When it comes to Finnish cuisine, many people’s first impression may be simple, plain, or even “bland”. But only when you really set foot on the land of Helsinki, you will find that this Nordic capital is rich and unique in food culture. From the ancestral recipe of stewed venison, to the modern and creative salmon, to the intoxicating berry desserts, Helsinki is a city that tells stories with food.
Part I. Restaurant Recommendations
1. Savotta: A Finnish home-style restaurant that crosses the forest
Restaurant history
Savotta, located next to the Helsinki Cathedral, is a local restaurant inspired by “forests and lakes”. The name “Savotta” originally means a logging camp. The restaurant’s decoration uses a lot of logs, old tools and retro furnishings, as if walking into the Finnish countryside in the 1950s. This is the best choice to understand the “real taste of Finland”.
Food Features and Taste
The main dishes include traditional reindeer stew (Poronkäristys) with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam. The meat is tender and the fruity aroma brings out the meaty flavor. The signature salmon soup (Lohikeitto) is flavored with cream and dill, and is warm in the mouth, the best comfort in cold weather.
Location and Reservation Information
Address: Aleksanterinkatu 22, 00170 Helsinki
Reservations can be made through platforms: TripAdvisor, TheFork, Booking.com (with accommodation package), TableOnline.fi.
Cost per person: Lunch is about 30 euros, dinner set is about 45 euros.
Recommended for: First-time visitors who want to experience authentic Finnish cuisine, travelers who like retro style.
2. Olo: Modern Finnish cuisine under the Michelin halo
Restaurant history
Olo is one of the Michelin-starred restaurants in Helsinki, located in a classical building. Since its opening in 2006, it has been committed to integrating Nordic nature with contemporary cooking concepts to create exquisite dishes with great visual impact and taste levels.
Food Features and Taste
It is recommended to try Olo’s “Adventure Menu”, which has more than ten dishes, starting with marine-flavored cod caviar and ending with forest-flavored reindeer meat and birch juice smoothie. Each dish is an artistic creation, paying attention to details and having extremely rich taste levels.
Location and Reservation Information
Address: Pohjoisesplanadi 5, 00170 Helsinki
Booking is available through platforms: TheFork, TableOnline.fi, Expedia Restaurant Section.
Cost per Person: The average price of the set menu starts at 150 euros, and can reach 200 euros with wine pairing.
Recommended for: food lovers, anniversary celebrations, couples dating.
3. Juuri: A modern interpretation of root ingredients
Restaurant history
The name Juuri means “roots”, which is intended to explore the original flavors of traditional Finnish ingredients. It is one of the pioneers of the Finnish “sapas” culture, and the restaurant environment is elegant and modern.
Food Features and Taste
The main features are various sapas, such as pickled herring with coarse mustard, smoked reindeer heart and blueberry jam, with delicate portions and distinct flavors. It is recommended to pair it with local craft beer or natural wine to enhance the flavor experience.
Location and Reservation Information
Address: Korkeavuorenkatu 27, 00130 Helsinki
Reservations can be made through platforms: TableOnline.fi, TripAdvisor, OpenTable, Agoda Dining Zone.
Cost per person: about 50-70 euros.
Recommended for: Travelers who pay attention to the original taste of ingredients and like Nordic niche cuisine.
4. Restaurant Löyly: Sustainable cuisine next to the sea view sauna
Restaurant history
Löyly is a modern architectural landmark that combines a public sauna, a seaside bar and the concept of sustainable development. The restaurant also focuses on ecology and green ingredients, and the dishes combine local flavors with international creativity.
Food Features and Taste
The signature grilled salmon uses organic farmed ingredients, with balanced fat and a charred crust that is memorable; the side dishes are often based on seasonal vegetables or wild vegetables, which are light and not greasy. The winter-limited mulled wine paired with oven-baked wild venison is also worth a try.
Location and Reservation Information
Address: Hernesaarenranta 4, 00150 Helsinki
Booking is available through platforms: TheFork, TripAdvisor, Booking.com (experience package).
Cost per person: 35-60 euros, with simple meals and vegetarian options.
Recommended for: Seaside view, environmental protection supporters, couples night view dating.
5. KuuKuu: A Nordic daily canteen with a full sense of family
Restaurant history
KuuKuu is a community restaurant in Helsinki that is loved by locals. The name comes from “moon”, which means “dinner time under the moonlight”. The restaurant is known for its affordable prices and warm service, making it an ideal choice for family and small group gatherings.
Food Features and Taste
Recommended classic Finnish stew (Karjalanpaisti) and pickled cucumber cold soup, which are simple but authentic. Desserts such as blueberry pie with vanilla sauce are also unforgettable.
Location and Reservation Information
Address: Museokatu 17, 00100 Helsinki
Booking is available through the platform: TableOnline.fi, TripAdvisor, Expedia restaurant section.
Cost per person: 25-40 euros.
Recommended group: family tourists, small travelers, diners with limited budget but taste.
6. Financier Bistro: Landmark brunch next to the central station
Restaurant history
Financier Bistro is located next to Helsinki Central Station and specializes in all-day brunch and European light meals. The decor is warm and modern, making it the perfect place to rest before traveling.
Food Features and Taste
Must-try the “Finnish Breakfast Platter”: rye bread, yogurt cheese, smoked salmon, berries and honey are well matched, healthy and layered. Daily hot soup and gratin are provided in the afternoon, and the portion is just right.
Location and Booking Information
Address: Kaivokatu 8, 00100 Helsinki
Platforms available: TripAdvisor, OpenTable, Booking.com Free Travel Package
Per capita cost: 20-30 euros.
Recommended for: travelers catching trains, backpackers, and urban travelers.
7. Ravintola Nokka: Local flavors at the end of the pier
Restaurant history
Ravintola Nokka is located in a red brick warehouse at the end of the harbor in the city center. It focuses on the “farm to table” concept, cooperates with small Finnish farmers, and uses sustainable ingredients.
Food Features and Taste
Recommended smoked reindeer loin, baked white fish with carrot puree and mushroom cream, with the natural aroma of the Nordic forest. The bread and butter are homemade and of high quality.
Location and Reservation Information
Address: Kanavaranta 7F, 00160 Helsinki
Booking is available through the platforms: TheFork, Agoda Dining Column, TripAdvisor.
Cost per person: 60-80 euros.
Recommended for: travelers or couples who pay attention to the traceability of ingredients and like the port style.
8. Restaurant Yes Yes Yes: A paradise for vegetarians
Restaurant history
Yes Yes Yes is a well-known vegetarian restaurant in Helsinki, known for its colorful and exotic fusion style. The interior decoration is full of Bohemian feeling and is a popular check-in on social platforms.
Food Features and Taste
Various small plates such as vegetarian tacos, spicy cauliflower, and olive oil roasted carrots are delicious. Drinks are paired with handmade cocktails and homemade sodas.
Location and Reservation Information
Address: Iso Roobertinkatu 1, 00120 Helsinki
Platforms: TableOnline.fi, TripAdvisor, HappyCow (vegetarian recommendation platform)
Expense per person: 25-45 euros.
Recommended for: vegetarians, young travelers who like colorful and creative cuisine.
Helsinki is not only a design and technology capital, but also a city where you can “eat”. Whether you want to experience the exquisite art of food in a Michelin restaurant or experience the warmth of a Nordic family in a street corner canteen, this city always has surprises waiting for you to discover. Through these eight restaurants with different styles, you will find that the authentic Finnish taste is never just one taste.
If you plan to go to Helsinki, remember to check the business hours and reserve seats in advance on TripAdvisor, TheFork, TableOnline.fi, Agoda, Expedia and other platforms. Some popular restaurants may need to be booked a week in advance. In this snowy land, a meal cooked with care may be the warmest memory of your trip.
Part 2. Things to note about tasting food in Helsinki restaurants:
1. Ordering etiquette and food culture
When dining in Helsinki, remember to respect the local ordering rhythm. Finns generally pay attention to simplicity and efficiency. When ordering, please try to express your needs clearly at one time. Most restaurant waiters are fluent in English and can communicate with confidence. At the same time, local restaurants usually do not take the initiative to provide free drinking water. It is recommended to ask in advance whether you need to purchase bottled water or order drinks.
2. Restaurant business hours and reservation instructions
Many restaurants in Helsinki are closed on Sundays, and lunch services are mostly completed before 3 pm on weekdays, and dinner services mostly start at 17:00. It is recommended to check the official website in advance or confirm the business hours through third-party platforms such as TheFork, TableOnline, Tripadvisor, etc. Popular restaurants, especially on weekends, need to make reservations in advance, otherwise the temporary waiting time may be long.
3. Payment methods and tipping rules
Restaurants in Helsinki generally support cashless payment methods such as credit cards and Apple Pay, and some places do not even accept cash. Tipping is not mandatory. The bill usually includes service charge, but if the service is good, you can leave 5-10% as an encouragement. When paying, please check the bill details carefully to ensure that they are correct before swiping the card or signing to confirm.