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…
Must-see restaurants in Helsinki
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
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…
Punavuori & Ullanlinna
Creative takes on classic Finnish ingredients draw the crowds to this stylish modern restaurant, but the highlight here is sampling the ‘sapas’ – tapas…
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…
Punavuori & Ullanlinna
There's a lot to be said for doing one thing well, and Goodwin achieves it, with tenderised steaks cooked to order on a Josper (super-hot Spanish charcoal…
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,…
Punavuori & Ullanlinna
Braised beef tongue with roast pecorino, seared scallops with pike and lemon gnocchi, and whole roast cockerel with nettle risotto and smoked yoghurt are…
Punavuori & Ullanlinna
One of the city’s original and most popular vegetarian cafes, Zucchini is a top-notch lunch spot; queues out the door aren't unusual. Steaming soups…
Kallio
Built in 1897 in the Netherlands, this timber boat makes a great stop for a craft beer or cider up on deck or dockside tables, but it's an even better bet…
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…
Punavuori & Ullanlinna
Bagels handmade by Brooklyn Cafe come in varieties such as sesame, onion, poppy seed and pumpkin seed, with fillings such as salt-cured salmon and chive…
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,…
Punavuori & Ullanlinna
Elegant but reasonably informal, this former bank has a Finnish-baroque dining room where cured meat starters precede excellent meats grilled on a Spanish…
Kallio
Clever combinations of ingredients in small, tapas-style portions pull in the punters at this cosy spot. The menu changes according to the season, but if…
Helsinki
Well off the tourist trail, this unpretentious local in Kruununhaka offers no-frills Finnish dishes such as fried Baltic herring, sautéed reindeer or…
Punavuori & Ullanlinna
Nautical-themed artworks brighten the low-lit interior of this out-of-the-ordinary pizza joint. Choices include the Vincent Vegan (spicy beans with…
Punavuori & Ullanlinna
Fafa's is a cut above the usual kebab places – everything is organic, with meat, vegetarian and vegan pitas, as well as salads (gluten-free breads are…
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…
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…
Kallio
With an art deco feel, Väinö Kallio is a lunch and brunch restaurant that sometimes doubles as a nightlife entertainment spot on Saturdays. Lunch is a…
Punavuori & Ullanlinna
With quirky art on the walls and a signature mural outside, Southpark Restaurant in the Sinebrychoff city park has a vibe all its own. Crunchy salads and…
Kallio
Kebabs can be found in almost every greasy spoon in town but Döner Harju has turned this simple staple into a dining experience. Meat lovers can indulge…
Punavuori & Ullanlinna
With retro red Formica tables, vinyl bar stools and an unpretentious, artsy air, this cafe is a good bet for inexpensive but filling dishes day and night,…
Kallio
At this large, light-filled cafe with blond wood counters, brightly painted pillars and tiled floors, vegetarian food (including vegan options) is sold by…
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…
