18 Must-Visit Restaurants in Helsinki

Situated in the Puotila shopping center in Eastern Helsinki, Pikkulintu is a haven for craft beer and small-batch whiskey enthusiasts. Easily accessible via Helsinki’s metro system, this bar offers a diverse selection of Finnish beers and an impressive whiskey collection with over 300 varieties. Cheers! (Or Kippis in Finnish.) [$]

With Finland leading the world in coffee consumption per capita, this quaint cafe embraces a minimalist philosophy toward the beloved beverage. Helsinki Coffee Roastery’s Espresso Bar, though small and slightly off the beaten path, is a must-visit for coffee aficionados. Nestled near the charming Puu-Vallila, an old working-class neighborhood, the cafe sources its beans directly from global farmers, bypassing middlemen, and roasts them on-site. Enjoy a cup to go or relax in this cozy Helsinki hideaway. [$]

Kallio, typically known for its dive bars and vibrant nightlife, is experiencing a culinary renaissance with new restaurant openings. This cozy cafe and Mytoury on Fleminginkatu, now a bustling food street in Helsinki, offers a frequently changing menu featuring dishes like fish cakes with remoulade, ox tongue with horseradish velouté, and herring steaks with mashed potatoes. It’s a great spot for a laid-back lunch on any weekday. [$-$$]

The Hakaniemi Market Hall, temporarily relocated during renovations, is a local favorite for its diverse food stalls. Here, amid an array of high-quality vendors like Kalakauppa Rosendahl and Reinin Liha, you’ll find Lentävä Lehmä (Flying Cow), renowned for its exceptional selection of cheeses. Run by sisters Hanne Hirvonen and Laura Mauno, this cheese shop offers both Finnish varieties such as Helsingin Meijeriliike and Juustoportti, and international options. Pair your cheese with a baguette or rye bread from nearby bakery stands like Leipätori for a perfect picnic at Tokoinranta park. [$]

Located within a high-end design store, this Nordic cafe and restaurant is a hidden gem crafted by chef Jouni Toivanen. True to its name, Wild emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients in its ever-changing menu. Enjoy hearty offerings like forest mushroom pie or the traditional Karelian pie topped with smoked egg butter. [$]

Putte’s Bar and Pizza is the go-to spot for a laid-back evening in Helsinki, attracting a diverse crowd including restaurant staff and food enthusiasts. Enjoy a chill atmosphere with an excellent selection of music, wines, and creative pizzas like the puttanesca pie, inspired by the classic Neapolitan pasta, or the Silence of the Lambs, a flavorful option with lamb, mozzarella, tomato, and arugula. This venue encourages you to relax and savor your time, so plan to stay a while. [$]

Located in Helsinki’s historic Old Market Hall, Story is a vibrant café and restaurant that embraces a fresh Baltic ambiance. Positioned near the lively Esplanadi Park and Market Square, it’s the perfect spot for a quick coffee from Kaffa Roastery or a hearty breakfast, such as oven-baked porridge with berry compote or eggs Benedict with smoked salmon and spinach. For lunch, the innovative Wögä burger features avocado halves as buns and pairs well with a glass of rosé. [$-$$]

Chef Tomi Björck and Matti Wikberg’s second venture blends Japanese, Korean, and northern Chinese flavors into an innovative menu that has made waves in Helsinki. Guests can opt for a tasting menu (69 euros) or select dishes from an à la carte menu that includes sashimi, dim sum, pork buns, and daikon kimchi. [$$-$$$$]

Winning Top Chef Suomi and a renowned burger enthusiast, Akseli Herlevi capitalized on Helsinki's craving for high-quality burgers. With its striking purple neon, industrial charm, and extensive hot sauce selection, Naughty BRGR is the perfect place for burger aficionados. This spot focuses on delivering well-crafted burgers with top-notch ingredients, proving that simplicity and quality keep customers returning. [$]

Nestled in Helsinki’s heart, Muru offers a charming setting for a leisurely dinner. The restaurant’s extensive wine collection is curated by acclaimed sommeliers Samuil Angelov and Taneli Lehtonen, renowned as Finland’s top sommeliers. The menu, which changes daily and costs 52 euros, often features classics like salmon tartar, charcuterie, and bouillabaisse. Muru’s risotto of the day is particularly celebrated as the finest in town. []

For a taste of Finland’s prowess with seasonal and organic Nordic ingredients, head to Grön. Since its 2015 debut, owners Lauri Kähkönen and Toni Kostian have earned Michelin acclaim with creations like barley pate brisee stuffed with dry-aged beef, smoked pike roe, and spring vegetables. Their acclaimed haute vegan menu alone is worth making a reservation. []

Housed in a stunning historic building from 1889 in Kaartinkaupunki, Vinkkeli offers a nostalgic dive into classic haute cuisine. Expect carefully crafted Nordic-inspired dishes starting with Champagne and herring or oxtail terrine, leading to timeless favorites like roasted trout with beurre blanc. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the expertise of sommelier and co-owner Antti Uusitalo. [$$$]

Restaurant Juuri leads the way in Helsinki’s vibrant organic and local food scene. The star of the menu is sapas, Finnish-inspired small plates like herring with golden beet and apple or Finncattle beef paired with black salsify and mustard. Conveniently located near the Helsinki Design Museum, Juuri is a perfect spot to enhance your sensory experience. [$$-$$$]

Šašlik may not be the oldest Russian restaurant in Helsinki, but it stands out for its immersive vodka-soaked experience, with meat skewers and balalaika music setting the scene. Since 1972, it has been a bastion of traditional Russian cuisine. Start with zakuska appetizers or a blini with sour cream and fish roe, accompanied by vodka. The main attraction is the dramatic Ivan’s Sword dish, where beef and lamb are skewered and served on a sizzling hot plate. For the adventurous, there’s also ground bear meat. [$$$]

Baskeri & Basso Bistro, established in 2015, swiftly captured the hearts of locals seeking a no-fuss yet memorable dining experience. Operating from Tuesday to Friday, this neighborhood gem offers straightforward bistro fare, including cod with broccolini and sturgeon paired with spinach and watercress salad, all drizzled with pine-nut sauce. Their selection of organic and natural wines complements the warm, inviting atmosphere of the dimly lit space, complete with a compact bar and wine closet. [$$$]

Skiffer, a local mini-chain, has recently become the go-to pizza spot in town, celebrated for its signature thin and crispy liuska pies. Skiffer Liuskaluoto is situated on a small island just a quick two-minute ferry ride from Merisatama pier, near Kaivopuisto park, perfect for a relaxing summer lunch outside. During bad weather or winter, visit Skiffer Erottaja, a 15-minute walk from Merisatama pier. At any location, don’t miss the surf and turf liuska featuring fresh chorizo and local crayfish. [$$]

In Finland, the sauna is a cherished tradition, and no visit would be complete without experiencing it. At the public sauna Löyly, you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the Baltic Sea if the heat becomes too intense. After a relaxing sauna session, indulge in Jasper’s salmon soup—a rich and creamy Finnish classic made with cold-smoked salmon. Jasper is not only a co-founder of Löyly but also a Finnish actor known for his role as Halfdan the Black on the History Channel's Vikings. [$-$$]