2 Best Restaurants in Helsinki, Finland

Background Illustration for Restaurants

Helsinki is dotted with cozy yet decidedly modern-looking venues offering reindeer, herring, and pike accompanied by delicious Finnish mushrooms or wild-berry sauces. Don't be turned off by spare menu descriptions such as "reindeer with lingonberry sauce and chanterelles,"—it's a classic example of the Finnish tendency toward understatement, and the skill will be evident in the taste. You'll find everything from Mexican to Nepalese (quite popular with locals) in the city, though not at every price point. Expect European-size entrées, excellent location, and service at a steep price. A strong café culture makes it easy to find a tasty, reasonably priced lunch.

KuuKuu

$$ | Töölö

A five-minute walk from the austere Neoclassical Parliament House, on the same street as the National Museum and close to the "Church in the Rock," this casual local gem is the kind of restaurant travelers delight to discover. The main courses have a pan-European flavor and the decor is elegant modern Nordic, but the "classics"—the sort of hearty food that grandma used to make—are what this place is about. Seasonal game is popular in the colder months; in summer the menu lightens to include quality salads and fish. But whenever you come, you're in for good-quality, wholesome, Finnish organic ingredients at their best. Roasted butternut squash is an excellent starter. Pan-fried breast of pheasant makes a terrific main-course follow-up. Diners can choose between one of three set menus, including a delicious vegetable-only option, and a varied à la carte selection.

Story

$ | Kauppatori

The original branch of the local bistro Story started in Vanha Kauppahalli—the Old Market Hall near the South Harbour—and that's where it's still going strong as a popular lunch restaurant. It offers tasty and affordable snacks, breakfast, brunch, and lunch, including especially irresistible burgers, but there are vegan options too. Other branches have since opened across the city, and they all offer dinner as well.