Turku
Subtlety is run through with a berserker’s broadsword at this over-the-top Viking restaurant, which serves dishes like roast ox on a plank, 'witch of the…
Must-see restaurants in Finland
Finland's West Coast
They grill a mean steak at this simple but classy steakhouse in the heart of Hiekkasärkät. The glass-enclosed dining room is delightful on cool summer…
Taivaanranta Grill & Distillery
Häme
This good-natured place sits above the distillery where Teerenpeli’s well-regarded single malt is produced, so it’s no surprise that its whisky-and…
The Finnish Lakeland
The name of this popular family bistro means ‘lighthouse’, reflecting its location overlooking the harbour. Steaks, burgers and locally caught fish are…
Mariehamn
In a prime harbourside location, this is a semi-swanky place with glass walls and marvellous sea views. The grill gets a workout, with starters and mains…
Turku
With a cosy exposed-brick interior, this riverside wine bar is also a great bet for weekday lunches, gourmet pizzas and classy mains (such as raspberry…
Kuopio
The menu at this old-fashioned eatery places an emphasis on comfort food, offering excellent burgers, steaks and ribs; the more-adventurous items on offer…
Lappeenranta
If you can’t border-hop to a genuine Russian teahouse, this is as close as you’ll get in Finland. A former officers' club (check out the vintage furniture…
Turku
Founded in 1848, this is one of Finland's oldest restaurants, but its menu is up to the minute: burgers in brioche buns or pulled pork in whisky barbecue…
Häme
One of a number of harbourside restaurants near Sibelius Hall, Casseli boasts a large interior dining space and a summertime deck. There's a popular…
Finland's West Coast
Watch the chefs work their magic in the open kitchen at this minimalist-chic restaurant. Look for enticing dishes like Gulf of Bothnia whitefish with…
Åland Archipelago
Seagram is famous for its seafood buffet – a smörgåsbord of grilled and smoked fish, prawns, beef and game. Local produce and wild mushrooms and berries…
Kuopio
Have it stewed, fried, smoked or in a soup, but it’s all about muikku (vendace or whitefish) here. This is one of Finland’s most famous spots to try the…
Åland Archipelago
In a traditional red country house, this summer cafe is a sweet spot to take a break. Homemade quiche, sandwiches and pastries are on the menu, along with…
Finland's West Coast
This spacious cafe and cafeteria is a popular spot for a quick coffee or a light lunch. Its terrace is particularly irresistible when the sun’s shining…
The Finnish Lakeland
The ‘cat’s whiskers’ is an enticing choice. The genteel but cosy upstairs dining room is complemented by an atmospheric cellar space when the restaurant…
Finland's West Coast
This 50-year-old bakery is a local institution – it even has its own cookbook. Breads, cakes and pastries are the main attraction, but light lunches such…
Turku
Look for the black-tile signage to find this hip venue. Inside it’s all Scandi chic, with regular DJs, but the dining area is separate enough for you to…
Oulu
This sweet little corner spot is a welcoming two-person show that offers excellent Italian-inspired fare. Attentive service is backed up by the food,…
Helsinki
Designed by Alvar Aalto, this 1924-opened restaurant is a Helsinki treasure, with a traditionally Finnish atmosphere and classic dishes such as reindeer,…
Karelia
In Koli village, this creative hub serves as an exhibition space and has an artist-in-residence as well as a sauna. Grilled lake fish and reindeer steaks…
Oulu
An Oulu classic, this timbered inn on Pikisaari was once a sugar warehouse and has outdoor tables with good views of the centre. Traditional, no-frills…
Finland's West Coast
This delightful timber summer pavilion has a terrace overlooking a small harbour. House specials include burgers, schnitzel and perch fillets. The…
Turku & Finland's South Coast
There are no surprises at this classic seafood joint – and we mean that in the best possible way. The decor is perhaps staid, but the food is reliably…
Finland's West Coast
Stop for a steaming bowl of traditional salmon soup at this restaurant on the island of Kuusisaari. Even better, heat up in the sauna and cool off in the…
Turku & Finland's South Coast
A delightful setting, delicious food and laid-back service (ahem) characterise this Old Town newcomer. Set in one of the iconic red wooden warehouses…
Turku
This stylish place bustles with sophisticated people munching, sipping, chatting and laughing in the brick interior. The menu is one of contemporary…
Turku & Finland's South Coast
Just up the road from the marina, this art nouveau building is a classy backdrop for contemporary dishes like gourmet burgers (pulled pork, salmon), sage…
Turku
Hidden at the bottom of a garden and opening to the Aurajoki, this cream-coloured wooden building is an elegant affair, featuring local seafood, steaks…
Finland's West Coast
Right in the centre of town, Borg is a classy place to go for a delightful meal in the dining room or lighter fare on the terrace. The place is beloved…
Helsinki
Dating from 1903 and beautifully restored, this red-brick indoor market at Hietalahti has charming wooden food stalls and eateries, including enticing…
The Finnish Lakeland
Set inside a wooden villa with stained-glass windows, and opening to a wide terrace out the back, this charmingly old-fashioned cafe is adorned with…
Kallio
This traditional-style Finnish food market hall sits right by the Hakaniemi metro station. With over 50 stalls, there's a great range of produce and a…
Karelia
Breads, pastries and cakes are baked daily on site at this seasonally opening cafe, which also serves sandwiches and other light dishes along with…
Finland's West Coast
Right on the water, this perennial favourite is housed in a formal 19th-century pavilion. The place serves top-end meals inside and affordable burgers and…
Finland's West Coast
Fronted by a welcoming terrace, this classy yet cosy cafe–wine bar has light tapas dishes, substantial mains and luscious desserts, but the showstopper is…
Finland's West Coast
Smack dab on the sand and shaped like a boat, Helmi is Yyteri's slick new beach bar. Big awnings offer some respite from the sun, but there's nothing to…
Karelia
On the ground floor of the Buttenhoff restaurant, this charming cafe serves dishes like Finnish pancakes with smoked salmon and blackcurrants, but is best…
Turku Archipelago
Situated 10km southwest of Pargas along the road to Nagu, Sattmark is a charming 18th-century red wooden sailor’s cottage with a cafe and a rustic…
Saariselkä
A wood-and-stone-decorated dining room sets the stage for artfully presented Lappish food such as roast snow grouse with thyme-nettle jus, arctic char…
