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.

Savoy

$$$$ | Esplanadi

Given that its airy dining room was designed by iconic Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto and overlooks the Esplanade, it's no surprise that the Savoy is a popular spot for business lunches or occasion dining. This was Finnish statesman Marshal Carl Gustaf Mannerheim's favorite restaurant (in the late 1800s); he is rumored to have introduced the vorschmack (minced lamb and anchovies) recipe here. Savoy's menu is described as "Finnish-French with a slight Russian touch" and was conceived by Chef Helena Puolakka. It consists of a changing menu of inventive fresh fish and meat dishes, embracing pelmeni, berries, mushrooms, duck, and whitefish.

Modern European $$$$ Lunch Dinner
Eteläesplanadi 14, Helsinki, 00130, Finland
09-6128–5300
savoyhelsinki.fi
Known For
  • Rooftop views
  • Historic reputation
  • Vorschmack (minced lamb and anchovies)
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun.--Tues.

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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.