With Helsinki’s melting pot of culture, it’s not difficult for one to source out the type of food they are craving for. From traditional Finnish cuisines, exquisite European food, cute cafes where you feel at home, to the occasional unique fusion food, here are the best places to eat with interesting and varied cuisines in attractive locations.
1. Market Square
Known as Kauppatori in Finnish, the Market Square offers traditional food and treats. There are outdoor cafés and heated tents to keep you warm while you enjoy a cup of coffee. Some vendors also sell handicrafts and souvenirs. The best period to go is from spring to autumn. The annual Helsinki herring market begins in October.
Market Square
Address: Eteläranta
Website: Market Square
2. Finlandia Caviar
An exquisite seafood restaurant serving selected caviar with wine. The servers are happy to recommend you their caviar, especially if you’ve never tried it before. Feel like an oligarch eating caviar in this clean restaurant which seems like an attraction in itself.
Finlandia Caviar
Address: Eteläranta 20, Helsinki
Website: Finlandia Caviar
3. Restaurant Loyly
Located on the island of Hernesaari in a spa complex, Restaurant Loyly has a great view from inside or on the terrace. Recommended dishes are Jasper’s Fish Soup with a glass of champagne, and there are brunch options like Waffles with Chanterelle and Nettle Hash.
Restaurant Loyly
Address: Hernesaarenranta 4, Helsinki
Website: Restaurant Loyly
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Ragu
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Moikka! Pikainen muistutus, että tänä viikonloppuna ehtii vielä herkuttelemaan! Meiltä löytyy väljät tilat, jotta...
Posted by Ragú on Monday, March 1, 2021
Ragu’s artistic food with Italian ambience is a highly rated restaurant to eat in Helsinki. Located in a historical building from the 1890s near Esplanadi Park, Ragu has a welcoming service and lively atmosphere. Choose the weekly ‘House’ menu for the latest produce.
Ragu
Address: Ludviginkatu 3-5, Helsinki
Website: Ragu
Helsinki Tour Guide
Anna Siukola
Hi, my name is Ann, and I offer author’s Helsinki and Southern Finland tours in English to individual travelers, families, friend groups, and large groups. My style is educative and entertaining, so you will have a lot of facts presented in an easy, fun, and friendly manner. I am knowledgeable in various fields, but my tours are not boring history lessons. Instead, we will have a lively narrati... Read more
Tours by Anna
Helsinki Tour Guide
Petra Vairimaa
With eight years of guiding experience and a higher education degree in cultural studies, I offer a perspective on history and culture that goes beyond the ordinary - a depth that only a local culture enthusiast can provide. At Petra's Tours, we don't offer educational lectures; instead, we create experiences designed to ignite your enthusiasm and spark new insights. Join us for moments that ar... Read more
Tours by Petra
Helsinki Tour Guide
Janica Hindle
I'm a life-long learner with a passion for all things historical. On my tours I will show you around our charming little capital city, and share with you the past and present of living in Helsinki.
Tours by Janica
5. Konstan Molja
Konstan Molja comes with a maritime atmosphere and sea memorabilia decor. A homey but affordable eatery with traditional Finnish delights, indulge in the Finns meal like Carelian roast, smoked reindeer soup, or salmon and potatoes prepared in many ways.
Konstan Molja
Address: Hietalahdenkatu 14, Helsinki
Website: Konstan Molja
6. Olo
Combining Nordic cooking and molecular gastronomy in Helsinki, this Michelin star restaurant blends Finnish cuisine with traditional and modern cooking techniques. There is also an exquisite selection of crafted wines, where some are only available in the restaurant. The recommended sitting area is within the lovely restaurant’s courtyard.
Olo Ravintola
Address: Pohjoisesplanadi 5, Helsinki
Website: Olo
7. Chef & Sommelier
Located close to the sea along a pretty street, Chef & Sommelier uses organic ingredients and has vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, along with a fair trade practice. With a Michelin star rating, this tiny bistro has a Parisian atmosphere but serves local food with a story behind each dish, that the friendly staff are ready to share.
Chef & Sommelier
Address: Huvilakatu 28, Helsinki
Website: Chef & Sommelier
8. Restaurant NJK
A villa type restaurant located on the island of Valkosaari, you can get there by ferry. Well known for its crayfish, the veranda has a view of Market Square and Katajanokka and is a great spot in the summertime.
Ravintola NJK
Address: Valkosaari 1, Helsinki
Website: Ravintola NJK
9. Seahorse
An old school restaurant with old fashion food including dishes like Vorschmack, which is seldom found elsewhere. A recommended dish is the frozen cranberries with hot caramel sauce. This combination turns out to be an unexpectedly delicious experience as the mixture of sweet and hot sauce melts into the bitter and cold berries.
Seahorse
Address: Kapteeninkatu 11, Helsinki
Website: Seahorse
10. Cafe Regatta
A cute cafe in a small wooden cabin located on the Baltic Sea near the Sibelius monument. The interior is adorned with a cornucopia of statuettes, memorabilia, photographs, oars and other decors. Enjoy the fires outside where you can roast your own food!
Cafe Regatta
Address: Merikannontie 10, Helsinki
Facebook Page: Cafe Regatta
11. BLINIt Russian Restaurant
A friendly affordable Russian restaurant serving their famous Blini with beer! There are also steamed meat dumplings and soup. Don’t miss out the eye candy favorite, Blini with ice cream!
BLINIt
Address: Sturenkatu 9, Helsinki
Website: BLINIt
12. Hoku
Hawaiian native Ryan Shibuya offers something unique in Helsinki, combining Japanese cooking with Hawaiian, which makes it stands out from the other Japanese restaurants. Mains include Kuha fish stuffed with snow crab, prawn and lup cheong (sweet Chinese sausage), crispy chicken breast deep fried and served with rice, pickles and katsu sauce, and classic pan-seared salmon served with teriyaki sauce.
Hoku
Address: Urho Kekkosen Katu 1, Kamppi shopping center, 5th floor, Helsinki
Facebook Page: Hoku
13. Juuri
Juuri is a small bistro close to the Design Museum with friendly service and a rustic style. Serving artisan food with traditional ingredients and hand dishes, samples of dishes include ‘Sapas’, a small, tapas-style plate of organic produce.
Juuri
Address: Korkeavuorenkatu 27, Helsinki
Website: Juuri
14. Kappeli
Located at the Esplanadi Park, in a greenhouse, this café serves traditional Finnish dishes with 140 years of experience. The dining room has an old architecture and ambience with the large glass veranda. Traditionally it’s a meeting place after work offering sweets and salty snacks, with a good selection of beers and wines.
Kappeli
Address: Etelaeesplanadi 1, Helsinki
Website: Kappeli - English menu
15. Friends & Brgrs
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
In & Out American style burgers with a Finnish twist, Friends & Brgrs offers good, honest burgers and fries. There are free refills (not common in Finland) and the plate of fries is massive enough for two friends. Arguably the best burger joint in Helsinki.
Friends & Brgrs
Address: Mikonkatu 8, Helsinki
Website: Friends & Brgrs
Hyvää ruokahalua!
Which is what one would say in Finnish to “enjoy your meal”! With a story behind each dish and a culture rich with experience within these eating spots, the dishes themselves turn into works of art which is the way most European foods are usually enjoyed. Experience the Finnish way of artisan eating anytime in Helsinki.
Tip from tour guide
Finns love coffee, and Helsinki offers a multitude of different spaces for enjoying a cup of coffee - or why not tea? "Cajsan Helmi", the pearl of Cajsa, is a newly renovated café dating back to the early 19th century. They offer a range of sweet and savory options for a light snack or afternoon sweets. Their tea selection is of particular note.
Davai Davai
Contributed by Tour Guide, Anna Siukola
If you’re looking to taste diverse cuisines in Helsinki, visit Restaurant Davai Davai, owned by Ville Haapasalo. Here, dishes from various former Soviet republics will tantalize your taste buds and offer a unique culinary experience.
Café Esplanad
Contributed by Tour Guide, Anna Siukola
When you visit Helsinki, head to Cafe Esplanad to sample their super popular sweet cakes called “Lennu.” It’s named after and looks like President Sauli Niinistö’s favorite pet. Moreover, Lennu’s popularity boosted innovative ideas and creative thinking in different industries.
Ravintola Hima & Sali
Contributed by Tour Guide, Petra Vairimaa
This is my favorite café in Helsinki. It is a delightful spot with vibrant artwork. You can enjoy the house tea and a slice of a vegetarian pie while observing people wandering in and out. You may also get some work done here.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to