Helsinki's Best Japanese Restaurants

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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Sake Bar & Izakaya is a small, relaxed bar in Helsinki’s Kruununhaka neighborhood, known for its artisanal sake and casual Japanese-style plates. With just a handful of seats and a lively bar area, it offers a friendly atmosphere for sipping sake and sharing small dishes. The space can get crowded at times, but that adds to its welcoming, down-to-earth vibe.

Recommended by

Tom Hansen

Head chef / Co-owner

Beautiful little spot that has a proper izakaya feel and the food is delicious -Japanese flavours using a lot of local ingredients and nice twists (udon noodle carbonara). They serve it as a tasting menu but you can also drop in to have a few bar snacks and great sake. Ben and Minori are super talented and have created a really cozy place, exactly what an izakaya should be like.

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Karppi Fusion Izakaya offers a relaxed take on traditional izakaya culture by blending Western and Asian influences in a cozy setting. Located in Punavuori, Helsinki, it focuses on friendly service and a lively atmosphere where people can gather and unwind. The team brings thoughtful preparation to each dish for a memorable experience without feeling too formal.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie

Seoul meets Hanoi. A very nice Aaian fusion (Japanese-Korean-Vietnamese) restaurant in the vibrant Punavuori district. We felt as if we really were in a smaller city in Korea or Japan. This is how they are. Innovative combinations of these cuisines. We ate everything on the menu and will rerurn.

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Ravintola Kamome is a casual Japanese izakaya in Helsinki’s Punavuori district that attracts both local and Japanese guests. Opened in 2006 as the set for a Japanese film, it merges Finnish and Japanese elements in its simple Nordic decor. The relaxed atmosphere and focus on traditional cooking methods make it a comfortable place to enjoy genuine flavors.

Recommended by

Kenneth Nars

WoM co-founder & creative director

Kamome is an authentic and casual Japanese izakaya with a steady flow of local and Japanese customers. The menu includes everything from grilled eel and salmon don rice bowls to tonkatsu cutlets, ramen soups, grilled salmon collar and nigiri sushis. The lunch menu is smaller the evening menu.

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Café Tampopo is a cozy spot in Helsinki that serves Japanese-inspired coffee and sandwiches in a relaxed setting. Nestled next to Cinema Orion, it often draws a small queue, but the friendly atmosphere and occasional record playing make it a pleasant place to take a break.

Recommended by

Kia Arpia

Food writer, Podcast Host

Cafe Tampopo’s big sister, Sake Bar & Izakaya, occasionally pampered sando-lovers with Sunday Katsu Sandos. Fortunately, they realized that these pop-ups weren’t enough to satisfy Helsinki’s sando cravings. A Sando is Japan’s gift to the world of sandwiches—a cloud-light, sweet shokupan bread filled with delicious layers. We enjoyed the Chicken Katsu along with the Tamago, which instantly transported me back to my daily breakfast moments in Tokyo. The matcha latte was delicious, and my partner’s Asahi was ice cold. Next time, we’ll try the matcha affogato, Swiss roll, and the Purin pudding we spotted at the neighboring table. (P.S. They also offer gluten-free Sandos!) This cozy little café almost always has a queue, but that’s practically a mandatory part of the perfect Japan-inspired experience.

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Restaurant Latitude 25 in Helsinki offers a carefully prepared dining experience in a minimalistic space with subtle Japanese influences. A skilled chef leads the kitchen, making it a calm and inviting spot for anyone looking for a distinctive meal.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie

Excellent Omakase by a very talented chef in a minimalistic "Japanese cellar space".

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