The Best French Restaurants in Helsinki

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 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 Vinkkeli is a well-established restaurant offering modern interpretations of French classics with a Nordic touch. Patrons consistently highlight the delicious food, classic wines, and warm service, with the owners often present, adding a personal touch to the dining experience. The restaurant is noted for its use of local, seasonal ingredients and friendly staff, making it a popular choice, so early booking is recommended.

Recommended by

Toni Toivanen

R&D Noma – Copenhagen, Denmark

Beatiful Classical fine diningOne of my must visit places when visiting Finland. Delicious food, classic wines and warm service. The owners are always there which makes it feel like going back home every time.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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