Best restaurants in Turku

What is it? The One and Only. Kaskis is Turku’s most famous restaurant, and the food is top-notch. It has been awarded both a Michelin star and a Michelin Green Star.

Why we love it? Kaskis has put Turku on the international gastronomic map. A Michelin star was predicted from the moment it opened, and when the star arrived in summer 2022, the whole city went wild with joy. Kaskis is an ambitiously executed whole where everything clicks: stylish interiors, incredibly good, meticulously hand-crafted food, inventive and surprising drinks, bespoke serveware and cutlery, and warm, relaxed service. The heart and soul of Kaskis are its owners, Erik Mansikka and Simo Raisio. Usually one of them is on the pass, plating alongside the talented team. It’s been fully booked since day one, so if you want a table, study the booking system and act early. It’s worth joining the waitlist too – cancellations do happen.

Time Out tip: The Kaskis menu ends with a box of sweets filled with a playful selection of childhood favourites – think gummy bears, frogs and fox candies. The shapes are familiar, but this isn’t a shop-bought mix: every sweet is handmade at Kaskis.

Address: Kaskenkatu 6 a

Opening hours: Wed–Fri 18:00–23:00, Sat 15:00–23:00

Expect to pay: Kaskis menu €129, wine pairing €99, non-alcoholic pairing €59.

What is it? A trailblazer of Turku’s dining culture and a trend-proof classic you’ll return to again and again.

Why we love it? You can always rely on Mami, Mami never lets you down. Standing by Vähätori on the Aura riverside, Mami is a mix of neighbourhood spot and bistro. It leans on the season’s best and on local produce, and has stayed true to its style for almost 20 years. Mami’s popularity kick-started Turku’s restaurant boom. It’s a small place with a big impact and a pioneer of Turku’s food culture. There are always classics on the menu – in autumn, for instance, porcini risotto, veal wiener schnitzel and duck three ways. Mami’s lunch is among the city’s most popular, and in summer the salads are unbeatable in size.

Time Out tip: On Saturdays from 13:00 Mami serves a market lunch shaped by the season, with excellent value. It includes starter, main and dessert, and you can buy it as a fixed-price set or as individual courses.

Address: Linnankatu 3

Opening hours: Mon closed, Tue–Fri 11:00–22:00, Sat 13:00–22:00, Sun closed

Expect to pay: three-course menu €74, with cheese €79.

What is it? A restaurant set in a former prison on Kakolanmäki Hill, where generous sharing feasts have replaced prison rations.

Why we love it? Moody and a little maze-like, Kakolanruusu is a perfect escape from everyday life. It operates on Kakolanmäki, in the former Kakola prison’s night-cell wing. It shares some owners with Kaskis, but the concept is entirely its own. Nicknamed “Ruusu”, its speciality is the feast: food is served in large dishes or on platters and meant for the table to share. The heart of the kitchen is a birch-log-fuelled open-fire grill that lends dishes an unmistakable flavour. The wine list focuses on European bottles and is tightly curated. You can make rarer finds from the cellar list. There’s a lounge bar at the entrance for artisan cocktails or mocktails. Cocktail lists change whenever the food menu does. On Fridays and Saturdays there’s a DJ in the lounge.

Time Out tip: Try the house signature, Kakola Classic. It comes as a cocktail or a mocktail and showcases seasonal flavours such as apple, rhubarb or birch. It’s served in a tin mug stamped with a rose – perfectly on-theme for the prison setting.

Address: Graniittilinnankatu 2F

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 17:00–23:00 (kitchen 22:00), Fri 12:00–14:30 and 16:00–00:00 (22:00), Sat 13:00–00:00 (22:00)

Expect to pay: feast + wine pairing a little over €100 per person.

What is it? A relaxed bistro in Turku Market Hall – by many accounts Turku’s best fish restaurant. The dish of the day often comes with a joke of the day.

Why we love it? Located in the market hall, Herkkunuotta is an excellent fishmonger supplying many of Turku’s top restaurants. Tacked onto it is a tiny bistro that blasts out hundreds of plates a day from its open kitchen, at a relentless pace and with great humour. Guests turn over so fast along the long counters that most restaurants could only dream of it. If you want a seat at peak lunch, grab the first free stool. There are at least three choices at lunch: soup, salad and a daily dish – the line-up changes with the catch. With the fish soup they serve Herkkunuotta’s own archipelago bread, baked by Bageri Å. (A sign on the counter says this bread was voted Finland’s best – in a poll of the entire Herkkunuotta staff.)

Time Out tip: For ten years now, Wednesdays at Herkkunuotta have meant a sinfully good prawn burger, heavy on the mayo. You can upgrade to a ‘Happy Meal’ by adding fried potatoes dressed with toppings and prawns. No toy included, though!

Address: Turun Kauppahalli, Eerikinkatu 16

Opening hours: The bistro is open Monday to Saturday 11:00–15:00.

Expect to pay: weekday lunches around €15.

What is it? The city’s most living-room-like wine bar & restaurant, where you’re welcomed like an old friend. Inventive dishes that change weekly.

Why we love it? There’s a hint of speakeasy spirit here – you might not stumble upon it by accident. Then again, that might just be Turku locals exaggerating distances: although Vinossa sits at the back of an inner courtyard, it’s only a few steps from the river. It began as a wine bar serving bites with drinks, then pivoted and grew into a restaurant. Vinossa’s secret sauce is its authenticity, intensity and personality. It feels like stepping into good friends’ living room – and they just happen to have outrageously good food and drink waiting. The menu changes every Thursday. The value is stellar: a four-course menu is just €49.

Time Out tip: You can eat at the bar, so grab a stool, order the whole snack menu in one go and share it with a mate. Expect, for example, the city’s crispiest fries.

Address: Linnankatu 3

Opening hours: Thu 17:00–00:00 (22:00), Fri & Sat 17:00–01:00 (22:00)

Expect to pay: snacks from €6, four-course menu €49.

What is it? A charming brasserie on the Aura riverside serving the French kitchen’s finest. One of the city’s newest arrivals.

Why we love it? White tablecloths – check. Plates monogrammed with an A – check. French classics – check. Opened summer 2025, Amelie brings a welcome waft of refined Parisian charm to Turku. Settle into the dainty chairs, let your eyes roam the beautiful room and peek at the river through the café curtains. Amelie’s menu features many dishes you won’t find elsewhere in Turku: crab toast, cheese-filled profiteroles, French onion soup. French style meets Finnish produce too – the cloud-like quenelles star local pike. The drinks list spans interesting European wines, and the champagne selection is unusually broad.

Time Out tip: Je m’appelle Amelie or Coco Chanel 2.0? Try the stunning signature cocktails – they’re photogenic too!

Address: Linnankatu 3

Opening hours: Mon closed, Tue–Thu 12:00–23:00 (kitchen 22:00), Fri 11:00–00:00 (22:00), Sat 12:00–00:00 (22:00), Sun closed

Expect to pay: at Amelie you’ll manage a couple of starters, a main and dessert for about €70.

What is it? A café-restaurant on the riverside where you can enjoy on-trend sando sandwiches.

Why we love it? Japanese layered sandos are Instagram-famous for a reason – they’re beautiful. Turku got its sandos thanks to Brunndeli, which opened on May Day 2025 and operates within Aboa Vetus Ars Nova, Finland’s only archaeological museum. Weekday lunch revolves around sandos, and weekends bring a fresh, varied and hugely popular brunch. The counter also holds some of the city’s prettiest pastries. The space is bright and lofty – it’s not every day you have coffee among the ruins of medieval stone houses. There’s enough room to swap even your juiciest secrets without someone eavesdropping at your elbow. The crowd is wonderfully mixed: students, museum-goers, school groups, seniors.

Time Out tip: Tamago Sando is perhaps the most famous egg-filled sando, but the king here is the Fried Chicken Katsu Sando. The crowd favourite layers crispy chicken thigh, tonkatsu sauce and wasabi-spiked slaw between slices of bread.

Address: Itäinen Rantakatu 4–6

Opening hours: Mon 11:00–15:00, Tue–Sun 11:00–18:00. Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–14:00, brunch Saturdays 11:00–14:00

Expect to pay: sandos around €15

What is it? TV chef Kari "Kape" Aihinen’s relaxed quality restaurant by Turku Cathedral.

Why we love it? Step into Roster and you’re almost at the open kitchen straight away. Food aromas, steaming pots, someone calling a hello – everything says this is a place that gets things done. Roster shuns stiffness and is hard to pigeonhole: it doesn’t cling to any single style or cuisine. Plates bring big flavours and bold combinations, and the vegetarian dishes are among the city’s best. Try them, you won’t regret it. Roster sits in a unique setting: the two-floor Maaherran Makasiini beside the cathedral. The interiors mix classic elegance with a neon tube skull. There are spaces for larger groups too. Next door is Makasiini Contemporary – pair your visit with a pop into the gallery.

Time Out tip: Roster’s beef tartare has become a local byword. The garnish changes with the seasons, and regulars wait with bated breath for each new tartare to hit the menu. Some guests come solely for it.

Address: Tuomiokirkonkatu 6

Opening hours: Mon–Thu lunch 11:00–14:30, à la carte 16:00–22:00; Fri lunch 11:00–14:30, à la carte 16:00–23:00; Sat à la carte 15:00–23:00; Sun closed

Expect to pay: most guests choose the four-course Kape Fix at €62.

What is it? A cosy meeting place in a prime spot: wine bar, laid-back restaurant and a terrace open year-round.

Why we love it? Right by the Aura Bridge on the riverside, Tintå sits on the prettiest stretch of street in town. In summer the restaurant spills out towards the water with little tables. When in doubt, go to Tintå. There’s a startlingly broad wine list, dishes you won’t tire of, a mood-laden setting and a professional core team with just the right attitude. If you want something tasty that will definitely fill you up, order Tintå’s legendary beef pita – a pita base piled high with sesame salad, house kimchi, sriracha mayo and hanger steak. You can have it vegan, and there are often variations at lunchtime too.

Time Out tip: Always check the cake display and pick dessert from there – Tintå’s bakers know how to spoil you. We reckon their Brita cake might be the best in the city.

Address: Läntinen Rantakatu 9

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11:00–24:00 (kitchen 22:00), Fri 11:00–01:00 (23:00), Sat 12:00–01:00 (23:00), Sun 12:00–22:00 (21:00)

Expect to pay: Tintå’s beef pita plus a glass of good red about €40.

What is it? One of Europe’s best pizzerias, focused on Neapolitan pizza and delivering serious value for money.

Why we love it? This place was born from a passion for great pizza. Founded by the charming Angelo Tursi, 450 °C is already a Turku institution. The Italian 50 Top Pizza list – a who’s who of the world’s best – has repeatedly (and deservedly!) included it; most recently, the restaurant placed a superb 24th. Opposite the market hall in the Hansa Quarter, it’s almost always full – no wonder, given the quality and the fair prices. Book ahead, especially evenings and weekends. It’s very relaxed, with piles of scissors for cutting your pizza into perfect slices. There’s house-made pasta and an excellent tiramisu too. Many pair their pie with San Pellegrino lemonades, but there are beers, wines and cocktails as well.

Time Out tip: For years the much-loved Gelateria Nuvole operated in the Hansa Quarter, also one of Angelo’s venues. Now you’ll find a wide range of Nuvole’s artisan gelato at 450 – ask for two flavours in one cup and enjoy.

Address: Eerikinkatu 15 (Hansakortteli)

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11:00–21:00 (kitchen 20:00), Fri 11:00–22:00 (21:00), Sat 12:00–22:00 (21:00), Sun 13:00–19:00

Expect to pay: most pizzas €17–€18.

What is it? A high-quality Scandinavian restaurant on the riverside, noted by the Michelin Guide.

Why we love it? When you want a top-tier dining experience in stylish surroundings, Smör is the answer. The restaurant believes in fine dining, elegant details and great service. The location is golden: on the riverside by the main library and close to everything. It’s easy to grab a pre-dinner drink and then head into the night afterwards. The room is beautiful and intimate, stylishly appointed, with small private rooms and a wine cellar beyond. There’s no stiffness here: service is friendly and relaxed, expert and smooth. Plates are beautiful, skilful and full of detail. Smör champions local produce and avoids waste. Go for the signature menu to see the kitchen at its best. Smör was recognised by the Michelin Guide in 2023, and locals are hoping hard for a star – it would be deserved.

Time Out tip: Smör’s non-alcoholic pairing is incredible and in no way inferior to the wine flight. Many of the drinks are made in-house, including cold-brewed teas and various juices. Pairings change with the season and the menu.

Address: Läntinen Rantakatu 3

Opening hours: Wed–Thu 17:00–23:00, Fri 17:00–00:00, Sat 16:00–00:00

Expect to pay: signature menu €99, wine pairing €72, non-alcoholic pairing €41.

What is it? A sharp, self-defined restaurant cooking in the spirit of Asian and Japanese kitchens. There’s excellent sushi and sashimi too.

Why we love it? On Aurakatu, Karu does things its own way without compromise. There’s nothing else like it in the city, so no wonder it has a large, loyal fanbase. Karu has marched to its own beat for over a decade and just gets better with age. At the helm is chef Valtteri Willberg, a charismatic character specialising in Asian cuisine. He also holds the respected and rare title of certified sushi master. Many come specifically for the sushi – at Karu it’s close to art. A perennial favourite is the Magic Roll, which draws guests from across Finland. Other Karu classics include sweet-spicy ribs, grilled chicken with Korean chilli sauce, and sliders – steamed buns filled with soft-shell crab and fixings.

Time Out tip: Karu has a genuine Japanese hibachi grill, which sears dishes at high heat for a particularly tasty char. Hibachi translates as “fire bowl”.

Address: Aurakatu 3

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 17:00–22:00, Fri 17:00–24:00, Sat 16:00–24:00

Expect to pay: Karu’s tasting menu €79 per person.

What is it? The only immersive restaurant in the Nordics, where dinner is woven into a story.

Why we love it? Based in Logomo, MOVE·5D is a singular, powerful experience. A first-of-its-kind concept in Finland (and the Nordics) combines a high-level dinner with 360-degree projections on the walls and ceiling. It’s dinner and a show in one – and the show covers every surface. The multi-hour meal is a guided journey, with a skilled, tightly knit team leading guests from course to course and mood to mood. Dishes are crafted from local ingredients with great skill. Expect wow moments: a starter might be an edible oyster shell; dessert may be ‘picked’ from tree branches. There are intriguing wine pairings and a non-alcoholic flight too. The first themed dinner took guests to the archipelago, the second into the world of private detective Jussi Vares, and at the moment you’ll travel the globe tasting flavours from near and far.

Time Out tip: Phones are completely banned during this dinner – not even photos. The atmosphere is open and intimate as a result, and many end up chatting to their neighbours and even heading out together afterwards. If you simply must have a keepsake, there are a few Polaroid cameras on the tables.

Address: Logomo, Junakatu 9

Opening hours: Check dinner dates via TableOnline.

Expect to pay: prices vary by concept; The Essence of Taste dinner is €269 including drinks.

What is it? A cosy riverside restaurant on the banks of the Aura River, right next to Kirjastosilta. E. Ekblom is an easygoing spot with a concise menu full of classic flavours. Prices are customer-friendly, the flavours are spot on and the dishes are beautifully presented.

Why we love it? At Ekblom it’s a good idea to start by ordering several starters – or even the whole set – and only then begin planning your mains. And whatever you do, don’t skip the crisps and dips. Order them first. They’re the perfect salty bite alongside a pre-dinner drink. Ekblom offers not only interesting wines but also excellent cocktails and mocktails that are well worth trying. The restaurant has several distinct spaces. The bright and airy street-level dining room, with its striking illuminated vine growing along the wall, has a completely different feel from the downstairs area. The vaulted cellars below create an atmospheric setting for a date or a fun evening with friends.

Time Out tip: If you need a private space for your group, the restaurant has the Old Wine Cellar cabinet room, which can host up to 16 diners.

Address: Läntinen Rantakatu 3

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 16–22, Fri 16–24, Sat 14–24

Expect to pay: three-course menu €47

What is it? A Berlin-inspired taproom on Turku’s Kakolanmäki hill serving crisp pizzas and a wide selection of beers from its own brewery.

Why we love it? Kakola Brewing Company’s Taproom sits on Kakolanmäki in the former kitchen spaces of the old prison. The rough-edged setting has been transformed into an atmospheric taproom that invites you to linger. The whole setup includes the brewery itself, a small shop and the restaurant space, which in a good way brings to mind the bohemian bars of Berlin. KBC’s pizzas are delicious, with crisp bases and inventive toppings. If you arrive with a bigger group, order several different pizzas and share slices around – the truth is that pieces grabbed from a friend’s plate always taste best. Naturally, the real speciality here is Kakola Brewing Company’s own beers, with plenty to choose from across a 16-tap lineup.

Time Out tip: The cute little shop next to KBC has takeaway rights, so you can pick up the brewery’s beers and soft drinks to go (also chilled), along with stylish brewery merchandise.

Address: Graniittilinnankatu 2 K 117, Kakolanmäki

Opening hours: Wed–Thu 16–22, Fri 16–23, Sat 12–2

Expect to pay: pizzas €15.50, fries and dip €6.50

What is it? A stylish restaurant focused on the flavours of the archipelago – the kind of place where you’d happily take even your most important guests.

Why we love it? Located on the banks of the Aura River, Oobu is a charmingly elegant spot. The eye lingers on the restaurant’s many stylish details (take a moment to admire the lighting), and the window tables offer a beautiful riverside view in every season. The menu features archipelago dishes with a modern touch. The plates are not only tasty but also satisfyingly generous. Everything on the menu is gluten-free and lactose-free, and there’s also a four-course vegan menu available. Oobu’s smoked salmon soup is a real find, both in flavour and value for money (€22), and the restaurant’s shrimp sandwich is among the best you’ll find in the city. The wine list has been curated by one of the city’s top wine experts and includes both classic European wines and, from time to time, more unusual discoveries.

Time Out tip: Oobu’s corner cabinet is the best place in the city to watch the sunset and take photos. In summer, the restaurant’s charming mini balcony is an unbeatable spot for a date.

Address: Läntinen Rantakatu 9

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 11–22, Fri 11–23, Sat 12–23; Sun–Mon closed

Expect to pay: smoked salmon soup (large) €22, pike-perch Mannerheim style €39