The 11 Trendiest New Dining Spots in Helsinki, Finland

Tukkutorin Kala, a name that might challenge non-Finnish speakers, is a blend of an indoor fish market and a seafood restaurant. Situated at the entrance of Teurastamo, a former slaughterhouse turned dining and event hub, it's a great spot for lunch. Try the classic fish soup, roasted pike perch, or indulge in Carelian Caviar. While you're there, don't miss a visit to the Helsinki Distilling Company next door for some local sea buckthorn “moonshine.”

After winning MasterChef Finland in 2012, Mika Tuomonen became a familiar face with his food trucks around Helsinki. Now, he has a permanent spot with a charcoal grill to elevate his game. Since its debut, Burger Joint's burgers have been recognized as some of the best in Finland by local critics. The menu is straightforward—cheeseburgers and fries—but the Greenwich portobello burger offers a hearty option for both vegetarians and meat lovers. Expect no gimmicks, just well-crafted burgers.

In the vibrant Kallio neighborhood, known for its dive bars, trendy cafes, and even massage parlors, Wino brings a fresh twist with a focus on wine. Enjoy a variety of small plates crafted from Finnish ingredients like Baltic herring, vendace, cep mushrooms, and pickled apple. Or, dive into their extensive selection of natural wines and let your wine enthusiast shine.

Restaurant Jord, situated in the Kortteli food hall, offers an unexpected twist on the typical mall dining experience. Perched five stories above the busy city center within the Kamppi shopping complex, Jord serves up organic Finnish fare alongside a stunning view of downtown Helsinki. Choose the chef’s menu for a culinary adventure, or enjoy classics like spinach crepes with smoked lingonberry jam and pike perch cooked in butter with grilled leeks and roasted celeriac. A relaxed counterpart to the acclaimed restaurant Ask, which was named Finland’s top restaurant for two consecutive years by the White Guide Nordic 2018.

Chapter is generating buzz as one of the year’s most awaited restaurant openings. Located in the Tori Quarters adjacent to Helsinki Cathedral, it began its journey with a cocktail bar launch in June, offering drinks and gourmet bar bites featuring Nordic classics like arctic char and pike perch. Ingredients such as enoki mushrooms, shiitake, and yuzu add a unique twist. The full dining experience, situated in the historic section of the 1775 building, finally opened in early October.

Pizzeria Via Tribunali offers authentic Neapolitan pizza, certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, right in the heart of Helsinki. Positioned conveniently between Senate Square and Market Square, this lively spot serves pizza on a first-come, first-served basis. While they feature toppings like smoked scamorza cheese, mortadella, and soppressata salami, sticking with the classic margherita is a great choice. With owners skilled in cocktails, you might want to enjoy a Negroni or two while waiting for your pizza.

At Werner, the spectacle of a whole whitefish sizzling on the largest open-fire grill in town is a must-see. For those with a hearty appetite, the six-week dry-aged beef entrecote — bone-in, of course — is a standout dish. Additionally, Werner’s owners are also renowned sausage makers at Harju Sausage Factory, making their sausages a must-try when dining here.

Hieta reimagines the classic seaside inn with a touch of elegance. Situated near Hietalahti Market Hall and the harbor, it serves hearty fare including Baltic herring, crispy fried vendace, beef liver, and classic wiener schnitzel with potato salad. Save the water for the fish and enjoy a brew from the local Donut Island Brewing instead.

Levain, the latest gem from the renowned BW-Restaurants group led by Tomi Björck and Matti Wikberg, is a vibrant bakery and Mytoury in the bustling Punavuori area. It’s a must-visit for its exceptional bread—whether you’re grabbing a slice of seasonal sourdough or a hearty rye levain. Don’t miss out on their grilled Monte Rosso sandwich, perfect for a quick bite.

Helsinki’s wine enthusiasts got a treat last year with the launch of BasBas & Staff Wine Bar, an offshoot of the beloved BasBas bistro by chef Kalle Kiukainen and sommelier Nicolas Thieulon. This wine-centric spot offers a laid-back atmosphere with its industrial-chic decor, perfect for enjoying a bottle with friends. Whether you're a novice or a wine aficionado, the welcoming and expert staff will guide you to the perfect selection. Be sure to browse the wall menu for some tasty small plates to complement your wine.

Food enthusiasts in Finland were taken aback when the renowned Michelin-starred Chef & Sommelier closed its doors in June. However, chef Sasu Laukkonen has swiftly relaunched his restaurant under a new name and concept. Ora celebrates Finnish produce with seasonal offerings such as pumpkin and sea buckthorn, whitefish with nasturtium, and possibly summer lamb from the Åland islands. This intimate 23-seat venue features tables facing the kitchen, so diners can enjoy the view without the discomfort of making eye contact with others.