Helsinki
At the forefront of New Suomi cuisine, Michelin-starred Olo occupies a handsome, 19th-century harbourside mansion. Its memorable seasonal degustation…
Must-see restaurants in Helsinki
Helsinki
Seasonal, often foraged ingredients are used in this exceptional bistro's plant, fish or meat starters and mains, and wild, plant or dairy desserts. From…
Helsinki
Most renowned of Helsinki's island restaurants is the Saaristo, set in a spire-crowned art-nouveau villa on Luoto (Swedish: Klippan), and famous for…
Helsinki
In a marvellous waterside location, this historic rust-red wooden cottage is scarcely bigger than a sauna, but has great outdoor seating on the bay. You…
Helsinki
Traditional Finnish fare is given a sharp, contemporary twist at Kuu, which creates seasonal dishes from local ingredients that could include reindeer…
Helsinki
By the main quay, this microbrewery is the best place to drink or dine on Suomenlinna. It brews three ciders and seven different beers, including a hefty…
Helsinki
Founded in 1891 and fronted by a striking art deco facade, this cavernous cafe is the flagship for Fazer's chocolate empire. The glass cupola reflects…
Helsinki
Dating from 1805, a rust-red wooden warehouse that once stored tar on Tervasaari now contains this delightful beam-ceilinged summer restaurant, which…
Helsinki
The creators of famed restaurant Finnjävel, Henri Alén and Tommi Tuominen, are at it again, reopening the doors as Ultima. This time they've come up with…
Helsinki
Small organic or biodynamic Finnish farms and foraged game, fish, forest mushrooms, herbs and berries provide the ingredients for Michelin-starred Ask's…
Helsinki
In a minimalist dining space in the heart of town, Aino is a popular choice for assured Finnish cooking that is faithful to local traditions, but with the…
Helsinki
For gourmet picnic ingredients, this light-filled deli with black-and-white chequerboard tiles is a must. Fresh food changes with the seasons – there's a…
Helsinki
Welcoming service and an elegant but relaxed atmosphere in a herringbone-floored dining room provide a fitting backdrop for carefully prepared Finnish…
Helsinki
With big picture windows, this laid-back space is great for watching the world go by. Furnished with recycled materials, it offers generous tapas portions…
Helsinki
Cosy and snug in winter and spilling onto a sunny terrace in summer, the Bastion is housed in a historic Russian military building a five-minute walk from…
Helsinki
The warm and welcoming aromas of hot soup, house-made bread and fresh cinnamon buns greet visitors to Cafe Silo. Open daily in a wooden house in the old…
Helsinki
Spectacular breads such as sourdough and rye are the hallmark of this fabulous Helsinki bakery chain, with half-a-dozen outlets around town. Alternatively…
Helsinki
Strindberg has a casual ground-floor cafe and late-opening bar, but its finest dining is one flight up. In a light-filled room overlooking leafy…
Helsinki
The open kitchen inside this cavernous space sizzles up monumental single-, double- and triple-patty burgers. Alongside meat options such as its signature…
Helsinki
A delight for families, this comic-adorned cafe is themed around the Moomins, the adorable creations of Helsinki-born author and illustrator Tove Jansson…
Helsinki
The maritime interior of this old sailors' eatery – with fishing nets, hooks, brass clocks, lanterns, black-and-white photos and creaking timber floors –…
Helsinki
Log-cabin interior cladding, a stone fireplace, hefty timber tables and staff in traditional Sámi dress create an atmospheric backdrop for dining on…
Helsinki
Steeped in the deepest traditions of fine French cuisine, the small team in the kitchen at Lyon uses mostly local ingredients to create sculpture-like…
Helsinki
The 'Money Tree' interior stained-glass window is a showstopper, a reference to the building's history as a bank. Nowadays the elegant pillars and plush…
Helsinki
In a former pharmacy, this striking spot opposite the Oopperatalo is ideal for a pre- or post-show drink or meal. Glamorously decorated in period style,…
Helsinki
Painted brick walls hung with original art make this bistro an intimate space for refined contemporary Finnish cooking. The short menu has just a handful…
Helsinki
Opened in 1917, Bellevue is Helsinki’s oldest Russian restaurant. Along with its signature pot-roasted bear (€55), it offers more standard choices, from…
Helsinki
Themey but good quality, this representation of a logger’s mess hall fits a lot of specialities from around Finland into its short but authentic menu…
Helsinki
Loop takes waste seriously, collecting surplus, slightly damaged and not-so-perfect food and transforming into delectable dishes for weekday lunches and…
Helsinki
Popular with business diners, classy Emo serves dishes such as crab cakes with coriander and fennel, salt-baked trout with herb and juniper berry salad,…
Helsinki
This buzzy neighbourhood cafe, decorated with prints from the quiffed Belgian boy reporter's adventures, has a bit of everything. There’s a laundry and a…
Helsinki
Established in 1937 and frequented by the likes of minimalist movie-maker Aki Kaurismäki, this bohemian neighbourhood restaurant retains its old-time…
Helsinki
Down by the water in the west of town, this 1897-founded establishment has long been a favourite of sailors, and has an appropriately high-seas decor,…
Helsinki
Well off the tourist trail, this unpretentious local in Kruununhaka offers no-frills Finnish dishes such as fried Baltic herring, sautéed reindeer or…
Helsinki
Designed by Alvar Aalto, this 1924-opened restaurant is a Helsinki treasure, with a traditionally Finnish atmosphere and classic dishes such as reindeer,…
Helsinki
Dating from 1903 and beautifully restored, this red-brick indoor market at Hietalahti has charming wooden food stalls and eateries, including enticing…
Helsinki
Filled with the aromas of freshly ground coffee beans and Italian foodstuffs, this cafe is great for light bites such as a ciabatta, panini or salad, or…
Helsinki
If you’re after specialised supplies, Ruohonjuuri stocks food that’s ethically sound, organic and often catering to special dietary needs.
Helsinki
Not just for students, these university cafeterias – there are several branches around town – offer a good range of solid daily meals, with special diets…
