The Best Casual Restaurants in Helsinki

Restaurant Kuurna is a modern bistro that offers a changing menu every 2-3 weeks, focusing on simple dishes crafted from high-quality local and seasonal produce. The establishment, which has been operating since 2005, is known for its cozy and welcoming atmosphere, as well as its extensive wine list, featuring both classic and natural wines. With a commitment to sustainable producers, Kuurna is also pet-friendly, promising a pleasant dining experience for all.

Recommended by

Ina Niiniketo

Chef – Helsinki, Finland

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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Ravintola Nolla is a casual restaurant that has been serving bistro food for nearly five years, with a focus on simplicity and seasonality. The restaurant's zero-waste ideology is a central part of its operations, and it even brews its own beer on-site. The menu, which is predominantly vegetarian, is crafted from local ingredients that change with the seasons, and the restaurant also offers a selection of natural wines and in-house brewed sour beers.

Recommended by

Helena Puolakka

Chef patron – Helsinki, Finland

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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Restaurant Yes Yes Yes is a vibrant vegetarian eatery that offers a seasonally changing menu, ensuring fresh and diverse dishes throughout the year. The kitchen uses high-quality ingredients from local farms to create food that isn't confined to any specific country or cuisine, offering a broad culinary experience. Whether you're looking for small snacks or larger comfort plates, this bustling bar and restaurant provides a relaxed atmosphere for all to enjoy.

Recommended by

Niklas Ekstedt

Chef at Ekstedt – Stockholm, Sweden

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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Café Savoy is a stylish brasserie in the heart of the city, offering a Southern French-inspired menu that predominantly uses locally sourced Finnish produce. The ambiance is inviting and bright, thanks to the large windows and open kitchen concept. With a focus on robust, heart-warming dishes and an excellent selection of wines, Café Savoy provides a comfortable dining experience for both lunch and dinner.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie – Helsinki, Finland

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 that specializes in crafting delicious dumplings and cocktails. Patrons highly recommend their made-to-order dumplings and fried chicken, and appreciate the cool vibes and good music. With a wide array of drinks, this spot is popular among the younger crowd.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie – Helsinki, Finland

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 Elm is an all-day neighborhood eatery offering Mediterranean cuisine, nestled in a beautifully renovated wooden villa from the 1860s. The culinary team, hailing from Portugal and Catalonia, infuse their ethnic backgrounds into the food, music, and atmosphere, resulting in a relaxed dining experience with friendly service. A highlight of the restaurant is the quaint veranda-terrace, an ideal spot for outdoor dining during warm days.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie – Helsinki, Finland

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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Murun Viinibaari is a cozy spot known for its seasonal menu, including charcuterie and cheese, accompanied by a selection of both big and small classic wines. It's an intimate establishment, offering contemporary Italian trattoria and French bistro-style dishes in small portions. Additionally, Murun Viinibaari features a few excellent wines by the glass every night.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie – Helsinki, Finland

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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Boulevard Bar & Seafood offers top-notch seafood dishes in the heart of Helsinki. The restaurant's chef, Sylvester “Syltty” Soisalo, utilizes a blend of modern and traditional French cooking techniques to create a delightful array of seafood dishes such as fish, lobsters, oysters, and herring. It's not only a fantastic place for lunch or dinner but also features a superb summer terrace and a bar with an exquisite cocktail and wine list.

Recommended by

David J Constable

Writer & Underwear Model – London, UK

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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Albina Ravintola & Viinibaari is a casual Italian-French bistro that focuses on local ingredients and is led by renowned chef Teemu Aura. The restaurant offers a relaxed ambiance within an old red brick industrial area, creating a cozy yet stylish setting for diners. With an extensive wine list featuring lesser-known but intriguing Italian and French producers, Albina is a great spot for food and wine lovers.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie – Helsinki, Finland

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 cozy restaurant nestled in the old studio of sculptor Gunnar Finne, featuring some of his artwork. The menu focuses on simple, comfort food made with top-notch ingredients, designed to be shared among friends. With an impressive wine cellar, patrons can enjoy a variety of great wines to complement their meals.

Recommended by

Helena Puolakka

Chef patron – Helsinki, Finland

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 offers a fresh take on Finnish cuisine, with a focus on sustainable fish and vegetable dishes. The menu, crafted by chefs Ilpo Vainonen and Eeli Kaasinen, changes frequently, ensuring a diverse dining experience with dishes like courgette escabeche and deep-fried vendace fish with hot sauce. The restaurant also boasts an excellent wine list, curated by sommelier Johan Borgar, featuring natural wines and affordable champagnes from small producers.

Recommended by

David J Constable

Writer & Underwear Model – London, UK

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 that focuses on using the best available local Nordic ingredients for their dishes. The restaurant's philosophy is simple: prepare straightforward dishes with respect for the wine. Muru offers a popular four-course daily menu highlighting seasonality and has been recognized as a distinguished wine restaurant, receiving the Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence for three consecutive years.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie – Helsinki, Finland

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 French bistro that offers a delightful menu of modern and innovative French dishes. The restaurant, run by the same trio behind Matdistrikt and Albina, provides a warm ambiance, making it feel like a long-established classic despite its recent opening. With a pleasant terrace and a commitment to French cooking, Le Coucou Vert invites guests to linger over their meals, filling the table with laughter, warmth, and enjoyment.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie – Helsinki, Finland

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 BasBas Kulma is a lively wine bar that serves small dishes and primarily natural wines, welcoming both reservations and walk-ins. The menu features a range of dishes, from charcuterie and cheese to salmon crudo, beef tartare, fried whitefish, and grilled pork belly. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, with professional service and an excellent, well-priced wine list.

Recommended by

Kenneth Nars

Creative Director – Helsinki, Finland

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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The Grand Bar & Grill is a pop-up restaurant led by Chef Sylvester Soisalo and the Boulevard team, offering a menu where classic dishes meet modern grilling techniques. The focus here is on essentials, with no room for nonsense on the plate. From snacks and charcuterie to grilled Finnish beef and a variety of steak cuts cooked over fire, the restaurant provides a straightforward and satisfying dining experience.

Recommended by

Luka Balac

Restaurateur-sommelier – Helsinki-Belgrade, Finland

The restaurant that Helsinki dining scene needs.

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Mat Distrikt is a neighborhood bistro known for its handcrafted, seasonal dishes. The restaurant is the brainchild of a creative team that has been involved in other popular ventures, offering a simple yet flavorful menu featuring meat tartar, risotto, and dishes made from locally sourced meats and fish. With a wine list favoring natural and small producers, Mat Distrikt is a place where everything is homemade, from the sustainable meat dishes to the vegetarian options.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie – Helsinki, Finland

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 cozy neighborhood restaurant and bakery that focuses on serving mouth-watering dishes using local ingredients. The restaurant is highly recommended for its divine bread, weekend brunch, and early evening wine. At Nolita, the aim is not only to provide delicious food but also to create unforgettable moments for everyone who walks in.

Recommended by

Helena Puolakka

Chef patron – Helsinki, Finland

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

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Restaurant Wellamo, located in the serene Katajanokka area, is a legendary establishment dating back to 1975, now managed by Chef Dani Hänninen and his team. The restaurant offers a blend of traditional and modern dishes, focusing on seasonal Nordic ingredients from local producers, with a menu that strikes an interesting balance between comfort and innovation. The ambiance of Wellamo is cozy and romantic, complemented by a well-curated wine list that caters to both traditional and natural wine enthusiasts.

Recommended by

Saku Tuominen

CEO & Restaurateur – Helsinki, Finland

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 district, offering inventive food, delicious wines, and cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere. You can enjoy an extended seating at the Chef's Table or freely pick individual dishes from the menu. The culinary team, led by Janne Keskevaari, creates unforgettable flavors respecting seasonal ingredients, while the ambiance and guests are handled by Jesse Teerenmaa.

Recommended by

Luka Balac

Restaurateur-sommelier – Helsinki-Belgrade, Finland

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

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Baskeri & Basso is a popular wine bistro known for its honest cooking and relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including pasta and several starters, with a focus on French-Italian bistro-osteria classics, complemented by a selection of wines from trusted and organic winemakers. Late-night walk-ins are welcome, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a late-night meal in a cozy setting.

Recommended by

Ina Niiniketo

Chef – Helsinki, Finland

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 bustling Nordic brasserie, popular for both lunch and dinner services. The menu offers a delightful blend of Finnish classics with a French twist, and is particularly renowned for its thrice-cooked French fries. With a great wine list featuring reasonably priced bottles from France and beyond, and a reputation for being one of the few establishments open on Sundays, it's a solid and reliable choice for any time of the week.

Recommended by

Kal Freese

Nordic Barista Champion – San Francisco / Helsinki, USA / Finland

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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Fiasco? by Ultima, a creation of esteemed chef Henri Alén, offers a blend of traditional Italian dishes with a Nordic twist. The menu, inspired by Alén's missed trip to Northern Italy due to Covid19, is filled with contemporary Italian dishes that incorporate local ingredients. To experience this fusion of Italian and Nordic cuisine, it is recommended to book well in advance, as the restaurant's reservation books fill up quickly.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie – Helsinki, Finland

The appraised chef Henri Alén opened recently Fiasco by Ultima at the old Ultima premises. He was unable to go to his annual trip to Northern Italy due to Covid19. Hence, he half seriously opened an Italian restaurant ”temporarily”. In a couple of days, reservation books were full until mid October. And with good reason. Alén combines traditional Italian dishes with Nordic ingredients and often creates dishes with a contemporary twist. The wine list has changed accordingly. Book long in advance. Value for money.

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