Best restaurants in Helsinki

What is it? An unpretentiously elegant restaurant in Vallila that’s earned a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide for its excellent value for money – joining the ranks of 305, Nolla and Bona Fide.

Why we love it? One look through the windows and you’ll want to step inside. Plein feels so effortlessly cosy you can’t quite tell whether the laid-back décor is carefully curated or just happy coincidence – probably a bit of both. Unlike many fine-dining spots, it still looks like what it once was: a butcher’s shop. The wine list is written on tiled walls, and the music drifts from old-school rap to house. Once the first plate arrives, you understand why Plein earned its Bib Gourmand. The kitchen combines flavours and ingredients boldly, creating dishes that are both surprising and deeply satisfying. You always leave feeling you’ve tasted something new.

Time Out tip: After dinner, head straight across the street to the lovely Petiit wine bar.

Suvannontie 18, Vallila. Open evenings Wed–Sat. Expect to pay €58 for the four-course menu.

What is it? One of Helsinki’s most exciting new restaurants, from the powerhouse team behind 305, Wellamo and Bull and the Firm. (The other hot newcomer, Boreal, is near-impossible to get a table at.)

Why we love it? If you had to describe the food at Esmes, which opened on Iso Roba in October 2025, in one word, it would be naughty. The restaurant perfectly captures the mood of the moment: indulgent, comforting food for chaotic times. Instead of fine dining finesse, expect bold flavours – fat, salt, acidity and sweetness in unapologetic harmony. Schnitzels and other classics get a daring twist, and even the fries tell a story: topped with comté cheese and grilled lemon, their sharp tang cuts through the richness beautifully. The menu is refreshingly straightforward, and the space oozes cozy-but-cool energy. The oak counter wrapping around the open kitchen offers the very best seats in the house.

Time Out tip: The cocktail list is seriously well thought out, so set aside time before or after dinner to relax in the stylish lounge – Roba’s best spot for people-watching. The drinks alone are reason enough to come back.

Iso Roobertinkatu 24, Punavuori. Opening hours not yet fixed. Expect to pay around €65 for the tasting menu and €10–€36 à la carte.

What is it? A high-quality yet homely neighbourhood restaurant that’s open every day of the week.

Why we love it? Laivakoira radiates warmth. It feels like going over to a friend’s place for dinner. The walls are lined with quirky paintings, and while the prices aren’t the lowest in town, the quality makes every bite worth it. This is a place for slow enjoyment, especially on dark autumn evenings when you just want to get cosy. The cooking is classic yet bold: pure comfort food with the volume turned up. The broth served with the lamb pelmeni is so divine you’ll want to drink a whole jug of it while wrapped in a blanket.

Time Out tip: Order the fries on the side – they might just be the best in all of Helsinki.

Tehtaankatu 34, Eira. Open Mon–Sat 17:00–23:00, Sun 14:00–21:00. Expect to pay €55–€65 for the menu, starters around €15 and mains €30.

What is it? A tiny, three-table sushi restaurant serving the best sushi in Helsinki according to our Japanese friends.

Why we love it? You don’t need to go to Tokyo – Töölö will do nicely. Here, a Japanese sushi master in a crisp white coat slices fish with clockwork precision right before your eyes, shaping perfect rice morsels with equal care. The minimalist décor hardly matters when the sushi is this good – you’ll find yourself closing your eyes just to focus on the flavours. The combination of fresh fish and perfectly seasoned rice (with vinegar, salt and sugar) opens up such a vivid sensory world that even the soft background music starts to sound epic.
 

Time Out tip: The restaurant’s name is beautifully apt. Wa means both ‘Japanese’ and ‘harmony’, while Gocoro translates roughly as ‘heart’, ‘mind’ or ‘spirit’. So the romantics among us might read it as ‘the sushi of harmonious spirit’, while the realists will just see ‘Japanese sushi’.

Runeberginkatu 63, Taka-Töölö. Open Tue–Sat 12:00–18:00. Expect to pay €15–€25 for a sushi set.

What is it? A relaxed yet elegant bistro in Punavuori that’s always packed.

Why we love it? There are several reasons BasBas remains one of Helsinki’s most beloved restaurants. The food is excellent and fairly priced, with no unnecessary gimmicks, just great cooking. The atmosphere is warm, informal and cheerfully noisy. And the service is genuinely heartfelt: most of the staff have been here for years, which shows in the seamless rhythm even on the busiest nights. This is the kind of restaurant where you never have a bad meal. Oh, and the wine list? Outstanding value. The tartare? Among the best in the city.

Time Out tip: The booking calendar is almost always full, but you can often still get a seat without a reservation by showing up around 4:30pm or waiting for a table to free up at sister spot BasBas Kulma, which has a large bar that’s perfect for a glass (or two) while you wait. You’ll also find more space at BasBas Studio, which has left the experimental ethos behind and now follows the original’s style more closely, though its small size still allows for more rare and adventurous ingredients.

Tehtaankatu 27–29, Punavuori. Tue–Fri 16.00–01.00. Set menu €54, glass of wine €12–15

What is it? A cosmopolitan restaurant in Etu-Töölö, perfect for impressing a date or a business partner.

Why we love it? Restaurateurs Teemu Laurell and Lennart Sukapää drew inspiration from New York’s dining scene, and it shows. Teller’s sleek interiors and upbeat energy make every evening feel like an occasion. The menu is long and tempting, but the staff are great at helping you navigate it. The starters are especially brilliant – rich, inventive and beautifully balanced, each one somehow topping the last. You’ll want to try them all.

Time Out tip: Of all the mains we tried, the standout by far was the magnificent pepper steak – a flawless revival of an ’80s classic, rich with the umami of butter, cream and cognac, the bite of freshly cracked pepper, and that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth medium doneness. It’s pure comfort and culinary theatre on a plate.

Fredrikinkatu 71. Open evenings, closed Sundays. Expect to pay €68 for the four-course menu, starters from €14, pepper steak €47.

What is it? The first solo venture of chef Jari “Jason” Vesivalo, who honed his craft at Michelin-starred Olo.

Why we love it? The entrance to Jason, tucked away on Yrjönkatu, feels deliciously secretive: you step through the doorway of a classic Art Nouveau building and into a softly lit dining room that’s both refined and warmly relaxed. This is fine dining without the stiffness. The six-course tasting menu bursts with rich, layered flavours. Seasonality shines in dishes that might feature mushrooms, lingonberries, pumpkin and apple in autumn. Vesivalo says his goal isn’t to chase a Michelin star, but simply to make great food without pretension – which, to us mere mortals, translates to food that can make you both laugh and cry with joy.

Time Out tip: After paying the bill, the waiter will encourage you to pop into the kitchen for a small takeaway surprise. There, the chef hands you a pouch of calming tea to take home – a thoughtful gesture that leaves a lasting glow.

Yrjönkatu 5. Open for dinner Tue–Sat. Expect to pay €15–€39 for à la carte dishes and €87 for the six-course menu.

What is it? A stylish pizzeria in Punavuori serving what Italians say are the best pizzas in Helsinki.

Why we love it? With so many excellent pizzerias in town these days, picking a single ‘best’ one feels impossible – so we’ll let the Italians decide. The Italian pizza guide 50 Top Pizza has consistently ranked Forza among the best pizzerias in Europe, most recently placing it at number 22. It’s easy to see why. While most restaurants lose a bit of their magic over time, Forza somehow keeps getting better (or maybe our palates are just catching up). Everything works: the base, the toppings, the sides, the atmosphere, the service. Even our two-year-old dining companion was warmly welcomed with a highchair and little snacks with apple juice on the side. Full marks for pizza and service – just one off for price, which is a little on the high side.

Time Out tip: Choose between soft, wood-fired pizzas and crisp Roman-style pies baked in an electric oven. If you’re in a group, order several starters and different pizzas to share – ideally with a mix of both crust types.

Pursimiehenkatu 29–31, Punavuori. Closed Mon. Expect to pay €15 for starters and €18–€27 for pizzas.

What is it? A casual, lively pasta bar from Justine Caoibes (of Pobre fame) that puts as much emphasis on atmosphere as it does on food – and doesn’t pretend to be Italian.

Why we love it? In all its bourgeois calm, Töölö has been crying out for a spot like this: fun, approachable, and with a fantastic price–quality ratio. Third Place Pasta Bar has a menu with generous pasta dishes big enough to share, plus snacks and small, affordable pizzettas. Evenings often feature live music, DJs, pub quizzes or delightfully weird themed bingo nights. It’s the kind of place that could easily become your local.

Time Out tip: It’s popular but spacious enough that you usually won’t need to queue – unlike at another trendy pasta bar, Goose on Eerikinkatu. The crowd is a mix of locals and families, and parents needn’t worry about noise: this place is lively by design.

Arkadiankatu 23, Etu-Töölö. Open evenings Wed–Sat. Expect to pay €18–€22 for pasta.

What is it? Big, New York–style pizza slices on Vaasankatu – generous, affordable and seriously tasty.

Why we love it? Everyone loves Blondie. The pizzas are simple but spot-on: thick, saucy and satisfying, with a tomato base that could rival New York’s best. One slice fills you up; two and you’re done for the day. The location adds to the charm – Vaasankatu is one of Helsinki’s liveliest (and grittiest) streets, lined with tiny restaurants, scruffy bars and the occasional adult shop.

Time Out tip: The only downside? Blondie itself is tiny. It’s so popular that finding a seat can be tricky. If the queue looks daunting, switch plans and head next door to Tian Tian Dumplings – the best Chinese dumplings in town.

Vaasankatu 8, Kallio. Closed Mon. Expect to pay €4.50–€6.50 per slice.

What is it? Authentic Sichuan cuisine on Annankatu – the kind of place where you’ll actually find dishes like pig’s ear in chilli sauce.

Why we love it? Okay, not many Finns get cravings for pig’s ears, but this dish shows just how seriously Mei Lin takes Chinese cooking. Nothing here is toned down for Western palates. True to its name, Mei Lin also shines with its vegetarian dishes. The best way to experience it? Come with a group and order the table full of different plates – yes, including the pig’s ears. They’re surprisingly delicious.

Time Out tip: Mei Lin sits in a tiny pocket of Chinatown on Annankatu, next to two other classic Chinese spots: China, Helsinki’s oldest Chinese restaurant, and Long Wall, where Roger Moore once dined (because nothing else was open that night).

Annankatu 29, Kamppi. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Expect to pay under €20 for mains.

What is it? A laid-back Portuguese restaurant in Vallila serving perfect piri-piri chicken and other homey classics at wallet-friendly prices.

Why we love it? When you crave simple, hearty home cooking, Wave of Flavors is the place – served the Portuguese way. Portugal may not be famed for its haute cuisine, but when it comes to piri-piri chicken, they know exactly what they’re doing. Here it’s perfection: grilled to crispness on the outside, tender and juicy inside. The sauce hits all the right notes – spicy, tangy and aromatic – and the fried potatoes are divine. The seafood stew (marisco) is another must. Next time, we’re coming back for the cod and Alentejo pork stew.

Time Out tip: The piri-piri chicken is so good you’ll be tempted to test how many days in a row you could eat it. Probably quite a few – and your wallet won’t complain either, since it’s just €15.90, even at dinner.

Sturenkatu 28, Vallila. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Expect to pay under €20 for mains.

What is it? Forget the cosy-but-creamy fusion food at Pumpui – the city’s best Thai restaurant is the fully plant-based Thai Vegan Kitchen, which also happens to be one of Helsinki’s best vegetarian restaurants.

Why we love it? Thai Vegan Kitchen manages something rare: making Thai food taste authentic without using fish sauce. The flavours are vibrant and balanced – from spicy nam tok muu to rich khao soi noodles – with even the weakest dishes still absolutely delicious. Meat-eaters will want to taste everything just to see how each Thai classic works in vegan form. The décor is simple, but the food sings loudly enough for everyone.

Time Out tip: Do as they do in Asia – order as many dishes as possible and share them around the table. It’s the only proper way to eat Thai, where every plate is designed to balance the next.

Lapinlahdenkatu 9. Open daily, including lunch. Expect to pay around €15 for mains.

What is it? A new seafood-focused tapas restaurant from Luis Rico, the owner of Helsinki’s hugely popular Mexican spot, Taqueria el Rey.

Why we love it? Helsinki doesn’t have too many proper tapas bars, and Bonito fills that gap beautifully. The tapas are excellent – perfectly balanced with just the right amount of salt, fat and umami, the kind of flavours that make you want to have another glass of wine (most of which is Spanish, naturally). Unfortunately, the tapas are also on the pricey side, as is often the case in Finland: the Iberian ham croquettes are absolutely delicious, but at €12 for just two, they feel almost teasingly small. The décor is understated, if a little bland: beige walls and light wood on the floors and furniture alike. Here’s hoping the atmosphere gains a bit more edge once large, lively dinner groups fill the space.

Time Out tip: Of the mains, the charcoal-grilled Iberian pork was a touch shy in flavour, but the grilled octopus was perfection – worth the visit on its own. The house signature is a whole grilled sea bass for two (€39), but we’ll have to go back to try it – our dining companion opted for that modest pork instead.

Richardinkatu 4, Kaartinkaupunki. Closed Sun–Mon. Expect to pay €6–€18 for sharing tapas and around €28 for mains.

What is it? A Michelin Green Star restaurant on Iso Roba where you can indulge guilt-free – and surprisingly affordably – thanks to its focus on sustainable gastronomy.

Why we love it? We’ll admit it: the first time we went, it was because Natura is one of Helsinki’s most affordable fine-dining spots (along with Kuurna). Only later did we learn about its strong sustainability ethos. The menu changes daily based on the season and what’s available. Ingredients come from small family farms and organic producers the staff know personally. Expect Finnish game, sustainably caught fish and well-thought-out vegetarian options. The elegant dishes highlight Nordic flavours and techniques like fermenting, curing and both hot and cold smoking. A charcoal grill adds the finishing touch.

Time Out tip: The wild duck appears often on the menu. When the waiter warns you to watch your teeth while biting in, take it seriously – there might actually be a tiny piece of buckshot hidden in the meat. Finding one feels a bit like discovering the almond in your Christmas porridge.

Iso Roobertinkatu 11, Punavuori. Open Wed–Sun 17:00–00:00. Expect to pay €49 for a four-course menu, mains around €24.

What is it? Helsinki’s ultimate Reuben sandwich spot, tucked away in Herttoniemi – because sometimes, you just need pastrami.

Why we love it? Is there any greater joy for a meat-lover than sinking your teeth into tender, marbled pastrami? Especially when it’s layered with melted Emmental and sauerkraut. After 20 years touring Finland as a musician, Canadian Chris Paton started craving a proper Reuben – and when he couldn’t find one, he opened Mr. Pastrami. The meat is brined for two weeks, smoked for 20 hours and served between golden, buttery slices of bread. Sides include mac and cheese and coleslaw, made just like his aunt used to. Could it get any better? Maybe – if you finish with the apple pie or New York cheesecake, both house-made.

Time Out tip: Thursdays between 11:00 and 13:00 are for meat lovers – Chris himself carves brisket straight onto your plate. On Saturdays, the place stays open past midnight, serving meaty favourites and hosting karaoke.

Insinöörinkatu 12, Herttoniemi (there’s another in Westend). Open for lunch and early dinner. Closed Mon & Sun. Expect to pay around €18–€25 for sandwiches, sides from €5.

What is it? A stylish but unpretentious brasserie in a top-notch location – right by Esplanadi park – that works for any occasion.

Why we love it? Too few fine-dining-level restaurants in Helsinki open for lunch or on Sundays, but Alexanderplats does both. Its art deco–inspired interiors make it feel like it’s always been there, even though it only opened five years ago. White tablecloths, groovy music, and a confident yet easy-going atmosphere make it effortlessly elegant. The service strikes the perfect balance: polished but friendly. You can pop in for a quick bite or settle in for a long dinner – it’s equally suited for dates, business meetings or catch-ups with friends. The menu focuses on timeless European and Nordic classics, cooked with care and precision. This is a restaurant that felt like a classic from the day it opened.

Time Out tip: Craving for more serious fine dining vibes on a Sunday? Head to Passio on Kalevankatu, where the kitchen serves only three- or five-course surprise menus.

Eteläesplanadi 22, City Centre. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Expect to pay about €16 for starters and €30 for mains.

What is it? Helsinki has no shortage of great noodle spots – think Noodle Master in Kamppi or Jumbowl – but 99 TopMeal takes the title thanks to the infectious energy of its owner.
Why we love it? If you ever find yourself near the Central Railway Station wondering where to get something reliably good and affordable, this is your answer. It’s not the place for a date (the décor is… minimal), but it oozes character. 99 TopMeal is as close as you’ll get to an authentic Asian street kitchen in Finland. Owner Mr. Xin Guo greets everyone personally, darting from table to table while explaining in rapid-fire Chinglish how long each broth or meat has been simmering. (Answer: a long time.) The Taiwanese beef noodle soup is a sure bet – deeply flavoured and comforting. Pair it with the complimentary small side dishes like spicy cucumber salad, and you’ll be in Chinese heaven.
Time Out tip: Mr. Guo always checks how spicy you want your noodles before cooking. Don’t overestimate yourself – he’s from Jiangxi province, which he swears is the spiciest in China. ‘Sichuan is nothing compared to Jiangxi!’ he declares proudly.
Mikonkatu 8, Aikatalo, City Centre. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Expect to pay around €18 for noodles, a few euros less at lunch.

What is it? A charming, Mediterranean-leaning restaurant in a 19th-century wooden villa on the edge of Kaivopuisto park – once home to legendary Finnish actress Ida Aalberg.

Why we love it? There’s nowhere else in central Helsinki quite as cosy. Elm really does feel like stepping into someone’s living room. The starters are designed for sharing, adding to the convivial feel. It’s particularly magical during the festive season, when snow piles up outside the windows, or in spring, when the park fills with May Day picnickers. From the team behind the innovative, zero-waste restaurant Nolla, Elm takes the opposite approach. Its cooking is refreshingly straightforward: simple food done exceptionally well. Lunch is served alongside dinner.

Time Out tip: Kids are very welcome at Elm. The restaurant even hosts occasional dinner events where a hired babysitter keeps little ones entertained – giving parents a rare moment of peace.

Puistokatu 4, Kaivopuisto. Expect to pay €49 for the set menu and €19–€39 for mains.

What is it? A Georgian restaurant in a grand old building with a prime central location – yet surprisingly affordable.

Why we love it? Georgian restaurants are taking over Helsinki, and we’re not complaining – Georgian food is pure joy. Lia, located on Erottaja, is a great pick: elegant surroundings, central location, but prices that rival smaller spots like Georgian Vibe in Sörnäinen. The addictive adjika sauce alone is reason to return, as are the khachapuri breads – crisp-edged, soft and cheesy inside. Skip the cold starters and desserts and focus on the hearty mains and sides to share with your group.

Time Out tip: Georgian dining culture is built around toasts – heartfelt, eloquent and often lengthy. Raise your glass generously in celebration of friendship, love, family, the past and the future. But don’t get carried away: a Georgian toast can last an hour. A few minutes will do.

Erottajankatu 2, Punavuori. Open for dinner, closed Tue. Expect to pay €16 for khachapuri and around €24 for mains.