The restaurant and cafe culture in Helsinki has absolutely flourished in the last few years and the central suburbs are developing a gastronomical scene to rival the trendiest of international cities. Helsinki is gaining its fair s...Open the full description
The restaurant and cafe culture in Helsinki has absolutely flourished in the last few years and the central suburbs are developing a gastronomical scene to rival the trendiest of international cities. Helsinki is gaining its fair share of Michelin star restaurants but it's the wonderful, community-minded and ethically oriented cafes, lunch places and internationally themed (and run) restaurants that are popping up like mushrooms in the rain.
The Finns’ love for simplicity, quality and organic ingredients leads to excellent cuisine, without the pomp and self-congratulation of the more renowned southern European kitchen. Meanwhile, American, Latin, African and Asian kitchens are becoming established here, bringing fabulous new influences and ideas. Former Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi infamously slammed Finnish food a few years back and since then Finland has made it its mission to prove him wrong.
Old Market Hall
Cafes
25
1
The Old Market Hall was recently renovated and it's now better than ever! This market hall has served customers since 1889, so it's good that it's is being taken care of. They sell fish, meat, bread, pastries, cheese, coffee, spices.. you name it.
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Pihlajasaari
Sights
17
2
Pihlajasaari is an island located just 10 minutes by boat from the mainland, accessible from both Merisatama and Ruoholahti (€6/ €3,50). It’s a popular getaway from busy city life for many locals. There's a beach on the island as well as beautiful rocks to sunbath or have a picnic.
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Local Experience
Taste of Helsinki and Suomenlinna
Prices from
32
EUR
Duration
3.5 h
Languages
Spanish, English, Swedish
Sandro (Kallio)
Restaurants
16
2
The whole Helsinki is heading to Sandro at the moment. Their Sunday brunch is considered to be the best in town at the moment so you'll better make your reservation early if you want to try this modern African fusion feast. They also serve lunch, dinner, cocktails and other drinks, so the place is suitable for an evening hang around as well.
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Hietalahti Market Hall
Restaurants
28
4
If you're interested in high quality food, this market hall is your place. In addition to ingredients, the market hall is also a perfect place for lunch. You can enjoy tasty soup in Soppakeittiö, fresh shrimps at Räken, perfect burgers ar Roslund and delicious fish dishes at Marja Nätti.
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Cafe Bar no 9
Restaurants
35
8
Featured
You can also linger for a few beers - if you can handle the hopeful gazes of hungry onlookers waiting for your table. As the evening wears on the kitchen closes and the atmosphere becomes more intimate. And more beery. Meals from €10.
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Linnanmäki
Restaurants
23
3
It's quite expensive to go to the rides, but entrance is totally free. There's even one ride Panoraama for free. It's not very intense, but lifts you up to the air and shows the sight of Helsinki from high up. If you want to pay to go to one ride, choose the wooden roller coaster.
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Local Experience
Taste of Helsinki and Suomenlinna
Prices from
32
EUR
Duration
3.5 h
Languages
Spanish, English, Swedish
Putte's Bar & Pizza
Restaurants
24
4
During the daytime Putte's offers lunch, and at other hours they serve great pizza. After dinnertime Putte's transforms into a relaxed bar perfect for hanging out or partying. Occasionally they even screen live sports.
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Ravintola Ilves
Budget Meals
12
1
Traditionally more of a no-frills fuelling-up point before going to a gig at Tavastia next door, the vibe here is changing a little of late. Their fancier new menu seems to be bringing in more of a lunch crowd.
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Korjaamo
Restaurants
13
1
Their programme is definitely worth checking out while you’re in Helsinki: www.korjaamo.fi/en. There’s even a nice restaurant/café/ bar for lunch and breakfast on weekdays and brunch on weekends. They also offer drinks and snacks every night.
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Silvoplee
Restaurants
13
2
Silvoplee is a popular vegetarian restaurant where the focus is on organic, raw and local produce. It's so popular (even amongst devoted meat eaters) that it recently had to move to a larger premises to make room for raw food lovers.
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Hoku
Restaurants
11
2
Amazing food, really! Their lunch is very good value for money. If you want to be sure to get a table, be there at 11 sharp. It’s a local favourite so if you’re planning on coming here for dinner it’s best to book a table in advance.
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Skiffer
Restaurants
9
1
Ever tried pizza with strawberries or freshwater fish? Skiffer is famous for their gourmet pizzas (“liuska”)that are baked in a peel oven and topped with peculiar ingredients. Their wine list includes carefully chosen organic wines.
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Tokyo 55
Restaurants
9
1
If you see hungry-looking people wandering around in Töölö with sushi cravings in their eyes, they’re most likely on their way to Tokyo 55. Here they offer a very popular lunch buffet Mon–Fri for €15, and their evening menu is also worth a try.
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Local Experience
Happy Helsinki Walking Tour
Prices from
20
EUR
Duration
3 h
Languages
English
Eeron Keittiö
Restaurants
10
2
The key word here is ‘unpretentious’ and you’ll often be served your seasonally tailored dishes by Eero himself in this cosy, yet professional restaurant. They take gastronomy seriously, but are not so head-in-the-clouds that they can’t see the beauty of a well prepared potato.
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Teurastamo
Sights
10
1
There’s a scent of hipster in the air and we LIKE IT! This part of town is becoming so exciting that we’re ready to crank up the Arcade Fire, jump on our fixies and ride out to discover whatever awesome events might be happening.
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