a small portion of a vegetarian dish with your lunch! However, you cannot mix other options with special dishes.
3. Are there portion limits on food?
Yes. Portion limits apply to items like meatballs and fish fillets. Additional fees apply for quantities exceeding the limit. Detailed information about portion limits and additional charges can be found at the serving line.
4. Is coffee included in the lunch price? How much does coffee cost separately?
Coffee is not included in the regular student lunch price of €2.95. However, you can purchase a dessert coffee with your lunch for €0.90. If you buy the more expensive special lunch or grill lunch of the day, coffee is often included in the lunch price.
5. What is the option on the lunch menu that is more expensive than the regular student lunch?
Some of our restaurants usually offer, in addition to the regular lunch, a special lunch at a price of €5.60 (student price). For example, Piato's Burger Friday is a great opportunity to enjoy such a special dish.
6. Can I get a second serving of food?
No, you cannot. However, our restaurants organize different buffets where getting a second serving is allowed.
7. How does the leftover pickup work?
Our restaurants sell leftover food for ten minutes after closing if there's leftover food that cannot be stored. The price of a leftover portion is €3.50. The practices regarding leftovers vary by location, so we recommend checking the exact procedure directly with the restaurant! 😊
8. Why is the available food different from the menu?
The available food is always based on an estimate of the number of diners. Sometimes, there may be many more diners than the amount of a specific dish that was prepared. In addition, restaurants may have ingredients nearing their expiration date that need to be used to reduce waste. In such cases, the chefs might prepare a small batch of another dish to replace the one that ran out from the menu. However, we strive to inform diners about changes to the lunch menu.
9. How much do I pay for my meal?
Student
- Regular lunch: €2.95
- Special lunch: €5.60
Postgraduate Student
- Regular lunch: €5.70
- Special lunch: €8.30
Staff
- Regular lunch: €6.30 or 6.50 € (Tilia, Rentukka, Ilokivi)
- Special lunch: €9.30 or 9.50 € (Tilia, Rentukka, Ilokivi)
Visitor
- Regular lunch: €8.40 or 8,50 € (Tilia, Rentukka, Ilokivi)
- Special lunch: €9.60 or 10,50 € (Tilia, Rentukka, Ilokivi)
Some of our locations also offer a self-service feature. Paying at the self-service checkouts is easy and fast:
1. Identify yourself with your student card
2. Select from the screen who you represent (student, staff, postgraduate student, or guest)
3. Choose your meal option (e.g., daily lunch, grill)
4. Add any additional items, such as dessert or coffee
5. Click to pay and swipe your payment card at the terminal
Our Compass system supports digital student cards, allowing students to identify themselves and receive the student-priced lunch. During identification, the student’s information is securely handled with encrypted communication, and no personal data is collected. A local log entry of the QR code scan is kept at the checkout and stored for 30 days.
11. What does a lunch include?
Lunch includes a changing salad from the line and a hot dish. The meal also includes water + 1 glass of another beverage (milk/plant-based drink/buttermilk/juice/homemade beer) and bread.
12. Where can I dine?
Seminaarinmäki
📍Lozzi
📍Tilia (no student-priced lunch)
📍Belvedere (soup lunch and salad)
📍Ilokivi
📍Syke
Ruusupuisto
📍Uno (vegetarian-focused)
Mattilanniemi
📍Piato
📍Maija
Ylistönrinne
📍Ylistö
📍Kvarkki
Kortepohja
📍Rentukka
City’s Main Library
📍Novelli
13. Does Semma offer other food besides lunch?
Absolutely!
14. Semma Breakfast
Some of our locations offer breakfast. If the location serves breakfast, you can find the information on the restaurant’s page. Available items include, for example, porridge, yogurt, eggs, freshly baked rolls, or other goodies to start your day!
15. Delicacy Buffets / Dessert Buffets
Our locations organize various delicacy buffets and themed dining events throughout the academic year. These can include:
- Maija’s Ice Cream Buffet
- Piato’s Burger Friday
- Uno’s Vegan Dessert Table
- Themed buffets like Halloween’s “Monster Buffet”
16. Semma Bakery
Semma Bakery prepares a variety of mouth-watering treats for our locations, often for café offers advertised on social media. You can also order cakes for your celebrations through Semma Bakery.
17. What do the various markings on the menu mean?
* = Follows Finnish dietary recommendations
ILM = Climate-friendly option with a smaller carbon footprint
G = Gluten-free
L = Lactose-free
VL = Low-lactose
M = Dairy-free
Veg = Suitable for a vegan diet
VS = Contains fresh garlic
A = Contains allergens
18. Does Semma organize events?**
Yes! Our regular events include Rentukka’s pub quizzes and Semma-appro. Additionally, we organize individual events and participate in many events by other organizers. If you have an event idea or request, feel free to send us a private message on Instagram!
19. Where can I find Semma’s social media?**
You can find Semma on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook under the username @semmarestaurants.