The Best Restaurants in Helsinki

In business since 1952, Ravintola Palace is Finland’s only two-star restaurant, known for its refined Nordic approach and welcoming atmosphere. Perched on the 10th floor by Helsinki’s harbor, it offers striking city and seaside views. Guests can expect attentive service in a bright setting.

Recommended by

David J Constable

Writer & Underwear Model

Established in 1952, Palace has always been a pioneer of Finnish gastronomy. Located by the waters edge, there are magical views over Helsinki harbour and across the Baltic Sea. A meal here is a luxury experience, from the kitchen to the front of house in what is Finland’s only two-star restaurant.

Read more

Restaurant Bona Fide is a small, cozy place in Helsinki that highlights fresh, modern Finnish cooking with a focus on sustainably sourced fish and vegetables. The menu evolves often to make use of local, seasonal ingredients, and there’s a thoughtfully chosen list of mostly natural wines. The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, making it a comfortable spot for a relaxed meal.

Recommended by

David J Constable

Writer & Underwear Model

Small and cosey Helsinki restaurant with a tight-knit menu, usually a main course centred around fish and the catch of the day. Chefs are Ilpo Vainonen and Eeli Kaasinen. Set course suggested with extras and cheese available. Plus lots of Nordic berries. Excellent wine list, complied by the sommelier Johan Borgar, with good natural wines and a very affordable and competitively priced champagne list.

Read more

Restaurant Grön in Helsinki offers a mostly plant-based, forest-inspired menu in a laid-back setting under chef Toni Kostian. Their approach highlights fresh, local ingredients and focuses on simple, yet thoughtful cooking. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed, making it a comfortable spot to enjoy the season’s flavors.

Recommended by

David J Constable

Writer & Underwear Model

Had a brilliant meal here, one of my highlights in Helsinki. An up-and-down, back-and-forth, left-to-right, twisty-turny exploration across Finland’s picked and pulled, all the uprooted goodies from the soil, forming an almost exclusively plant-led tasting menu (they have two stars, one Michelin red, and another of the green and eco variety). Every dish was colourful and vivid, dotted with small leaves, flowers, micro-herbs and, on occasion, caviar, for a sense of inflated luxe. The small, stark and industrial restaurant space is warm and full of contented chatter from guests, each deliberating and discussing recipes and the dishes before them. The kitchen is open, so you can peek in while a young team meticulously fiddle and plate - it really did appear to be a very young and talented team, making the kitchen output all the more impressive.

Read more

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.

Read more

Boulevard Bar & Seafood is a relaxed spot in the heart of Helsinki, known for its fresh seafood prepared with a mix of modern and traditional French techniques. The welcoming atmosphere features a spacious terrace in warmer months and a well-stocked bar with cocktails and wines. It’s a comfortable place to enjoy straightforward service and a laid-back dining experience without any fuss.

Recommended by

David J Constable

Writer & Underwear Model

A modern Scandinavian seafood restaurant where every dish is an ode to ingredients, especially during the crayfish season when they are piled high and often. The menu consists of fresh and organic seafood, with all dishes prepared in accordance with classical cooking methods. The passion and experience of the two chef-owners is evident in all areas of this likeable restaurant, and the quality of the fish and shellfish really comes through, thanks to the classic techniques used.

Read more

Nolita is a neighborhood restaurant in Helsinki run by a team with diverse backgrounds from Nolla and Elm. It has a cozy setting and a laid-back feel, making it a comfortable spot at any time of day. Occasional pop-up events add a bit of variety, bringing both locals and visitors back to see what’s new.

Recommended by

Helena Puolakka

Chef patron

Wonderful cosy little italy great for weekend brunch, early evening glass of wine and The bread is divine

Read more

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!

Read more

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

Ina Niiniketo

Chef

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.

Read more

Ateljé Finne is a welcoming spot in Helsinki, set in the former studio of sculptor Gunnar Finne. The relaxed atmosphere, with some of the artist’s original work on display, and a focus on fresh, local ingredients make it feel both cozy and special. The menu often changes, so there’s always something new to enjoy.

Recommended by

Helena Puolakka

Chef patron

Comfort food, shared plates and great wine in a former atelier.I absolutely love the coziness of Ateljé Finne, located in the old atelier of the sculptor Gunnar Finne. It’s his old studio that still has some of his artwork. The food is very simple, made with the best ingredients. Comfort food where you share plates with your friends. And enjoy some great wines they have in their cellar.

Read more

Luovuus kukkii kaaoksesta is a small, lively spot in Helsinki that takes a playful, ever-changing approach to dining. Its relaxed atmosphere and down-to-earth team make it feel welcoming and fun. While the details on the menu shift often, the focus on fresh flavors and an easygoing experience stays the same.

Recommended by

Ina Niiniketo

Chef

the name describes the restaurant well: "creativity blooms from chaos" - a casual restaurant serving small dishes.A new casual restaurant in Helsinki. The interior is a bit crazy and the atmosphere is very relaxed with a small open kitchen. On the menu they have small dishes that are prepared simply, but made with good ingredients. We had scallops with umeboshi, miso cured horse ”carpaccio”, green asparagus, trout with tomatoes, brioche bun with sweetbread and strawberries with vanilla ice cream. The menu is like the interior - a bit ”crazy” combinations and they use whatever they think is the best at the moment. Super friendly service and they have a small talented team.

Read more

Restaurant Elm is an all-day neighborhood spot set in a renovated wooden villa by Helsinki’s Kaivopuisto park. It combines Portuguese, Spanish, and Serbian influences with a relaxed, Mediterranean-inspired approach to food. Open from lunch to evening, the restaurant offers a welcoming place for anything from a casual break to a comfortable meal with friends.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie

Portuguese-Catalonian restaurant in a charming wooden villa in Helsinki’s most charming park.This beautiful wooden villa from the 1860’s was recently renovated. The team behind Nolla restaurant opened Elm here with chefs from Portugal and Catalonia. This ethnic background is seen in the cuisine but also music and atmosphere. Good food and extremely friendly service. During the warm days, the best place is the little veranda-terrace. The house is now operated by the Herlin Foundation and is called ”House of science and hope”. Isn’t that a good base for dinner discussions?

Read more

Kosmos has been part of Helsinki’s food scene since the 1920s and still shows off its original interior and old-school charm. This family-run spot sticks to traditional local flavors and a consistent approach that has kept diners coming back for decades. It’s a comfortable place to experience a bit of the city’s classic restaurant culture.

Recommended by

David J Constable

Writer & Underwear Model

Kosmos has been shining bright on Helsinki’s restaurant scene for almost a hundred years, serving Finnish classics with French, Swedish and Russian influences. From the à la carte menu you’ll find classics such as blinis with roe and sour cream, salted reindeer with cloudberry balsamic, fried herring and Wiener schnitzel. A truly beautiful dining room and one of the highlight restaurants of the city.

Read more

Ravintola Nolla in Helsinki follows a zero-waste approach and has its own on-site microbrewery. The team works with seasonal ingredients in a relaxed setting, creating playful combinations without being fussy. Their focus on sustainability makes it a welcoming spot for anyone looking for good food and a cheerful atmosphere.

Recommended by

Helena Puolakka

Chef patron

Casual zero waste restaurant, seasonal bistro food and microbrewery.A casual restaurant based on zero waste. It's been around for nearly five years now. The exciting thing is that they are still there. I pay huge respect to the owners of Nolla that they were ahead of their time when they opened the restaurant. They serve bistro food, simple and very seasonal. And the zero-waste thinking is always there. They brew their own beer on-site. The service is exquisite, really friendly. Always a nice place to go.

Read more

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

Ina Niiniketo

Chef

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!

Read more

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.

Read more

Ekberg 1852 is a longstanding café and bakery in the heart of Helsinki, cherished by locals for its warm atmosphere. It’s been run by the same family for generations, with much of its traditional interior still intact. The cozy setting invites people to linger over a drink or a sweet treat in a place that feels part of the city’s heritage.

Recommended by

Helena Puolakka

Chef patron

Ekberg is special in the sense that it's a place for local people. There’s really a sense of belonging.Ekberg is wonderful. For me, it’s the place to go for afternoon tea. Or just for fika, with a cup of Café au lait, a cinnamon bun or other nice pastry. It's a really lovely spot. Ekberg is special in the sense that it's a place for local people. You know you have generations of the same families going there. It has all the elements of being in Central Europe when you sit there. The table service is great, and the menu has been the same forever when it comes to pastries and sandwiches, and there’s really a sense of belonging somewhere when you are there.

Read more

Restaurant Forza in Helsinki’s Punavuori district highlights careful dough preparation and top-quality ingredients to create stand-out pizzas. Founded by Luca Platania, it features an industrial-style space and a relaxed, inviting vibe. A wood-fired oven and an Italian-influenced approach make it a memorable stop for pizza enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates a casual, welcoming atmosphere.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie

The best pizza in townHelsinki’s Mr. pizza Luca Platania opened Forza in the fashionable and casual Punavuori district in 2022. It became an instant success with reason. Excellent pizzas made in a Napoli oven and more on the menu. Nice industrial décor and a feeling that the patron family is present.

Read more

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

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

Thai Noodle (ลุงทุม ต้มตุ๋น) is a welcoming Thai restaurant in Helsinki that draws people in with its well-made, traditional food. It’s a popular choice for lunch and also offers takeout for those on the go. The casual atmosphere and freshly prepared dishes make it a comfortable spot to enjoy a quick meal.

Recommended by

Kenneth Nars

Creative Director

Finally good Thai food in Southern Helsinki: Thai Noodle on Pursimiehenkatu 12. Go for the Stewed beef noodles, Khao Man Gai chicken with rice and dipping sauce, Som tam papaya salad and Chicken laab. Only 8 seats and take away.

Read more

Café Clé is a small, cozy café in Helsinki’s Kruununhaka district, run by two Brazilian owners who create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. They serve simple food prepared with care and have a curated selection of books to browse. It’s a relaxed spot for breakfast, brunch, or a quick break in the city.

Recommended by

Ina Niiniketo

Chef

A cute tiny cafe in cozy Kruununhaka. Perfect breakfast spot in Helsinki. The two lovely Brazilian owners, Carolina and Florence always brighten up the day. Simple dishes, but all small details in the interior and food are carefully thought out. I recommend to book a table on weekends.

Read more

Restaurant Teller in Helsinki offers a cozy neighborhood setting in a former bank building. The menu changes regularly, so there’s often something new to try, and the welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to relax. Guests also appreciate the variety of non-alcoholic options and the friendly, lively vibe.

Recommended by

Ina Niiniketo

Chef

We went to Teller on a Monday evening and it was completely full, and I think that says a lot about the restaurant. Simple dishes and wonderful flavors! I also liked that they had a lot of non-alcoholic options on the menu. The hyped bread/bun is a must try

Read more

Restaurant Aoi is a small, personal spot in Ullanlinna, Helsinki, known for its considered and carefree contemporary cuisine. Run by an experienced trio, it offers a relaxed vibe where global influences mingle with Nordic ingredients. The menu changes often, making each visit feel fresh and exciting.

Recommended by

Sylvester Soisalo

Chef, Restaurateur

Young guns who can cook. Relaxed feeling, tasty new school food

Read more

Ravintola Maukku in Helsinki offers a playful take on modern French-influenced cooking with a laid-back, welcoming vibe. Guests can pick from ever-changing menus or an à la carte list, and there’s a well-stocked wine cellar to explore downstairs. It’s a relaxed place to share a meal at your own pace and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.

Recommended by

Emma Ranne

Creative consultant

The perfect balance of fun, fresh and indulgent - this place has great wines and the space is stunning too!

Read more

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 !

Read more

Ravintola Laivakoira is a relaxed neighborhood restaurant in Helsinki’s Eira, run by a small team of close friends who cook and pour wines with genuine enthusiasm. Their cozy, playful interior and mix of classic and modern cooking styles make it a welcoming spot for both special occasions and everyday meals.

Recommended by

Lennart Sukapää

Restaurateur

We loved the innovativeness of the tasty portions, and the cozy and playful interior. Special mention to crab brioche, the fresh Finnish tomatoes, and the duck. The restaurant brings a fresh new wind to the neighborhood.

Read more

Savoy is a Helsinki restaurant that has welcomed guests for over 85 years. Overlooking Esplanade Park, it offers a scenic view of the city’s rooftops and features classic Finnish design by Alvar and Aino Aalto. Led by Chef Patron Helena Puolakka, the kitchen highlights seasonal ingredients with both Finnish and French influences.

Recommended by

David J Constable

Writer & Underwear Model

Sophisticated, high-end dining option executing both French and Finnish cuisine in an iconic locale featuring city views overlooking the Esplanade Park. One of Helsinki’s legendary dining destinations. The wine matches are first class. Chef-patron Helena Puolakka, whose contemporary take on Finnish cuisine was refined during a high-profile career in in London, has lifted the menu offering here to something greater. Expect vorschmack with oven-baked potato, beetroot, pickles and sour cream, while Arctic char, venison, pike and elk are never far away. The highlight is a visit during crayfish season.

Read more

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

Toni Toivanen

R&D Noma

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.

Read more

St. George Bakery is a small café and bread shop inside the St. George Hotel in Helsinki. It’s known for its welcoming atmosphere and freshly baked goods, which people enjoy for breakfast or a quick lunch. The relaxed setting and central location make it a pleasant spot to unwind or meet up with friends.

Recommended by

Helena Puolakka

Chef patron

Some of the best products in Finland, I love breakfast at St George Bakery.I love breakfast at St George's café. The hotel breakfast is also really nice but you have to book it in advance if you are not a hotel guest. It's really good with some of the best products in Finland.

Read more

Rams Roasters is a small neighborhood cafe in Helsinki that sources beans from different roasters and offers freshly baked treats. Its family-run feel and laid-back vibe create a cozy place to relax or catch up with friends. The unpolished, welcoming atmosphere makes it a local favorite for a simple and genuine coffee break.

Recommended by

Kenneth Nars

Creative Director

One of the best coffee places in Southern Helsinki, with beans from a few different roasters. Probably the best cinnamon buns in town, nice quiches, cakes and house made ice cream.

Read more