The Best Spots for Lunch in Helsinki

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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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.

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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

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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.

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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?

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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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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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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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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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Sörkan Rinkula is a relaxed bagel spot in Helsinki that bakes its dough fresh each morning, first boiling it in syrup water, then finishing it in the oven. The warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it an easy place to enjoy a laid-back breakfast or lunch. Their menu changes daily, so there’s usually something new to try.

Recommended by

Ina Niiniketo

Chef

Tasty, fluffy and fresh bagels in Sörnäinen, HelsinkiSörkä rinkula is a small cute bagel cafe in Sörnäinen, Helsinki. The bagels have the perfect ”fluffy” texture and tasty fillings. They bake the bagels every morning fresh by first boiling them in syrup water and then they bake them in the pizzaoven. Warm and welcoming athmosphere. They are open for breakfast and lunch. It’s a perfect spot for a fast and cheap lunch.

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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.

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Gastro Cafe Kallio is a relaxed spot in Helsinki’s Kallio neighborhood that combines Nordic flavors with French and Russian influences. They use local, organic ingredients and embrace a nose-to-tail philosophy for a modern take on traditional cooking. It’s a cozy place to enjoy freshly baked bread, thoughtful drink choices, and a friendly neighborhood atmosphere.

Recommended by

Emma Ranne

Creative consultant

A lovely neighbourhood restaurant worth visiting for brunch, lunch or a cosy candle-lit dinner - this one easily becomes a go-to!

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Restaurant Mauritz is a laid-back French-inspired neighborhood spot in Helsinki, known for its friendly service and cozy atmosphere. It’s easy to drop by for a glass or settle in for the entire evening. The menu is kept small but focused on quality, with a thoughtful approach to sourcing and flavors.

Recommended by

Lennart Sukapää

Restaurateur

A true French bistro around the block. Easy to pop in, always tasty food, and friendly service.

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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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