The Best Casual Restaurants in Helsinki

Restaurant Aoi is a small, personal spot in Ullanlinna, Helsinki, known for its considered and carefree contemporary cuisine. Run by an experienced trio, it offers a relaxed vibe where global influences mingle with Nordic ingredients. The menu changes often, making each visit feel fresh and exciting.

Recommended by

Sylvester Soisalo

Chef, Restaurateur

Young guns who can cook. Relaxed feeling, tasty new school food

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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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Restaurant Goose Pastabar is a casual, cozy spot in Helsinki that focuses on fresh, homemade pasta. Walk-ins are welcome, so you can drop by anytime for a simple and tasty Italian-inspired meal. It’s a neighborhood favorite where you can soak up the Punavuori vibe in a relaxed setting.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie

Casual and cosy neighborhood bistro with good and tasty mainly Italian food. Always pasta. No reservations. Just walk in and observe the local "Punavuori" young crowd.

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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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Café Savoy is an inviting brasserie in Helsinki with a Southern French-inspired menu that uses locally sourced Finnish produce. The open layout and large windows create a bright, welcoming atmosphere, and the robust dishes paired with a good selection of wines make for a comfortable meal any time of day. It's a relaxed place to visit, whether for a casual lunch or an evening out.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie

Extremely charming and elegant Southern French quality bistro in Helsinki’s best location.Café Savoy is the charming little sister of the iconic Savoy restaurant from 1937 on the roof of the same building. This recently opened bistro serves wonderful French/Provencial quality cuisine and has a very elegant and timeless décor. Excellent wine list. Enjoyable to watch Helsinki’s most beautiful park and the smart crowd. Very strong recommendation. This institution will live successfully for the next 100 years.

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Hills Dumplings is a casual Asian eatery in Helsinki focused on dumplings and craft cocktails. Its bright, lively atmosphere makes it an inviting spot to meet friends or unwind after work. With a laid-back vibe, it offers a relaxed place to enjoy a straightforward dining experience.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie

Good dumplings, bao baos and more. Baked or fried, from vegetarian to beef and chicken. A very nice and vibrant amtosphere.

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Restaurant Yes Yes Yes is a bustling vegetarian spot in Helsinki, known for its lively bar atmosphere and ever-changing menu. The team uses fresh, local ingredients to create plant-based options that aren’t tied to any single cuisine. It’s a relaxed place where everything is made from scratch and everyone can feel welcome.

Recommended by

Niklas Ekstedt

Chef at Ekstedt

Had a great vegetarian food experience at Yes Yes Yes!When you think of vegetarian restaurants you might not think of Finland. Neither did I and on my trip to the Finnish capital. We were shooting a series all about meat and fire so when I asked my friend in Helsinki if there were any vegetarian restaurants he said yes yes yes. And after enjoying a couple of days of great Finnish meat and dairy products it was very refreshing having a great vegetarian food experience at Yes Yes Yes.

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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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Murun Viinibaari is the wine bar of the classic Muru restaurant in Helsinki, offering a cozy setting with a changing selection of small plates, charcuterie, and cheese. It brings together Italian trattoria and French bistro influences in a modern style, paired with a range of wines by the glass. This intimate spot provides a relaxed atmosphere for unwinding and exploring new flavors.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie

The ”wine bar” of the classic Muru restaurant. An intimate, cozy institution with mostly small portions of Italian trattoria / French bistro in a contemporary style. Every night a few excellent wines by glasses.

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Gastro Cafe Kallio is a relaxed spot in Helsinki’s Kallio neighborhood that combines Nordic flavors with French and Russian influences. They use local, organic ingredients and embrace a nose-to-tail philosophy for a modern take on traditional cooking. It’s a cozy place to enjoy freshly baked bread, thoughtful drink choices, and a friendly neighborhood atmosphere.

Recommended by

Emma Ranne

Creative consultant

A lovely neighbourhood restaurant worth visiting for brunch, lunch or a cosy candle-lit dinner - this one easily becomes a go-to!

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Ravintola Maukku in Helsinki offers a playful take on modern French-influenced cooking with a laid-back, welcoming vibe. Guests can pick from ever-changing menus or an à la carte list, and there’s a well-stocked wine cellar to explore downstairs. It’s a relaxed place to share a meal at your own pace and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.

Recommended by

Emma Ranne

Creative consultant

The perfect balance of fun, fresh and indulgent - this place has great wines and the space is stunning too!

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Boulevard Bar & Seafood is a relaxed spot in the heart of Helsinki, known for its fresh seafood prepared with a mix of modern and traditional French techniques. The welcoming atmosphere features a spacious terrace in warmer months and a well-stocked bar with cocktails and wines. It’s a comfortable place to enjoy straightforward service and a laid-back dining experience without any fuss.

Recommended by

David J Constable

Writer & Underwear Model

A modern Scandinavian seafood restaurant where every dish is an ode to ingredients, especially during the crayfish season when they are piled high and often. The menu consists of fresh and organic seafood, with all dishes prepared in accordance with classical cooking methods. The passion and experience of the two chef-owners is evident in all areas of this likeable restaurant, and the quality of the fish and shellfish really comes through, thanks to the classic techniques used.

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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 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 Locanda Scappi in Helsinki has a comfortable industrial vibe and focuses on modern Italian bistro-style cooking. Everything is prepared in-house by a close-knit Finnish-Italian team. It’s a relaxed spot for anyone interested in an authentic Italian experience without fuss or formality.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie

Very good traditional Italian food in an industrial but warm space.

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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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Restaurant Elite in Helsinki has been welcoming guests since 1932 and showcases a warm, nostalgic atmosphere with art-adorned walls. This cultural spot is known for its relaxed setting, where visitors can enjoy unhurried moments indoors or on the leafy summer terrace. It’s a place that feels genuine, reflecting years of history and a love for good company.

Recommended by

Sylvester Soisalo

Chef, Restaurateur

My Sunday ”go to” restaurant. A lovely classic Finnish brasserie, great terrace in the summer time.

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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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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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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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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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Established in 1952, Ravintola Kolme Kruunua has a relaxed, vintage setting in Helsinki’s Kruununhaka neighborhood. Its original interior details have been carefully preserved, giving a glimpse into the city’s dining past. Welcoming a wide range of guests, it remains a familiar spot for anyone looking to experience a piece of local tradition.

Recommended by

Sylvester Soisalo

Chef, Restaurateur

I love classic restaurant! Kolme Kruunua is my sunday ”go to” Beer and pan fried baltic herring with potato puree, thank you!

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Strindberg is a classic restaurant and café in the heart of Helsinki, offering scenic views of the Esplanadi park from both its street-level café and second-floor dining room. Opened in 1992 in a former art gallery, it has a relaxed atmosphere and a cozy library bar for year-round gatherings. Dogs are welcome, and during the summer you can enjoy a spot on the terrace.

Recommended by

Sylvester Soisalo

Chef, Restaurateur

Beef Rydberg is one of the classic dishes in Helsinki. Just great finnish cuisine.

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Albina Restaurant & Wine Bar is a casual Italian-French bistro set in Helsinki’s old red brick industrial area, led by chef Teemu Aura and his team. They use local ingredients and keep a relaxed atmosphere, offering a broad selection of interesting wines from Italian and French producers. It’s a comfortable spot to enjoy honest cooking and the neighborhood’s unique setting.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie

Casual Italian French bistro using local ingredients, located in an old red brick industrial area. An Italian French casual bistro using local ingredients - created by much liked chef Teemu Aura and his team. Lovely relaxed ambience in the middle of an old red brick industrial area. Extensive wine list consisting of less known but interesting Italian and French producers.

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Ateljé Finne is a welcoming spot in Helsinki, set in the former studio of sculptor Gunnar Finne. The relaxed atmosphere, with some of the artist’s original work on display, and a focus on fresh, local ingredients make it feel both cozy and special. The menu often changes, so there’s always something new to enjoy.

Recommended by

Helena Puolakka

Chef patron

Comfort food, shared plates and great wine in a former atelier.I absolutely love the coziness of Ateljé Finne, located in the old atelier of the sculptor Gunnar Finne. It’s his old studio that still has some of his artwork. The food is very simple, made with the best ingredients. Comfort food where you share plates with your friends. And enjoy some great wines they have in their cellar.

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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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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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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 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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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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