The Best Bistros in Helsinki

Restaurant Bona Fide is a small, cozy place in Helsinki that highlights fresh, modern Finnish cooking with a focus on sustainably sourced fish and vegetables. The menu evolves often to make use of local, seasonal ingredients, and there’s a thoughtfully chosen list of mostly natural wines. The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, making it a comfortable spot for a relaxed meal.

Recommended by

David J Constable

Writer & Underwear Model

Small and cosey Helsinki restaurant with a tight-knit menu, usually a main course centred around fish and the catch of the day. Chefs are Ilpo Vainonen and Eeli Kaasinen. Set course suggested with extras and cheese available. Plus lots of Nordic berries. Excellent wine list, complied by the sommelier Johan Borgar, with good natural wines and a very affordable and competitively priced champagne list.

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Baskeri & Basso is a favorite in Helsinki for its honest approach to cooking and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Set in an old industrial space, it has a laid-back bistro feel that draws people back again and again. It’s often recognized as one of the city’s best, so tables can be hard to come by, but the friendly vibe makes it worth the effort.

Recommended by

Ina Niiniketo

Chef

Favorite late-night bistro in HelsinkiThe favorite restaurant of many locals in Helsinki. Uncomplicated and delicious food, always good and relaxed service. The atmosphere in basbas is wonderful. I recommend to always take their pasta and 2-3 starters. Nice wines. It's really hard to get a table reservation at Basbas, but I recommend going there after 11:30 PM, when there's usually room. I've never made a table reservation, but always went there very late and always got a table.

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Restaurant Kuurna is a cozy neighborhood bistro in Helsinki’s Kruununhaka, known for its simple, high-quality dishes made with locally sourced, seasonal produce. The menu changes every few weeks, and they offer a wide selection of both classic and natural wines. It has a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes it a comfortable choice for many occasions.

Recommended by

Ina Niiniketo

Chef

Cozy, casual neighbourhood bistro in beautiful Kruununhaka and simple dishes of high quality seasonal produceKuurna has long been one of my favorite casual restaurants in Helsinki. The location is cozy and welcoming, service is friendly, relaxed and professional. I love the short menu, which they change every 2-3 weeks. The dishes are simple but made of high quality seasonal and local produce. The food is always tasty!

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Canvas Canteen sits in a corner of a 150-year-old pink building in Helsinki, offering a small and cozy space for weekday lunches and private dinners. They serve a daily changing menu built around fresh, seasonal ingredients in an open kitchen. The setting feels more like a welcoming home than a traditional restaurant, keeping things simple and relaxed.

Recommended by

David J Constable

Writer & Underwear Model

Canvas is located in Punavuori, Helsinki, in the corner of a 150-year-old building. The restaurant offers daily changing dishes and drinks from lunch to late afternoon, all set in a small and homey setting. On the menu you’ll find simple dishes, built on seasonal and high-quality products, “the whole world as a source of inspiration,” as they say. Expect fresh, vibrant salads, lamb neck and lentils, homemade pies and Nordic fruit/berry-based desserts.

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Ravintola Nolla in Helsinki follows a zero-waste approach and has its own on-site microbrewery. The team works with seasonal ingredients in a relaxed setting, creating playful combinations without being fussy. Their focus on sustainability makes it a welcoming spot for anyone looking for good food and a cheerful atmosphere.

Recommended by

Helena Puolakka

Chef patron

Casual zero waste restaurant, seasonal bistro food and microbrewery.A casual restaurant based on zero waste. It's been around for nearly five years now. The exciting thing is that they are still there. I pay huge respect to the owners of Nolla that they were ahead of their time when they opened the restaurant. They serve bistro food, simple and very seasonal. And the zero-waste thinking is always there. They brew their own beer on-site. The service is exquisite, really friendly. Always a nice place to go.

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Ravintola 305 is a modern neighborhood restaurant in Helsinki’s Hakaniemi with a relaxed atmosphere and a focus on creative, seasonal flavors. Guests can choose a Chef’s Table experience or simply drop by for a few plates, paired with a variety of wines and cocktails. Its name reflects a local connection, taken from the block’s lot number.

Recommended by

Luka Balac

Restaurateur-sommelier

A restaurant that's spreading good and trendy food to new neighbourhoods.

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Restaurant Elm is an all-day neighborhood spot set in a renovated wooden villa by Helsinki’s Kaivopuisto park. It combines Portuguese, Spanish, and Serbian influences with a relaxed, Mediterranean-inspired approach to food. Open from lunch to evening, the restaurant offers a welcoming place for anything from a casual break to a comfortable meal with friends.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie

Portuguese-Catalonian restaurant in a charming wooden villa in Helsinki’s most charming park.This beautiful wooden villa from the 1860’s was recently renovated. The team behind Nolla restaurant opened Elm here with chefs from Portugal and Catalonia. This ethnic background is seen in the cuisine but also music and atmosphere. Good food and extremely friendly service. During the warm days, the best place is the little veranda-terrace. The house is now operated by the Herlin Foundation and is called ”House of science and hope”. Isn’t that a good base for dinner discussions?

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Bistro Gina is a lively Italian spot in Helsinki, led by Hans Välimäki, who once helmed the two-Michelin-starred Chez Dominique. He moved away from high-end fine dining to create a more relaxed place to enjoy modern Italian food. Many locals appreciate its inviting setting, especially in a city short on standout Italian restaurants.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie

A very cool and lively contemporary Italian restaurant run by Hans Välimäki, the former chef of the 2 Michelin star Chez Dominique who left the upscale fine dining for a less formal offering. Gina is highly recommended especially as Helsinki lacks great Italian restaurants.

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Restaurant Mat Distrikt is a casual neighborhood spot in Helsinki’s Ullanlinna district with an Italian-French twist. The experienced team focuses on local, seasonal ingredients and honest cooking. It’s a welcoming place to enjoy a relaxed meal with plenty of wines to discover.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie

Promising new Italian French casual bistro in Helsinki’s southern tipA very charming Italian French style casual bistro in Ullanlinna district that has lacked nice restaurants. Mat distrikt was created by a creative and experienced team that has previously been behind e.g. Albina and Ox in Helsinki and Meat District in Porvoo. A wonderfully easy and tasty menu from meat tartar to risotto (with truffle from their long-time own contact from Croatia) as well as meats and fish from local producers and ingredients. Lots of value for money. Smart and loud crowd. Nice list of wines with a bias towards natural and small producers.

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Nolita is a neighborhood restaurant in Helsinki run by a team with diverse backgrounds from Nolla and Elm. It has a cozy setting and a laid-back feel, making it a comfortable spot at any time of day. Occasional pop-up events add a bit of variety, bringing both locals and visitors back to see what’s new.

Recommended by

Helena Puolakka

Chef patron

Wonderful cosy little italy great for weekend brunch, early evening glass of wine and The bread is divine

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Restaurant Alexanderplats is a busy Nordic brasserie right in Helsinki’s city center, known for refined Finnish classics with a French twist. Its bright dining room overlooks the Esplanade, and it’s open every day for both lunch and dinner. Guests appreciate the relaxed atmosphere, solid cooking, and well-curated wine selection.

Recommended by

Kal Freese

Nordic Barista Champion

Solid and reliable - well executed and delicious, refined Finnish classics with a French twist. The BEST French fries in Helsinki. They’re truly excellent, thrice cooked and perfectly crunchy. Great wine list with reasonably priced bottles from France and elsewhere. One of the few spots open on Sundays. Great for a walk in.

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Restaurant BasBas Kulma in Helsinki is a casual wine bar offering small plates and mostly natural wines. It’s the sibling spot to the upstairs Baskeri & Basso Bistro and welcomes walk-ins, making it an easy stop when you’re in the mood for a relaxed glass and bite. You can expect a lively but laid-back atmosphere where good food and conversation come together.

Recommended by

Kenneth Nars

Creative Director

The larger Bas Bas Kulma works like a clock, banging out food and excellent wines from late lunch to midnight.Bas Bas Kulma is the sibling wine bar-bistro to the upstairs Baskeri & Basso Bistro. As the upstairs has been hopelessly fully booked since day one, the larger Bas Bas Kulma works like a clock, banging out food and excellent wines from late lunch to midnight. Also bar counter eating for walk-ins. Start with some charcuterie and cheese, then salmon crudo and beef tartare, fried whitefish and grilled pork belly. Excellent and well priced wine list, mostly natural wines: have a chat with wine guys Niki, Noora or Daniele.

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Le Coucou Vert is a relaxed French bistro in Helsinki located along Bulevardi. It’s run by a team with experience from other local restaurants, giving it a warm, familiar vibe even though it’s just opened. You can linger in the cozy dining room or enjoy a laid-back meal on the inviting terrace during the warmer months.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie

A charming French bistro in a cozy corner of the Bulevardi street.The new restaurant by a trio that run Matdistrikt and Albina. Enjoyable menu of French innovative and modern dishes. Warm atmosphere. Feels like an old classic even though it has just opened its doors. Very nice terrace.

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Restaurant Muru is a cozy Italian-French bistro in Helsinki with a warm, laid-back atmosphere. They focus on local Nordic ingredients and take pride in offering a wide range of wines, including top-quality options by the glass. It’s a comfortable spot for anyone who appreciates good food and a relaxed setting.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie

A cozy Italian-French bistro that never disappoints. Casual and warm ambience, local Nordic ingredients. Very good (France/Italy) wine list and possibility to ask for top wines by glass /cl due to Coravin.

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Restaurant Wellamo has been part of Katajanokka’s peaceful atmosphere since 1975, now guided by Chef Dani Hänninen and his team. They focus on seasonal Nordic ingredients from local producers, striking a balance between familiar comforts and creative touches. The cozy space makes it a welcoming spot for anyone seeking a relaxed meal in Helsinki.

Recommended by

Saku Tuominen

CEO & Restaurateur

Fresh take on Nordic cooking in an exceptionally cozy setting.Wellamo is a legendary artist restaurant in a quiet corner of Katajanokka area in Helsinki, founded already in 1975. A few years ago, it was taken over by chef Dani Hänninen and the team behind the small cult restaurant Bull & The Firm. The result is a superb combination of the traditional and the fresh. The space is as hygge as it gets, one of the most romantic in the city. The cuisine follows the seasons and is based solely on Nordic ingredients, sourced from small producers. The dishes have a nice balance between comfort and innovation (grilled carrots with frozen sour cream, tartar with fermented rhubarb, canard with asparagus, grilled strawberries, black pepper, and milk). The wine list is well curated for both traditionalists and natural wine lovers. It is difficult to see someone not liking this gem.

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Restaurant Grand Bar & Grill by Chef Sylvester Soisalo brings together classic recipes and modern grilling techniques in a relaxed setting. Its spacious dining room features comfortable seating, making it easy to settle in for a laid-back meal. Located in Helsinki, this spot puts the focus on straightforward cooking with a nod to timeless flavors.

Recommended by

Luka Balac

Restaurateur-sommelier

The restaurant that Helsinki dining scene needs.

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Le Ankka is a small bistro on Huvilakatu in Helsinki that pairs French cooking with locally sourced Finnish ingredients. Its short menu and relaxed atmosphere create an inviting setting for an enjoyable meal.

Recommended by

Ina Niiniketo

Chef

A tiny bistro on the most beautiful street in Helsinki (Huvilakatu). The menu is short and they only use local produced ingredients. The atmosphere is wonderful. The perfect spot for a cozy autumn dinner. I had pike-pearch for main course and it was so tasty !

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