Other restaurants in Helsinki
-
Klippan
There’s no better way to appreciate Helsinki’s seaside location than by heading out to the myriad of island restaurants. The most famous is the stylish, spired Klippan, which is set in a villa on Luoto island, and famous for society weddings and crayfish parties.
reviewed
-
A
Tori
Buzzing with a bohemian crowd and recognisable by the vinyl record on the door, this is the city’s anytime favourite. The decor is snappily revamped in 1950s interior kitsch, complete with period fittings, while the menu runs to beetroot-and-blue-cheese pasta, and a reinvention of meatballs with a brandy sauce. Breakfast is a build-your-own adventure or go for the porridge, while lunch sandwiches are good for the cash-strapped.
reviewed
-
B
Café Delicato
At the cornerstone of Helsinki’s Little Italy (OK, it’s really just this place and a restaurant across the road), this deli makes an ideal ciabatta grab. You have to make the tough choices between fresh fillings like olives, gravadlax with spring onion and dill, or gutsy salami and Roma tomatoes, but otherwise there couldn’t be a better Italian job in town. There’s also authentic strong coffee plus a selection of slices.
reviewed
-
C
Juuri
Who has time to sample every Finnish dish and risk having a plate of yuck to finish? Juuri’s sapas (Suomi tapas) gives you a chance to sample the classic in tiny portions, such as lingonberry marinated salmon on slivers of maltbread, or cabbage leaves stuffed with crayfish. The mains aren’t bad either and include grilled wild-boar ribs and raspberry-marinated Arctic char, which stay true to Finnish roots.
reviewed
-
D
Savotta
A little too themed for some tastes, this representation of a logger’s mess hall does traditional Finnish working food. Waitresses in peasant tops bring karjalanpiirakka (rice-filled savoury pastry) starters before moving on to meaty fare such as elk, bear stew or the Forest Foreman’s Plate, which is served in a skillet with much flourish. If you enter into the spirit of it, it’s a good night out.
reviewed
-
E
Kosmos
Designed by Alvar Aalto, this place could qualify as an institution on that fact alone, but the Hellenic sculpture and artsy associations lift it to another level. The Finnish antipasto (including smoked reindeer and Baltic herring) is the ideal start before moving on to meaty mains such as Russian chicken breast served with roe and sauerkraut, and lamb kidneys with pilaf.
reviewed
-
F
Bossa
When winter is getting you down, this place with its lipstick-red interior, bright mosaic and mojitos can whisk you off to the warmer climes of Brazil. Film-maker Mika Kaurismäki brings some of his new home country back to his countrymen with dishes like a coconut-heavy fish stew and roasted lamb chops. Sunday boasts a ‘sambalounas’ with dancing added to the menu.
reviewed
-
G
Olo
A relative newcomer on the fine-dining scene, Olo is refreshingly unpretentious with a dining room of muted greys and whites. The menu is playful with a saddle of lamb sauced with Madeira and forest mushrooms or tender piglet. All meals come with house-baked breads (try the fruity malt) and the wine list is broad enough to appeal to all palettes.
reviewed
-
H
Boathouse
On the island of Liuskasaari, Boathouse is a circular two-deck restaurant, with ferries from the jetty at Merisatamanranta. The restaurant does great seafood, which is best sampled with the seafood platter or a tuna steak. Instead of a guestbook, visitors pin notes to the lobby’s chandelier.
reviewed
-
I
Chez Dominique
Helsinki’s best French restaurant has moved to a larger location but has maintained its pair of Michelin stars. The menu sticks to French classics such as Dover sole and Anjou pigeon with Finnish flourishes including set menus (from four to nine courses) that include divine pulla (cardamom buns).
reviewed
Advertisement
-
J
Savoy
Originally designed by Alvar and Aino Aalto, this is definitely a stand-out dining room with blonde wood and Artek furniture throughout. Dishes source the best in local ingredients with an eye on sustainability and conserving your food miles with highlights such as the roasted partridge with duck liver.
reviewed
-
K
Fazer
This classic cafe can feel a little cavernous, but it’s the flagship for the mighty chocolate empire of the same name. The cupola famously reflects sound, so locals say it’s a bad place to gossip. It is ideal, however, for buying Fazer confectionary or enjoying the towering sundaes or slabs of cake.
reviewed
-
L
Nokka
Look out for the giant ship’s propeller out the front of this distinctively Finnish place. Dishes use local cheeses and game, blended with berry wines to create Suomi sensations. Once a warehouse, the brickwork is warmed by rustic design and its wine cellar remains a highlight.
reviewed
-
M
Demo
A favourite with Helsinki’s chefs, this fashionable spot does modern European food such as artichoke ravioli or roasted goose breast for a surprisingly good price. The location means it attracts bright young things who delight in their liquorice ice cream or rhubarb sorbets.
reviewed
-
N
Soppakeittiö
On the ground floor of the intriguing Hakaniemi market building north of the centre, this little soup kitchen is a great place to warm the cockles in winter. The delicious, generously portioned soups come with a bread and cheese spread; the bouillabaisse (€7) is a favourite.
reviewed
-
O
Pos3
Locals know to skip the mains (French, fusion and lunch menu that includes matched wines) and head straight for the desserts. The sumptuous dining room invites lingering coffee over sweet treats like the tarte tatin or an ever-changing roster of stunning cakes.
reviewed
-
P
Elite
This old-school place has a sun-beamed terrace in summer and dining cellar year-round where they serve up Finnish staples like pyttipannu (meat-and-potato hash) or Baltic herring. The range of set menus is good value for the indecisive.
reviewed
-
Wilhelm Å
This is one of the slick riverside spots doing a great European menu that runs to innovative pastas and salads. The terrace extends over the water, making for a pleasant afternoon-into-evening drinking spot.
reviewed
-
Brunberg
It’s worth the trip from Helsinki just for Finland’s most acclaimed sweet shop, makers of the pusu (kisses) or riisi (chocolate-coated rice). It’s always crowded but mornings are best.
reviewed
-
Q
Orchid Thai Restaurant
This cheap and cheerful little spot does tasty Thai, and some interesting interpretations, like stir-fried duck, alongside typical dishes such as green curry and cashew-nut chicken.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
R
Saslik
As close as you’ll get to Russia without a visa, this atmospheric place does three kinds of bear, Russian caviar and blini aplenty; Cossack troubadours serenade at 10pm.
reviewed
-
S
Koto
It’s blonde-wood Zen at this Japanese joint, which does sashimi, yakkitori and brilliant sushi. The takeaway packs fill the bellies of even the hungriest salarymen.
reviewed
-
T
Namaskaar Bulevardi
There are several branches of this Indian buffet throughout the city, but this is the best with interesting decor and an excellent terrace.
reviewed
-
U
Café Java
A pleasant lunch spot that’s popular with female students meeting for salady lunches or using wi-fi.
reviewed
-
Ö
Try kookily named Ö, an ethereal dining room that highlights Estonian produce.
reviewed
