Helsinki
The Best French Restaurants in Helsinki
If you're longing for Parisian bistro atmosphere, give these spots a try.
Helsinki, located amidst sea and forests, has learned to embrace both French cuisine and bistro culture, which it blends together with local ingredients such as wild fish, game and foraged goods. In this guide, we explore the crème de la crème of Helsinki's dining scene, highlighting the best French restaurants in the city. From the trendy and laid back atmosphere at Baskeri & Basso, to the excellent salade niçoise at Café Savoy, and the almost Parisian bistro vibes of Le Coucou Vert, each restaurant offers its own take on French cuisine and culture. All picks in this article are based on recommendations from World of Mouth experts such as Ina Niiniketo, Toni Toivanen, and Mika Ihamuotila. So if you're craving a taste of France amidst the dark Finnish winter, try one of these restaurants and discover the best French food in Helsinki.
Restaurant Baskeri & Basso
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Tehtaankatu 27-29 (sisäpiha)
Tehtaankatu 27-29 (sisäpiha), 00150 Helsinki, Finland
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
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.
Restaurant Kuurna
Meritullinkatu 6
Meritullinkatu 6, 00170 Helsinki, Finland
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
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!
Ravintola Vinkkeli
Pieni Roobertinkatu 8
Pieni Roobertinkatu 8, 00130 Helsinki, Finland
Ravintola Vinkkeli is set in a historic spot in Helsinki and serves modern takes on French cooking with a Nordic twist. Led by experienced restaurateurs, it focuses on high-quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and a relaxed yet intimate atmosphere. Friendly staff welcome guests for both quieter meals and special occasions.
Recommended by
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.
Murun Viinibaari
Lönnrotinkatu 14
Lönnrotinkatu 14, 00120 Helsinki, Finland
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
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.
Restaurant Muru
Fredrikinkatu 41
Fredrikinkatu 41, 00120 Helsinki, Finland
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
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.
Albina Ravintola & Viinibaari
Aleksis Kiven katu 23
Aleksis Kiven katu 23, 00510 Helsinki, Finland
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
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.
Mat Distrikt
Tehtaankatu 12
Tehtaankatu 12, 00140 Helsinki, Finland
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
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.
Café Savoy
Eteläesplanadi 14
Eteläesplanadi 14, 00130 Helsinki, Finland
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
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.
Restaurant Le Coucou Vert
Bulevardi 32
Bulevardi 32, 00120 Helsinki, Finland
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
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.
Le Ankka
Huvilakatu 28, 00150 Helsinki, Finland
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
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