Helsinki's Best Cheap Eats

Way Bakery is an all-day bakery, wine bar, and restaurant in Helsinki’s Kallio district with a laid-back, inviting vibe. Locals appreciate its friendly service and natural wines, making it a comfortable spot to drop by any time of day.

Recommended by

Helena Puolakka

Chef patron

All-day hip café-bakery, great sourdough bread and wines in the evenings. Way is one of my favorite bakeries in Helsinki. The bread itself is fantastic. The coffees are delicious. Their sourdough bread is probably the best in Helsinki.They do breakfast, brunch and evenings. It's a bit hipster, quirky, modern style and you feel like being in New York or London. The energy that they have put into their product and the way they serve it, is always worth a visit.

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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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Mei Lin Sichuan & Vegetarian Restaurant in Helsinki serves a range of authentic Sichuan specialties alongside vegetarian options. The staff’s warm approach and genuine interest in helping you choose what to eat make the experience relaxed and welcoming. It’s a good spot if you’re looking for flavorful, comforting food in the city.

Recommended by

Rankku Mathur

Foodie

Great authentic taste. True value for money. Ask for recommendations. Small clean setup for approximately 20 customers.

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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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No5 coffee is a family-run restaurant in Helsinki that offers Vietnamese food prepared with fresh ingredients and classic cooking methods. Herbs and spices play a central role, bringing out both sweet and spicy flavors in every meal. It’s a relaxed spot where you can enjoy a satisfying bite without any fuss.

Recommended by

Kenneth Nars

Creative Director

No5 Coffee serves The Best Pho soup in town, hands down. The classic beef pho is spot on: thinly shaved beef, fresh cut onion, a clean and soothing broth. Aromatic, but not overpowered by star anise and cinnamon and served with a plate of simple condiments: lime wedge, fresh chili, coriander and bean sprouts. Both refreshing and comforting, this soup will lift your spirits.

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Daddy Greens Pizzabar Töölö in Helsinki has a laid-back, no-frills atmosphere that highlights both pizza and beer. Its New York–inspired take on a Neapolitan base draws people in without any unnecessary fuss. The simple approach makes it an easy spot to drop by and enjoy a casual meal.

Recommended by

Kim Mikkola

Chef

Pizza and the beer are on point. NY-Napolitan style pizza.If you like Roberta's in New York, you'll love DG. Zero-fucks-given about anything unnecessary. Pizza and the beer are on point. NY-Napolitan style pizza.

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Wino is a relaxed natural wine bar and small restaurant in the trendy Kallio neighborhood of Helsinki. The cozy setting, along with a regularly updated menu, makes it a comfortable spot whether you’re popping in for a glass of wine or a more leisurely meal. Neutral service and a down-to-earth style create a welcoming atmosphere for anyone looking to enjoy fresh ideas in an unfussy setting.

Recommended by

Saku Tuominen

CEO & Restaurateur

Cosy natural wine bar / small restaurant in still trendy Kallio area serving innovative small dishes. Great for both: a simple aperitif or a full-scale dinner.

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面师傅 Noodle Master offers freshly made, hand-pulled noodles and authentic Chinese street food in a welcoming, laid-back setting. With locations in Helsinki, Espoo, and Tampere, they cater to various diets, including vegan, lactose-free, and kid-friendly options. It’s a simple spot to enjoy genuine flavors that bring a taste of China to your table.

Recommended by

Sara Berg

Food journalist

Hand-pulled noodles made by awarded Chinese chefHand-pulled wheat noodles made fresh every day and served in a small, crowded space. The dan dan noodles are - rightfully - most popular. Hot and spicy, with loads of chili oil and Sichuan pepper, but still very balanced. Shanghai noodles with shrimps and spring onion oil are also great. And don’t miss out on the sweet, marinated radish.

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Onigiri Musubi is a small, welcoming spot in Helsinki that specializes in freshly made Japanese rice snacks. Everything is prepared by an experienced chef, and the menu often changes with the seasons, giving a sense of variety each visit. It’s a relaxed place that can work for a quick lunch or a convenient takeaway.

Recommended by

Ina Niiniketo

Chef

Best, that this place is located on the same street as Canvas Canteen - love it! We often stop by to grab a quick lunch or a snack to work. 1 onigiri = a perfect snack, 2 = a perfect lunch. So delicious! My favorite is jalapeno & tuna or umeboshi and shiso !

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Blondie is a laid-back spot in Helsinki’s Kallio district, known for its generous thin-crust slices and friendly service. The cozy interior and casual vibe make it an inviting place to pop in for a quick bite or catch up with friends. Expect a bit of a wait during busier times, but it’s worth it for the relaxed atmosphere and tasty pizzas.

Recommended by

Kia Arpia

Food writer, Podcast Host

Blondie, tucked away in Helsinki’s Kallio district serves generous sized NYC-style slices with a thin crusts and great flavour. Order one of each, have a slice to go or enjoy the whole pizza with a few friends. Don’t miss the “Blondie” (mozzarella, Calabrian chili, garlic, Aleppo pepper), the “Pepperoni” with hot honey, or the mushroom pizza with marsala cream. And whatever you do, order the parmesan mayo for crust dipping—it’s a game changer. Friendly service, cozy, and perfect for a casual bite—though be ready for a bit of a wait during busy hours—it’s worth it!

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IZZA Kallio is a relaxed slice bar in Helsinki run by the people behind Särdough Pizza, with another spot in Hietalahti Market Hall. They’re known for their long-fermented sourdough base and a range of both familiar and unexpected flavors. The vibe is casual, with good music and beer, making it an easy place to drop by.

Recommended by

Kenneth Nars

WoM co-founder & creative director

Izza is a pizza slice bar in Kallio by the Särdough Pizza guys, with another location in the Hietalahti Market Hall. Expect affordable (starting 5,40 €) pizza squares with both usual and unusual toppings, good beer and music. The dough is a long fermented sourdough with a nice chew and delicious flavour.

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The Boom Room in Helsinki is run by a welcoming owner who enjoys chatting with guests and sharing stories. The menu draws on travels around the world and uses high-quality ingredients, so it’s a good spot if you want solid value. There’s also a relaxed terrace that adds to the lively, urban feel.

Recommended by

Toni Kostian

Chef

One of the best surprise places for lunch. Boom, the owner, is an incredible guy who loves to chat with everyone and share interesting stories. If there's someone who knows all the locals in Punavuori, it's Boom. The food is influenced by his travels in Asia and around the world and the ingredients are of top-notch quality. They serve a variety of delicious bowls (pork, vegetarian etc.) and other rice-based dishes. They also have excellent coffee and a great terrace for those who enjoy an urban atmosphere. The value for money is very good.

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