Every Michelin-starred restaurant in Helsinki – and what we think of them

What is it? Boreal turns fermentation into culinary art. The restaurant earned its first Michelin star in June 2026 and, if prices remain unchanged, is also the most affordable Michelin-starred dinner experience in Helsinki.

Why do we love it? The name Boreal refers to the northern regions of the world, and that’s exactly the flavour profile the restaurant delivers. At chef Pasha Demin’s restaurant, vegetables harvested in summer and autumn are fermented and preserved so they can be enjoyed long after the growing season has ended. Here, one of the oldest methods of food preservation is transformed into fine dining, unlocking flavours that have largely been forgotten. Despite the meticulous attention to detail behind the seven-course tasting menu (€99), the atmosphere remains warm, relaxed and as welcoming as a neighbourhood bistro.

Time Out tip: Alongside wine and juice pairings, Boreal offers a mixed pairing that combines the two — a genuinely brilliant idea. You get to experience both flavour worlds without committing to a full wine pairing.

Uudenmaankatu 9, Kamppi. Open Tue–Sat 5pm–11pm. Expect to pay €99 for the seven-course tasting menu.

What is it? Striving for perfection yet never afraid to play, this Michelin-starred restaurant has held its star for 15 years. Each dish is a fleeting work of art, crafted with precision and flair – even the humble potato becomes a culinary adventure here.

Why we love it? At Olo, you truly see and taste the difference between a merely excellent restaurant and one worthy of a Michelin star. The tasting menu isn’t just a meal – it’s a three-hour journey through a gastronomic wonderland. There’s no repetition, just around nine distinct courses, each its own experience yet beautifully in balance with the rest. The flavours don’t shout, they seduce – sometimes even playfully so. Guiding you along the way is head waiter Sam, tactful and charming, with a glint in his eye and a quick wit always at the ready. And when the evening draws to a close, you can’t help but sigh: what a feeling – which is fitting, since olo means exactly that in Finnish.

Time Out tip: For the full experience, go for the drink pairing – it really completes the meal. Both the wine pairings and the non-alcoholic options are a delight. The petit pairing is a great choice, letting you taste the entire range of drinks in smaller pours than the full pairing.

Pohjoisesplanadi 5. Tue–Sat 6pm–midnight. Menu €175; with petit pairing €276.

What is it? Run by long-time Michelin-starred chef Tommi Tuominen and local celebrity chef Henkka Alén, Finnjävel reimagines Finnish comfort food with a modern twist.

Why we love it: There’s a playful spirit here, starting with the name. ‘Finnjävel’ was once a Swedish slur aimed at drunken, badly behaved Finns. Here you’ll see what happens when once humble Finnish classics like pork belly stew are reimagined and reconstructed at Michelin level.

Time Out tip: Finnjävel is effectively two restaurants under one roof: the Michelin-starred Salonki and the more relaxed Sali, where a four-course menu costs a very reasonable €65.

Ainonkatu 3 (inside Taidehalli). Salonki: Tue–Sat 5pm–11.20pm. Sali: Tue–Fri 11.30am–11.30pm (kitchen closed 3pm–5pm), Sat 3pm–11.30pm. The five-course tasting menu costs €108, while the eight-course menu is priced at €138.

What is it? Helsinki’s longest-standing Michelin-starred restaurant, Demo has held its star since 2007. Its ambition shows in the fact that the menu changes daily.

Why we love it: For years, Demo was tucked away in a small space on Uudenmaankatu, but in autumn 2024 it moved to the top of a high-rise in Ruoholahti. The panoramic views elevate the experience even further, and wine lovers are spoilt for choice, with more than 400 old-world wines available.

Time Out tip: Demo is the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Helsinki that also serves lunch. Allow at least an hour for the four-course menu (€64) and two for the six-course version (€95).

Itämerenkatu 25. Mon 11am–3pm, Tue–Fri 11am–3pm, Sat 5pm–11pm, Sun closed. Dinner menu €168.

What is it? Helsinki’s – and Finland’s – only two-star Michelin restaurant. Opened in 1952 to welcome Olympic tourists, Palace is a true classic, so good that even the steep price feels like great value.

Why we love it: Year after year, professionals vote it the best restaurant in Finland. It’s easy to see why: take the lift to the tenth floor of architect Viljo Revell’s modernist building and step into a complete fine-dining experience. Every detail is polished to perfection – the views, the service, the wines and, of course, the food, which is both modern and deeply rooted in tradition. The bill may soar as high as the dining room, but this is one place where you’ll happily pay through the nose, smiling all the way.

Time Out tip: Book a table here to celebrate something truly special. The experience will stay with you longer than most weekend breaks – and costs about the same.

Eteläranta 10. Wed–Sat 6pm–midnight. Tasting menu €250; wine pairing €220; premium wine pairing €350.

What is it? One of the few Michelin-starred restaurants also awarded a Green Star for sustainability, Grön makes the most of seasonal vegetables, wild herbs and responsibly sourced local produce.

Why we love it: Grön combines world-class gastronomy with environmental responsibility so seamlessly that many in the industry think it deserves a second star.

Time Out tip: A must for vegetarians and vegans: the plant-based menu is every bit as ambitious as the one with meat.

Albertinkatu 36. Wed–Fri 5pm–midnight, Sat 1pm–3.30pm and 5pm–midnight. Menu €168.