Turku Archipelago
Moored at the guest harbour, the stubby steamboat Najaden is now a 'sail-in' pizzeria (though walk-ins are also welcome). What's better than munching…
Must-see restaurants in Finland
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,…
Turku
Run by top-quality Turku bakery chain Aschan, the ‘Blue Train’ cafe is right in the middle of the kauppahalli. Its old railway-carriage seats make a good…
Mariehamn
Now permanently moored, the grand old 1928 passenger steamship MS Jan-Nieveen retains gleaming brass fittings. Food is rather overpriced and unexciting,…
Turku & Finland's South Coast
Heavenly, hand-baked cardamom buns are among this family-run cafe's treats, along with sweet and savoury pies, soups, sandwiches and cakes. It's located…
Finland's West Coast
The guest-harbour cafe serves coffee, homemade doughnuts, salads, and fish and chips to customers gazing at the yachts bobbing at their moors. Around the…
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…
Turku & Finland's South Coast
In an 1867 building at the end of the pier, this venerable summer restaurant has the best views in town. Its brief menu of Finnish favourites is rather…
Tampere
Divided into a drinking side and an eating side, this attractive brick space offers well-priced fare from its open kitchen. A selection of huge toasted…
The Finnish Lakeland
The ground-floor eatery at the Cumulus City Hotel lacks atmosphere but serves perfectly acceptable pub grub. It's also open later than most of the town's…
Tampere
Expect to queue before scoring a table at this hugely popular pizzeria. There are an extraordinary 115 pizza types on the menu, including classics such as…
Häme
Half a block from the kauppatori (market square), this cafe is a branch of a popular local chain. Frequented by market-goers and local workers, it serves…
Rovaniemi
On a town-centre backstreet in untouristed territory, this simple lunch place offers a bargain-priced buffet of home-cooked Finnish food, including daily…
Häme
In the same building as the tourist office, this branch of the popular Laurell cafe offers sandwiches and good-value weekday lunches, with soups, salad…
The Finnish Lakeland
In the city's observation tower, this restaurant overlooks the centre of town and the lake beyond. It offers a buffet at lunch, à la carte menu at night…
Finland's West Coast
Panoramic views extend from this restaurant at the summit of the 70m-high Torni water tower; tower admission is free if you're dining.
Tampere
Presenting modern Nordic fare featuring avant-garde flavour combinations, this elegant bistro won't be to all tastes. Set menus are mandatory; a wine…
Tampere
This eatery offers a comfortable neighbourhood feel and decent food. The menu is meat dominated, but there are usually a few fish and vegetarian items on…
Helsinki
If you’re after specialised supplies, Ruohonjuuri stocks food that’s ethically sound, organic and often catering to special dietary needs.
Turku & Finland's South Coast
In a restored spa pavilion, Merisali offers buffets with plentiful hot and cold choices. The pier-side terrace often has live music.
Häme
The kauppahalli is a cosy spot for a coffee or snack; in fact, it seems to have more cafes than food stalls.
Turku Archipelago
A convenient go-to for coffee, lunch or bike hire (€7.50/18 per half-day/day).
Turku & Finland's South Coast
A convenient harbour-side cafe serving cold drinks and inventive pizzas.
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…
Central Finland
Just off the main street, the painted windows here conceal a dark-wood interior. The food is for carnivores with an appetite: big burgers, steaks and…
Oulu
This stylishly decorated Turkish restaurant in the heart of things has plenty of vegetarian options, great meze selections and succulent chargrilled meat…
Finland's West Coast
Contemporary and stylish, Kung's Kitchen has a popular lunchtime buffet, which includes sushi, noodles, spring rolls, tempura and other Asian favourites.
