As the capital of Finland, Helsinki not only has a rich historical and cultural background, but is also a treasure trove of Baltic coastal food. Every year, the Helsinki Pier Food Festival attracts a large number of tourists and local residents to experience authentic Nordic cuisine. This food festival showcases the traditional cuisine of Finland and the countries surrounding the Baltic Sea (such as Sweden, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, etc.), leading diners to experience a taste journey across borders.
Ⅰ. Overview of the Helsinki Pier Food Festival
The Helsinki Pier Food Festival is a grand event held at the Helsinki Pier every summer. The focus of this festival is to showcase the cuisine of the Baltic countries, attracting top chefs and restaurants from Finland and neighboring countries. The festival usually lasts for several days. During the event, tourists can not only taste traditional Finnish food, but also enjoy the special flavors from Sweden, Russia, Estonia and Latvia.
The food festival offers a wide variety of food, including seafood, pickled foods, traditional meat dishes, desserts and drinks. The most representative is naturally the Baltic seafood dishes, especially fish and shellfish. The restaurants in Helsinki combine these traditional delicacies with modern cooking techniques to present a delicious taste that is both innovative and traditional.
Ⅱ. Restaurant Introduction
There are many restaurants and stalls near the Helsinki Pier that offer delicious authentic Baltic flavors. Here are a few recommended restaurants that represent the flavors of different countries and regions.
1. Lonna Restaurant (Finnish Flavor)
Restaurant History:
Lonna Restaurant is located on Lonna Island in the Helsinki Port and was once a military base of the Finnish Navy. After the renovation, the restaurant has become one of the most popular food places in the Helsinki area. The design of Lonna Restaurant maintains the historical sense of the island and combines modern minimalist style, giving people a sense of both history and modernity.
Food Features and Taste:
The menu of Lonna Restaurant showcases traditional Finnish Baltic cuisine, with a particular focus on fresh seafood and the use of local ingredients. The restaurant’s signature dishes include Finland’s classic smoked salmon, pickled herring, and a variety of side dishes made from fresh local ingredients. The smoked salmon is rich in flavor, smooth in texture, and has a light smoky aroma, and is delicious with the Finnish specialty rye bread. In addition, the restaurant also particularly recommends their “potato salad”, a classic Finnish snack made from fresh local potatoes and sour cream.
Location and transportation:
Lonna restaurant is located near the pier in the center of Helsinki and can be reached from downtown Helsinki by ferry. The restaurant is about a 15-minute ferry ride from the city.
Booking platform and cost:
Lonna restaurant reservations can be selected through GetYourGuide, Klook and other booking platforms. Packages with transportation are suitable for tourists who do not want to drive themselves. In general, the cost of booking a meal is about 30-50 euros, depending on the menu and dishes selected.
Recommended crowd:
Lonna restaurant is suitable for diners who like traditional Finnish cuisine, especially seafood. In addition, the location of the restaurant is very suitable for family gatherings and couples to enjoy the beautiful sea view.
2. Merimiehenkeidas Restaurant (Estonian Flavor)
History of the restaurant:
Merimiehenkeidas Restaurant is famous for its traditional Estonian flavor. The restaurant itself has a history of nearly 30 years and is one of the few restaurants in the Helsinki area that adheres to the original Estonian flavor. The decoration style in the restaurant is full of Nordic style, simple but warm, which is very suitable for tasting authentic Estonian cuisine.
Food Features and Taste:
Merimiehenkeidas Restaurant’s special dishes include traditional Estonian stewed pork, smoked fish and special sauerkraut. The stewed pork is tender and tasty, with a light spice flavor, and the sauerkraut has a sour taste that can well balance the greasy feeling of the meat. In addition, the restaurant’s signature alcoholic drink, “Vana Tallinn” Estonian liquor, is very flavorful and is a good choice for after-meal relief.
Location and Transportation:
The restaurant is located in the center of Helsinki, close to the sea, and tourists can easily walk there. The restaurant is about a 15-minute walk from Helsinki Central Station.
Booking platform and cost:
Merimiehenkeidas restaurant can be booked through the main booking platforms in Helsinki, such as Bookatable, Reseprank and TripAdvisor. The booking fee is roughly between 40-60 euros.
Recommended crowd:
If you like the traditional flavors of Estonia, Merimiehenkeidas restaurant is undoubtedly an ideal choice. Whether it is a couple, a gathering of friends or a family trip, this is a perfect dining place.
3. Ravintola Savotta Restaurant (Traditional Finnish Cuisine)
Restaurant history:
Ravintola Savotta Restaurant is located in the historic market area in the center of Helsinki and has a history of nearly 30 years. The interior decoration of the restaurant is mainly in Finnish country style, with a strong traditional Finnish atmosphere. As one of the most representative restaurants in Helsinki, Ravintola Savotta is famous for providing authentic Finnish country cuisine.
Food characteristics and taste:
Classic dishes of Ravintola Savotta Restaurant include traditional Finnish venison, beef stew and Finnish specialty “Karelian Pie”. The venison is tender and juicy, with a unique game flavor, paired with Finnish vegetables and sauces, and the taste is very rich. The stewed beef is tender and tasty, with rich meat, and is deeply loved by diners. The restaurant’s “Kaljuri Salad” is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with rich taste layers, and is a very popular traditional snack.
Location and transportation:
Ravintola Savotta is located in the center of Helsinki, less than a 5-minute walk from Helsinki Central Station, and the transportation is very convenient.
Reservation platform and cost:
Booking Ravintola Savotta restaurant can be booked online through Helsinki’s catering reservation platforms, such as Reseprank, Bookatable, OpenTable, etc. Depending on the combination of different dishes, the cost of a single meal is about 35-55 euros.
Recommended crowd:
Ravintola Savotta is very suitable for tourists who want to experience traditional Finnish rural cuisine. Whether it is a family dinner or a business banquet, this is a very good choice.
The Helsinki Marina Food Festival showcases not only Finnish cuisine, but also the flavors of the Baltic countries. From Finnish smoked salmon to Estonian pork stew, from traditional Finnish venison dishes to authentic Kaljuri salad, these delicacies lead visitors into a colorful world of taste. Helsinki’s restaurants not only offer delicious food, but also give visitors a unique cultural experience through their unique restaurant history and style.
Whether you are a foodie who loves Finnish food or a tourist who wants to taste the flavors of the Baltic countries, Helsinki’s restaurants can bring you an unforgettable taste journey.
Ⅲ. Things to note when going to Helsinki restaurants to taste food
As an international city, Helsinki attracts tourists from all over the world to taste authentic Nordic food. However, while enjoying the food, some preparations before traveling are also needed.
1. Book a restaurant time
Helsinki restaurants can be very busy, especially during the tourist season (summer and Christmas holidays), especially popular restaurants such as Lonna Restaurant and Ravintola Savotta. Therefore, it is very important to book a table in advance. Most restaurants offer online reservation services, which can be booked in advance through platforms such as Reseprank, Bookatable, OpenTable, etc. In addition, many restaurants also allow reservations to be made directly by contacting the restaurant by phone or email.
2. Know the restaurant’s opening hours
The opening hours of restaurants in Helsinki may vary, especially during holidays or winter. Many restaurants have shorter opening hours in winter, so it is best to confirm their specific opening hours before going to the restaurant. Especially for some restaurants that focus on traditional Finnish cuisine, their opening hours are often affected by seasonal factors.
3. Tipping habits
Tipping is not mandatory when dining in Helsinki, but it is generally considered polite. Restaurant bills usually include a 10% to 15% service charge, so you can decide whether to tip extra based on the quality of the service. If the service charge is already included in the bill, you don’t need to tip extra.
4. Understand local dietary taboos and culture
Finnish food culture focuses on the original flavor and freshness of ingredients, and dishes are usually simple and light in flavor. In some restaurants, especially traditional Finnish restaurants, a lot of dairy products and pork may be used in the dishes. For tourists with lactose intolerance or specific dietary needs, it is recommended to explain your needs to the waiter when ordering. Most restaurants can provide lactose-free dishes or other alternatives.
5. Local dining payment methods
Restaurants in Helsinki usually accept credit cards, debit cards and mobile payments (such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.). When checking out, you can use the payment method that is most convenient for you. If you prefer to pay in cash, you can also use euro cash, but many restaurants may prefer electronic payments.