While people often plan foodie weekends in Copenhagen or Stockholm, I really encourage you to visit Helsinki, you’ll love it! Over the past few years, so many small, well-curated places have popped up.
My favorite restaurants in Helsinki and elsewhere are the kind of places that feel instantly comforting, where stepping inside just feels right. A big part of the charm is the other guests and these spots always seem to carry a good vibe. Kahvisiskot, a bright orange tent at Hakaniemi Market Square, serves rice porridge with a knob of butter and cinnamon sugar alongside freshly brewed pot coffee. Sitting there, watching the bustle of the market and people passing by, brings me a lot of joy. A Saturday lunch on the Boulevard Seafood terrace feels like a little getaway. Sunlight filters through the big trees onto the white tablecloths. Here you’ll find the best crispy parmesan fries and the freshest seafood. Try the lobster Bloody Mary!
At The Firm, there’s always a perfectly curated playlist and imaginative cocktails made with unexpected ingredients, like caramelized yeast. Kuurna is everything I hope for in a dinner restaurant: attentive service, beautiful food and wine, and a few timeless classics that never leave the menu, a small, reassuring comfort, especially in these times. And whenever my longing for Japan grows too strong, I head to Sake Bar. With its flavorful izakaya-style small plates and intriguing sake list, it never fails to satisfy that craving. PS. The same owners run a small sandbar called Café Tampopo, the chicken katsu is to die for!
-Kia Arpia, Food influencer, Bella Table-Podcast host, Cook book author and writer based in Helsinki.
Breakfast / Bakeries / Café
Sävy
Cozy cafe serving excellent coffee made from single-origin or single-estate beans, all-day breakfast, and pastries. The friendly staff make you feel right at home. It’s the kind of place you’d want in your own neighborhood. They open early and welcome laptops, making it my favorite spot to get some writing done outside the office.
Cafelito
A little piece of Madrid in Helsinki. My favorite breakfast spot by day, transforming into a cozy tapas and wine bar after 5 pm.
Kahvisiskot
Kahvisiskot, a bright orange tent at Hakaniemi Market Square, serves rice porridge with a knob of butter and cinnamon sugar alongside freshly brewed pot coffee. Sitting there, watching the bustle of the market and people passing by, brings me a lot of joy.
Lunch
Boulevard Bar & Seafood
A Saturday lunch on the Boulevard Seafood terrace feels like a little getaway. Sunlight filters through the big trees onto the white tablecloths. Here you’ll find the best crispy parmesan fries and the freshest seafood. Try the lobster Bloody Mary!
Owan
Minimalistic Japanese counter eatery. I usually pick the flamed salmon bowl or rice soup if it’s a chilly day. I love the small plates that come with your dish, wobbly chawanmushi, something pickled and always tea.
Canvas Canteen
Canvas Canteen feels almost like stepping into Ina and Roni’s home kitchen. The daily lunch menu offers just two dishes, each made with the best ingredients available. It’s usually packed, so I recommend arriving 5 minutes before opening.
Dinner
Kuurna
Kuurna is everything I hope for in a dinner restaurant: attentive service, beautiful food and wine, and a few timeless classics that never leave the menu, a small, reassuring comfort, especially in these times.
Sake Bar & Izakaya
Whenever my longing for Japan grows too strong, I head to Sake Bar. With its flavorful izakaya-style small plates and intriguing sake list, it never fails to satisfy that craving. PS. The same owners run a small sandbar called Café Tampopo, the chicken katsu is to die for.
Blondie
Our very own NYC-style pizza slice spot! Blondie, tucked away in Helsinki’s Kallio district, serves generous slices with thin, crispy crust and just the right amount of toppings Perfect for a casual bite, busy hours can mean a short wait, but it’s totally worth it.
Drinks
Bar Petiit
Petiit is my local bar, so it’s perfect for spontaneous stops while walking the dog. Cozy candlelit atmosphere, great natural wines, and simple snacks including a really good grilled cheese and some tinned fish and olives.
Klaava
Helsinki’s newest wine bar from the team behind Kuurna. Small plates, crispy baguette (sometimes even to take home!), and a carefully curated wine menu. The space, with its arched ceilings and large windows, is gorgeous. When fall storms hit, you’ll find me here with a book and a glass of red.
The Firm
At The Firm, there’s always a perfectly curated playlist and imaginative cocktails made with unexpected ingredients, like caramelized yeast.
