16 Best Restaurants to visit in Helsinki

Helsinki has undergone a remarkable transformation from its previous reputation as a reserved city. Nowadays, there’s a vibrant energy pulsing through the streets, especially evident in the flourishing food scene that combines both traditional and contemporary elements. Classic Finnish dishes like Savoy’s vorschmack and Wild’s Karelian pie are experiencing a revival, while a growing trend towards seasonal and locally sourced ingredients is thriving despite the challenges posed by Finland’s long winters. Here are some of the restaurants, bars, and signature dishes that capture the essence of this charming Finnish capital.

Finland places a strong emphasis on using locally sourced ingredients in its cuisine, resulting in high-quality and flavorful dishes. Finnish food is known for its healthiness, with an emphasis on fresh vegetables, fish, and grains.

Here are 16 best restaurants among other restaurants which you should visit in Helsinki:

Olutravintola Pikkulintu

Olutravintola Pikkulintu, situated in the Puotila shopping center in Eastern Helsinki, is a must-visit spot for enthusiasts of craft beer and small-batch whiskey. Its strategic location near Helsinki’s accessible metro line makes it convenient for visitors. Once inside, guests can indulge in a variety of Finnish brews or savor a dram of whiskey from the bar’s extensive selection, boasting more than 300 options. Kippis! (That’s “cheers” in Finnish.)

Baskeri Basso

Baskeri Basso, fondly known as BasBas among locals, is the larger sibling bistro adjacent to its neighbor BasBas Kulma. Securing a table at this popular Helsinki establishment promises a delightful evening. Whether opting for a selection of dishes or indulging in the reasonably priced four-course menu, the pasta dish is not to be missed – it was a personal favorite! The garlicky, creamy tagliolini, cooked to perfection, was so delectable that we were tempted to order seconds. While the menu evolves with the seasons, the white asparagus with a horseradish beurre blanc is highly recommended if you visit in the spring. Although the wine list maintains some playful options, it tends to lean more towards classical styles compared to the wine bar downstairs.

Wild

Tucked away in the back of a high-end design shop, this Nordic cafe and restaurant can be easily overlooked if you’re not familiar with its location. Chef Jouni Toivanen has crafted a hidden gem bursting with Finnish flavors. True to its name, the menu at this establishment showcases wild and locally sourced ingredients, resulting in an ever-evolving selection of approachable dishes.

For a delightful snack, consider trying the forest mushroom pie, which is sure to leave you craving more. Another excellent choice is the Karelian pie, a beloved Finnish classic, topped with smoked egg butter for an extra layer of flavor and richness.

Putte’s Bar and Pizza

Putte’s Bar and Pizza is a casual and inviting spot that serves as a cozy living room for restaurant workers, food enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a laid-back night out. It’s a favorite among locals who come here to unwind with good music, wine, and delicious pizzas.One of their specialties is the puttanesca pizza, which is a creative twist on the classic Neapolitan pasta dish. Another popular option is the Silence of the Lambs pizza, featuring spicy lamb, mozzarella, tomato, and arugula.The atmosphere encourages guests to relax and take their time, making it the perfect place to enjoy good food, drinks, and conversation without feeling rushed.

Vorschmack at Savoy

Restaurant Savoy is a renowned Finnish dining establishment with a history spanning over 80 years. Situated with a picturesque view overlooking Esplanadi park, it has been frequented by heads of state and locals alike. The restaurant offers modern tasting menus that change according to the seasons.

For those seeking an authentic Finnish culinary experience, one of the standout dishes at Savoy is the vorschmack. This unique dish features minced lamb, herring, and generous amounts of garlic, creating a flavorful combination. It is typically served with baked potato, a generous dollop of sour cream, and pickles. Vorschmack was a favorite of Baron Mannerheim, the marshal of Finland, who was a regular patron at Savoy and is credited with sharing the recipe with the restaurant.

BasBas Kulma

BasBas Kulma, the little sister restaurant to Baskeri Basso, captured our hearts during our time in Helsinki. It quickly became our favorite casual dining spot in the city. Compared to the original restaurant, it’s a bit easier to secure a reservation here due to its slightly larger size, and they also reserve bar seats for walk-in guests. BasBas Kulma has a fantastic neighborhood ambiance, offers dishes at a great price point, and boasts an outstanding selection of natural wines.

Every dish we tried at Kulma was a winner. We especially loved the focaccia with stracciatella and pesto rosso, which was incredibly flavorful. The beef tartare with pickled red onion and ramson mayonnaise was among the best we’ve ever had, showcasing the chef’s skill in balancing flavors. Even the deep-fried potatoes with za’atar and sumac mayonnaise were a delightful surprise, leaving us craving for more. And let’s not forget about the vegetables – the grilled cabbage with choron sauce was so good that we happily devoured our greens with a smile. Overall, BasBas Kulma exceeded our expectations and left us thoroughly satisfied with its delicious offerings and cozy atmosphere.

Gaijin

Gaijin, the brainchild of local celebrity chef Tomi Björck and Matti Wikberg, has quickly become a sensation in Helsinki by blending Japanese, Korean, and northern Chinese culinary influences. The restaurant offers a variety of dining options, including a tasting menu priced at 69 euros, as well as a la carte dishes featuring a wide range of delights such as sashimi, dim sum, pork buns, and daikon kimchi. This fusion of flavors and dishes from different Asian cuisines has made Gaijin a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts in Helsinki.

Naughty BRGR

Naughty BRGR, spearheaded by Top Chef Suomi (Finland) winner and burger enthusiast Akseli Herlevi, has tapped into Helsinki’s burgeoning love for top-notch burgers. Featuring purple neon lights, an industrial ambiance, and an extensive collection of hot sauces, Naughty BRGR offers the perfect setting to indulge in a delicious burger or two. The team at Naughty BRGR focuses on crafting burgers with premium ingredients without trying to revolutionize the classic burger concept. Their approach underscores that well-made burgers with quality components are enough to satisfy burger enthusiasts and keep them returning for more.

Muru

Muru, situated in the heart of Helsinki, is a charming bistro that offers a perfect setting for a leisurely dinner. The bistro boasts an impressive wine selection managed by esteemed sommeliers Samuil Angelov and Taneli Lehtonen, renowned as two of Finland’s finest sommeliers. Their daily-changing menu, priced at 52 euros, features a variety of classic dishes such as salmon tartare, charcuterie, and bouillabaisse. However, it’s Muru’s renowned risotto of the day that steals the spotlight, often hailed as the best in the city.

Bob’s Laundry

Bob’s Laundry in Helsinki offers a unique experience that combines laundry services with a full bar concept. Operated by the team known as the “cocktail bastards” from Son of a Punch, Bob’s Laundry features taptails on draft, providing a creative and refreshing drink menu. Some standout options include the “Made in China” cocktail with lychee, rose, and vodka, as well as the margarita infused with passion fruit, orange, tequila, and togarashi. To complement your drinks, there’s an array of Asian-inspired bites available, such as dumplings, bao buns, kimchi, and rice balls.

What makes Bob’s Laundry even more enticing is that your laundry service is complimentary with any purchase. This innovative concept adds an element of fun to completing household chores and makes Bob’s Laundry a must-visit spot for a unique and enjoyable experience in Helsinki.

Grön

Grön is a highly acclaimed restaurant in Helsinki that showcases the best of seasonal and organic Nordic ingredients. Since its establishment in 2015, owners Lauri Kähkönen and Toni Kostian have earned Michelin stardom with their innovative dishes that celebrate Finnish culinary traditions with a modern twist.One of their standout dishes is the barley pate brisee, which is filled with dry-aged beef, offering a rich and savory flavor profile. Another notable creation is the smoked pike roe with spring vegetables, showcasing the freshness and unique flavors of Nordic cuisine.

What sets Grön apart is not only its exceptional meat-based dishes but also its haute vegan menu that has garnered widespread acclaim. For anyone looking to experience the best of Finnish gastronomy with a focus on seasonal, organic, and innovative culinary techniques, Grön is a must-visit destination in Helsinki.

Sekel

Sekel, the new restaurant by Linda and Filip Langhoff, promises a unique dining experience inspired by the food of the last century, particularly the 1920s and 1930s. The name “Sekel” meaning “century” sets the tone for a culinary journey back in time, exploring classic dishes and decadent sauces reminiscent of that era.The menu at Sekel pays homage to historical restaurant menus, offering guests a chance to indulge in flavors and cooking techniques that defined earlier decades. Guests can expect tableside presentations with trolleys, adding an element of theatre and nostalgia to the dining experience.

Whether you opt for the à la carte options or the set menu, Sekel promises an evening filled with culinary delights and a chance to delve into the culinary history of the past century. Additionally, the bar at Sekel offers a selection of cocktails for those looking to enjoy a drink in a retro-inspired setting.

Vinkkeli

Vinkkeli, situated in a stunning historic building in Kaartinkaupunki dating back to 1889, offers a timeless and classic culinary experience for guests seeking the essence of haute cuisine. The restaurant’s menu features meticulously prepared dishes with a distinct Nordic influence, creating a journey reminiscent of the golden days of fine dining.

Guests at Vinkkeli can expect a sophisticated dining experience that begins with Champagne and delightful starters like herring or oxtail terrine, setting the stage for a memorable meal. The main courses continue the theme of timeless flavors, such as roasted trout served with a classic beurre blanc sauce, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to quality and tradition.

In addition to its exquisite cuisine, Vinkkeli places a significant emphasis on its wine selection, curated by sommelier and co-owner Antti Uusitalo. The wine offerings complement the dishes perfectly, enhancing the overall dining experience for guests who appreciate exceptional food and wine pairings.

Sapas at Juuri

Sapas at Juuri is a delightful experience that showcases the forefront of Helsinki’s organic and locavore culinary movement. Restaurant Juuri is known for its innovative take on Finnish cuisine, particularly with its specialty dish called sapas, which are small tapas-like dishes infused with a Finnish twist. Visitors to Juuri can indulge in a variety of sapas dishes that highlight local ingredients and creative flavor combinations. Examples of these dishes include herring paired with golden beet and apple, as well as Finncattle beef served with black salsify and mustard. These offerings not only celebrate Finnish culinary traditions but also embrace modern techniques and seasonal ingredients.

Located near the Helsinki Design Museum, Juuri provides an ideal dining experience for those looking to complement a day of exploration with exceptional food that reflects the region’s culinary heritage and contemporary culinary innovations. It’s a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts seeking a taste of Helsinki’s vibrant food scene.

Löyly

Löyly offers a quintessential Finnish sauna experience that visitors shouldn’t miss during their time in Helsinki. Saunas are deeply ingrained in Finnish culture, and Löyly provides a modern yet authentic setting to enjoy this beloved tradition. After indulging in a relaxing sauna session, guests can cool off by taking a dip in the refreshing Baltic Sea, a perfect way to rejuvenate the body and mind.

To complete the experience, visitors can savor a bowl of Jasper’s salmon soup, a warm and comforting dish that epitomizes Finnish cuisine. This creamy soup features cold-smoked salmon, a delicacy in Finland, and is a perfect post-sauna treat. Jasper, known for his role as Halfdan the Black on the popular History Channel show Vikings, is not only an actor but also involved in Löyly, adding a unique touch to the dining experience.

Combining the relaxation of sauna, the invigorating sea dip, and a hearty bowl of salmon soup, Löyly offers a memorable and immersive Finnish experience that captures the essence of Finnish wellness and gastronomy.

Savoy

Last but not the least , Savoy is an iconic establishment in Helsinki, steeped in history and renowned for its elegant dining experience. Since its opening in 1937, Savoy has been a favorite gathering spot for artists, politicians, and discerning diners seeking a taste of sophistication. The restaurant’s historic dining room, designed by renowned Finnish architects Aino and Alvar Aalto, provides a unique ambiance that adds to its allure.

In 2019, Savoy underwent renovations, and chef Helena Puolakka took the helm of the kitchen, bringing her expertise in crafting exquisite dishes that blend Finnish, French, and Russian culinary influences. Guests can indulge in a culinary journey through Savoy’s menus, which offer both à la carte options and set menus curated by the chef.

One of the highlights of dining at Savoy is its eighth-floor dining room, which opens onto a covered terrace. This vantage point provides breathtaking views of the Esplanadi park and the Helsinki skyline, creating a memorable backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a business meeting venue, or a place to celebrate special occasions, Savoy offers a blend of history, elegance, and culinary excellence that captivates its guests.