The best restaurants in Finland 2026: Same champion for the seventh year running

While global culinary rankings often shift like the tide, Finland’s gastronomic scene remains under the steady, iron-clad rule of a single champion. In the 2026 edition of the country’s most prestigious industry vote, Palace proved once again why it is the ‘one star’ that outshines them all – despite, or perhaps because of, its two Michelin stars.

The rankings are published by Viisi Tähteä Media, a cornerstone of the Finnish food scene since the early 2000s. Unlike consumer-led guides, this list is decided by a ‘jury of peers’, an intense vote by 500 hospitality and tourism professionals. It is the list the chefs themselves watch with bated breath.

The result? A reign of absolute stability at the summit. Palace, Finland’s only two-Michelin-starred establishment, has now pulled level with the legendary and long-defunct Chez Dominique (led by Hans Välimäki), which dominated the top spot from 2004 to 2010. Palace is no longer just a restaurant; it is a Finnish institution that currently feels untouchable. Perched on the 10th floor of a modernist masterpiece built for the 1952 Olympics, it was the first restaurant in Finland to receive a Michelin star back in 1987. Under Executive Chef Eero Vottonen, the kitchen delivers a masterclass in Nordic precision, though such excellence comes at a premium: the signature tasting menu is currently priced at €250 per person.

Historically, only a handful of names have managed to break through the dominance of the giants Palace and Chez Dominique: Farang (2011), Olo (2012), and Grön (2018–2019). Note that the vote took a hiatus between 2013 and 2017.

The rest of the 2026 podium followed a familiar, high-quality script: the effortlessly cool and atmospheric BasBas took second place, followed by the nature-focused Michelin-starred Grön in third.

However, the ‘New Nordic’ spirit is thriving far beyond the capital. 30 percent of the top ten now hails from outside Helsinki: Turku’s Kaskis (6th), Tampere’s Kajo (7th), and the lakeside serenity of Rantasalmi’s Solitary (9th). In total, 15 regional restaurants made the list, including Vantaa’s Vintero.

The most dramatic ascent came from Luovuus kukkii Kaaoksesta (Creativity Blooms from Chaos), which catapulted from 28th place last year to 10th. Helsinki also welcomed several fresh faces to the rankings, with Boreal, Shii, Twenty Four Social Club, and Esmes all making their debut appearances. The regional expansion continued with Vaasa's Fröj also securing a well-deserved spot among the newcomers. Meanwhile, the title of the year’s ultimate 'dark horse' went to Kuopio’s Musta Lammas (Black Sheep); proving that after an 18-year hiatus, this particular sheep isn't so 'black' after all, charging straight back into 43rd place.

It is worth noting that while this industry-voted list leans heavily towards high-end, fine-dining "temples," Time Out’s own rankings of Finland tend to offer a different flavour. Where the professionals vote for prestige, Time Out prioritises soul and value, frequently elevating hidden ethnic gems and the humblest of noodle spots to the top of the pile.

Check Time Out’s picks for Helsinki’s best restaurants and Finland’s best restaurants.

Full list of Finland's top 50 restaurants

1. Palace, Helsinki
2. Bas Bas, Helsinki
3. Grön, Helsinki
4. Jason, Helsinki
5. Kaskis, Turku
6. Kajo, Tampere
7. Alexanderplats, Helsinki
8. Savoy, Helsinki
9. Solitary, Rantasalmi
10. Luovuus kukkii kaaoksesta, Helsinki
11. Vinkkeli, Helsinki
12. Demo, Helsinki
13. Olo, Helsinki
14. Finnjävel Salonki, Helsinki
15. Bona Fide, Helsinki
16. Teller, Helsinki
17. Cafe Savoy, Helsinki
18. Kuurna, Helsinki
19. Le Grec, Helsinki
20. Shii, Helsinki
21. Nolla, Helsinki
22. Mami, Turku
23. Sky Kitchen & View, Rovaniemi
24. Bistro Bardot, Helsinki
25. Vår, Porvoo
26. Nokka, Helsinki
27. The Grand Bar & Grill, Helsinki
28. Bisoubisou, Helsinki
29. Smör, Turku
30. Sicapelle, Porvoo
31. Ravintola 305, Helsinki
32. Muru, Helsinki
33. Twenty Four Social Club, Helsinki
34. Kosmos, Helsinki
35. Wellamo, Helsinki
36. Fröj, Vaasa
37. Boreal, Helsinki
38. Boulevard Bar & Seafood, Helsinki
39. Le Ankka, Helsinki
40. Plein, Helsinki
41. Laivakoira, Helsinki
42. Apaja, Tampere
43. Musta Lammas, Kuopio
44. Gustavo, Turku
45. Vinossa, Turku
46. Ravinteli Huber, Tampere
47. Vintero, Vantaa
48. Goose Pastabar, Helsinki
49. The Bull & The Firm, Helsinki
50. Esmes, Helsinki