"Laivakoira is a newly opened restaurant by the trio Rico Aaltonen, Aura Vanhanen, and Kim Kaplas, all from Helsinki’s top-tier restaurants. The team has created an ambiance that’s fun and playful yet serious regarding what’s on the plates and in the glasses. The focus is on affordable, robust, bold, and exciting new-wave dishes, complemented by an extensive selection of wines ranging from classic and elegant to experimental, also available by the glass."

"My personal favorite fine dining restaurant in Helsinki, and the best and most creative restaurant in the city. Grön is a tribute to creativity, the wild, and us all. The cuisine is based on the seasonal highest-quality Finnish and Nordic produce, and the menu reflects and respects the natural flow of ingredients."

"A new wave neighborhood restaurant in the Kruununhaka District of Helsinki. The most progressive, surprising, and bold restaurant in Helsinki. A distinctive neighborhood restaurant with international recognition. The value for money is substantial. It genuinely promotes a sustainable culture for both the staff and the food. A breath of fresh, young air in the Finnish restaurant industry. Bona Fide represents the future."

"Savoy’s kitchen and dining area are led by Helena Puolakka, one of Finland’s most respected chefs. The restaurant originally opened in 1937 and was renovated in 2020 by British interior designer Ilse Crawford. Classic Finnish restaurant with a kitchen that has always been very French. The president and war hero Marshal Mannerheim is part of the restaurant’s history, bringing a touch of Russian influence. Savoy is especially famous for its ‘Vorschmack’ — Mannerheim’s favorite dish."

"The kitchen, led by owner and executive chef Dani Hänninen, brings one beautiful dish after another, respecting the variety of the Finnish seasons. Seasonal produce determines the menu – what grows now will be in use. Modern and innovative food, using only local, seasonal, organic ingredients, and working very closely with small producers when creating the menus at Wellamo."

"One of my favorite places in Helsinki. It’s a small 12-seat izakaya with a large selection of delicious small plates and a great collection of artisan sake. Recommended to take the time and go through their whole tasting menu, but you can also drop by for just a few bites."

"There is a saying in Helsinki: “Ice melts in the spring, the government always betrays, but BasBas never disappoints.” The heart of the restaurant is the feeling – warm, lovely, loving, smiling, and weightless. Everything they do shows a love for the art of hospitality, and the result is a reflection of its creators. A trailblazer for Finnish bistro culture. Surprising and always consistent at the same time. The wines are mostly natural, stylish, and often experimental."

"On all levels, the best pizzeria in Helsinki — and nothing comes close. Opened in the spring of 2024, Blondie is a fresh breeze in Helsinki’s casual eatery scene. Serving typically six different kinds of New York-style sliced pizza, a few classic ones, a few seasonal ones, and a few specialties that change frequently. They typically sell out, so go as early as possible, and eat as much as possible. You won’t be disappointed."

"Palace is the flagship, temple, and church boat of Finnish gastronomy. Since its establishment, it has been the most ambitious and innovative kitchen. The cuisine is inspired by both local and international flavors, focusing on seasonal and high-quality ingredients sourced from local producers. The kitchen is led by Chef Eero Vottonen, who is one of the most award-winning Finnish chefs."

"The place where I’d have lunch every day if I could. A warm spot by the incredible chef and author Ina Niiniketo, serving daily changing dishes. The homey restaurant is known for its simple but flavorful dishes made from high-quality, seasonal ingredients, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available. The lunch typically sells out quickly, so be early."

"Cozy neighborhood restaurant and bakery in Southern Helsinki. They serve a weekly changing lunch menu, which also features a few classics from the dinner menu. A fun place for a relaxed, inexpensive dinner as well."

"The best authentic Thai cuisine in Helsinki. Go for the Papaya Salad and the Tom Yum — the broth is rich, flavorful, and vibrant in color. Only 8 seats, so you might need to queue up a little."

"Helsinki’s best cheap eat. Originally a food truck that hatched from a popup during the first lockdown of 2020. Created by ex-Noma Chef Kim Mikkola as a contemporary food spot. KotKot specializes in chicken burgers and has since expanded to other products as well."

"Tiny cafe, with a big heart, in the heart of Helsinki. Lovely laid-back vibe and the sandwiches are from a different planet — one of the best Croque Monsieurs, period! Not your typical Finnish service either - the chatty approach makes you feel you’re welcome to be part of the local community."

"Cortado by day — natural wines by night. Lovely new-wave cafe, offering Spanish coffee, breakfast, pastries, wine, and more. From 5 PM, it turns into Vinolito and features a tapas menu (incredible Alcachofas and Judiones), inspired by the classic Madrid tapas restaurants."

"The ugliest and best korvapuusti (cinnamon roll) in town — perfectly crispy on the outside and very tasty and hearty on the inside. They offer a curated selection of artisanal coffees, showcasing beans sourced from renowned coffee-growing regions around the world. Their coffee selection changes seasonally to highlight the freshest and most distinct flavors each harvest has to offer."

"Tiny bakery shop, that offers the best croissants and other French-style pastries in all of Finland. The croissant and pain au chocolat have a perfect structure, lightness, butter (a lot of it), thin crunch outside with soft interior. Prepare to stand in line on weekends."

"All-day trendy café-bakery, great breakfast, pastries, pasta, and wines in the evenings. One of my favorite bakeries in Helsinki. Their sourdough bread is probably the best in the city. They do breakfast, brunch, and evenings. It’s a bit hipster, quirky, modern style and you feel like being in New York or London."