Welcome to Helsinki, Finland, a vibrant city renowned for its stunning architecture, picturesque landscapes, and culinary scene that will leave you craving more. In this bustling Nordic capital, food enthusiasts are in for a treat as Helsinki boasts a plethora of exceptional restaurants. From traditional Finnish cuisine to unique international flavors, this city offers a diverse range of culinary experiences. Whether you’re seeking a cozy cafe or a Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant, this guide will unveil the top 10 restaurants in Helsinki, promising unforgettable gastronomic adventures that will tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your cravings.
1. Olo
Situated in the bustling center of Helsinki, Olo stands out as one of the top eateries that is widely known for its delicious Nordic cuisine. Chef Jari Vesivalo makes sure to present dishes that are made out of locally-sourced ingredients, ensuring you have an unforgettable dining experience here. Not only that, their menu keeps changing according to the seasons, so you can have different items to try every time you visit this place. Their 2023 menu is an exceptional one with an array of scrumptious dishes such as scallops paired with sunflower seeds and browned butter, Finish goat cheese, fresh Icelandic raw prawns, king crab and much more.
2. Levain
Levain, located in Helsinki’s Töölö neighborhood, is a bakery-eatery known for its all-day menu. This café effortlessly combines the vibrant spirit of a Californian brunch spot with the elegance of a Parisian patisserie, resulting in a unique culinary experience. While it’s tempting to grab a quick pastry to enjoy on your way to the city, Levain offers much more than that. Indulge in their egg and spinach brioche bun, generously topped with cheese and sriracha, and pair it up with freshly brewed coffee. Alternatively, their signature sourdough bread serves as the perfect start for a day that will leave you wanting more.
3. Finlandia Caviar
Finlandia Caviar showcases a lavish culinary experience that won’t break your bank. This eatery specializes in a variety of caviar using locally sourced fish, freshly brought in from the nearby harbor. Immerse yourself in one of their tasting menus, where you can savor caviar from Paris, Moscow, or Helsinki alongside roes, oysters, and other special delicacies. Compliment the caviar with a selection of refined wines, champagnes, and the special vodka offered at the restaurant boasting an impressive alcohol content of 38%. You can also order their caviars online. It’s going to be delivered to you quickly in a thermal box, ensuring freshness and the best quality.
4. Juuri
Juuri in Finland offers a unique twist on Spanish tapas known as “sapas.” These Finnish-style tapas consist of bite-sized portions of finger food prepared using traditional Scandinavian ingredients. The food here is made from organic ingredients specially sourced from local producers. Some of their must-try dishes include pork tenderloin, lamb in broad bean puree, and the main entrée of organic beef tenderloin in cider sauce. Don’t miss out on their delicious desserts, such as blueberry with licorice and kahvl.
5. Social Burgerjoint
Craving an exceptional gourmet burger experience? Look no further than Social Burgerjoint in Sörnäinen. When we say their burgers are top-notch, it’s no exaggeration. The restaurant won numerous awards, all due to their taste, and customers also cannot stop raving about them. Alongside their regular menu, the menu showcases specialty burgers and fries that change with the seasons, accompanied by coleslaws, milkshakes, soft drinks, and beers. The star of the show is their classic burger, featuring a juicy Finnish beef patty in a brioche bun, complimented with zesty lime mayonnaise, pickles, American salad, ketchup, and cheddar cheese.
6. Ravintola Emo
If you’re looking for a fine-dine restaurant in the heart of Helsinki, look no further than Ravintola Emo. This place guarantees satisfaction with its diverse European offerings that cater to a wide range of taste buds. You have the option to indulge in their tasting menu featuring a selection of various dishes, or you can choose individual dishes from a menu that includes options for meat, fish, and vegetarian alternatives. Rest assured, the restaurant aims to please all guests, regardless of their dietary preferences. A notable aspect of Ravintola Emo is their commitment to showcasing the flavors of the season, as they prioritize Finnish and Nordic small producers in their menu selection. This means that each visit to the restaurant, regardless of the season, promises a unique culinary experience.
7. Sandro Kortteli
For those with a penchant for exploring a wide array of flavors, a visit to Sandro Kortteli is a must. This restaurant specializes in Middle Eastern and Moroccan delicacies that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Their menu is a hit for culinary delights, featuring an assortment of lamb and chicken dishes, halloumi, falafels, tofu, and of course, the freshly baked pita bread served with hummus. To complement your meal, Sandro Kortteli also offers a selection of wines. And when it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, their dessert menu features tempting options such as baklava and date cake.
8. Palace Restaurant
Palace Restaurant has been winning the hearts of foodies since 1952. This renowned restaurant holds the distinction of being the first in Finland to be awarded a Michelin star in 1987. Situated on the 10th floor of a historically significant building, originally erected in honor of the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki, Palace offers breathtaking views of the city and its surrounding seascape. The menu is a delightful fusion of international and Finnish cuisine, with dishes that are carefully curated to reflect the changing seasons. Every dish is prepared with attention to detail, and an extensive wine list is also available to order with your food.
9. Ravintola Nokka
Noka’s Kitchen takes immense pride in the craftsmanship of its chefs, who create food from scratch, emphasizing the value of each ingredient and utilizing them with utmost precision. Their culinary creations incorporate wild forest and water, including game (wild animals and birds), fish, berries, mushrooms, plants, and wild herbs. Furthermore, Noka sources responsibly grown organic vegetables and meat from local small-scale producers. These relationships have been cultivated over the years, enabling a close partnership that ensures the highest quality ingredients for their dishes. You can never go wrong here with any of their food items!
10. St George Bakery & Bar
This is one of the best eateries you should go to in Helsinki. From light and dark sourdough to setsuuri, a traditional Finnish sweet-and-sour loaf, their bakery counter is truly enticing. Located on the ground floor, the café also serves homemade yogurts and cheeses. However, it’s the delectable Finnish, Estonian, and Swedish pastries at St George’s that shouldn’t be missed. A detour is well worth it to grab a cardamom bun before they sell out, which they do pretty quickly every day.
