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
Ann Travel Finland (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 narrative and discussion, and I promise you will WANT to know more! I conduct all sorts of tours: sightseeing-, thematic-, tailored-for-your-interests, customized tours; walking and biking tours, and tours with the use of public and private transport. You name it! Whatever you select, I can assure you that you will have great memories when you are back home!18 years ago, I moved from one beautiful city to another – from St. Petersburg to Helsinki. Back in St. Petersburg, I worked as a tourist guide, and following my passion for this profession, I studied for and received the authorized tourist guiding diploma in Helsinki as well. Through these years, my knowledge of modern life in Finland, the language, people’s mentality, traditions, culture, etc. has naturally deepened. All curiosities which make up Finnish culture, have become part of me, and Finland has become my dear, beloved home. As an international person living in Finland myself and having an international family (at home, we speak English, Finnish, and Russian), I would like to offer you a tour where I am going to tell you about Helsinki, its history and traditions, its modern vibe and the international diversity of it before and today. What is the place of Finland in this fast-changing world? Let’s talk about it, and compare it to your home country if you will.My customers love the way I connect historical facts about Finland and the neighboring country - Russia. Having been an authorized St. Petersburg guide as well, I always find it fascinating to bring up some historical connections. Well, well… Finland was part of Tsarist Russia for a century, so there are loads of connections here. Now, due to the current situation, people don’t travel to St. Petersburg, but many, from my experience, are interested to know about the current state of affairs out there. Through my tours, you can get a touch of it too. Just IF you want.My other occupation is a multidisciplinary artist, which is why on my tours I love to point out architectural details and all the man-made beauty of Helsinki. As a person who is very passionate about history, art, architecture, and overall – beauty around us and a person who loves to share her knowledge and inspiration, I also love to meet other cultures and exchange our knowledge about this beautiful and diverse world. So, come to have fun with me on my tour and get a touch of the old and modern sides of the atmospheric Helsinki city!Contact me and let's plan your visit to Helsinki together!
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
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 are not just informative but inspiring and experiential. Welcome to Helsinki and its beautiful surroundings!
Tours by Petra
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.
Davai Davai
Contributed by Tour Guide, Ann Travel Finland (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, Ann Travel Finland (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.
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