Best places to eat & drink in Helsinki!
Best places to eat & drink in Helsinki!
As a local Helsinki tour guide, I get constantly asked for tips about the most authentic restaurants to try Finnish food, and cool bars to go to for a drink. In my opinion, Helsinki is an amazing city when it comes to gastronomy, there's something for every taste and every budget. In this text, I'm sharing with you my absolute favorite places to eat and drink in Helsinki. Many of them are places you can't find in travel books or classic travel blogs, but are actually local people's favorites and just place that I as a tour guide, always recommend.
Read forward or check from the guidebook to find out which are the best places to eat and drink in Helsinki!
Finnish food in Helsinki
I do admit that Finland is not very well known for its cuisine. I have never heard of a person who would have traveled to Finland for a gastronomic trip. It's not like Italy, Japan, or maybe Mexico, but don't get me wrong, Finland also has some awesome food you should try on your trip!
See here my favorite places in Helsinki to eat traditional Finnish food:
Cella
For me, this is hands down the most authentic Finnish restaurant in Helsinki. This is where I go if I feel like eating reindeer stew or grilled whitefish. During the winter season (September to April more or less) they also have herring on the menu.
Cella is a true gem in Helsinki's restaurant scene. It's located out from downtown Helsinki, in the Kallio neighborhood. Cella is a classic, the prices are down to earth (meals between 14-21€) and they have a nice selection of beers. Cella has been open since 1969, and I think you should definitely pay a visit while you're in Helsinki.
https://www.ravintolacella.fi/
KuuKuu
Another great option for traditional Finnish food. KuuKuu is located in Töölö neighborhood, a 15-minute walk from the Central Railway Station. KuuKuu is also a great place for the reindeer, but they serve also a delicious salmon soup. Try one of the 3-course dinner menus, the prices of the menus are between 43-55€ and a'la carte dishes between 17-30€.
KuuKuu also has a good quality lunch. Different home food every day, the price is 10-15€. Lunch is from Monday to Friday from 12-15.
Juttutupa
Juttutupa translates as "chatting house". It's one of the oldest restaurants in Helsinki, open since 1908. It's located on the old Worker's Union building, nearby Hakaniemi and Kallio. Juttutupa has many things on the menu, pizzas and hamburgers, but the place is actually famous for their homemade meatballs. Juttutupa also has lunch for around 13€.
Story
Story is a restaurant in the Old Market Hall, next to the Market Square. In my humble opinion, this is where you get to try the best salmon soup of your life! Just go and give it a try, you won't regret!
https://www.story-restaurants.fi/
Other than Finnish food
Helsinki is an international city, and the gastronomical scene has been getting more and more creative past years. Read my tips for the best restaurants in Helsinki, that serve other than Finnish food.
Lie Mi
Several locations
Lie Mi is among my all time favorite restaurants in Helsinki. I love it. The dish that whole Helsinki is hyping about, is the Shanghai Tacos. And yes, they are hyping for a reason. I don't think you should go from Helsinki before eating Shanghai Tacos in Lie Mi.
Lie Mi is also one of my favorite options for lunch. They have daily changing lunch options for around 13€.
HOKU
When I go to HOKU, I always ask for the same thing: Salmon Teriyaki with potato salad. It's amazing. HOKU is a fusion restaurant mixing Asian & Hawaiian kitchens. During lunch, be prepared to wait for a little while. The line goes fast though, don't get desperate. Try to have a table by the window, as you have views towards the city.
Pizzeria Via Tribunali
The best pizza of Helsinki, in my humble opinion. They don't take reservations, so you might have you stay in a line a little bit and wait for a table, but believe me, it's worth it. They make really good Aperol Spritz by the way.
https://viatribunali.fi/en/via-tribunali/
Pueblo
Helsinki has many Mexican restaurants, but for me this is the best one. Pueblo is somewhere close to actual Mexican tacos. Nice and spicy salsas, and good cocktails also. Great variety of tequila and mezcal.
Hills Dumplings
Other candidate to my all time favorite Helsinki restaurants. Amazing value for money and really good flavors. Homemade dumplings with different fillings and baos. In Hills Dumpling you want to try a bit of everything, so go with an empty stomach. It's highly advisable to make a reservation, but you can also try to walk-in.
Apparently they have also recently attached a Korean style barbecue where you grill your own food on the table. I haven't tried it yet, but seems awesome!The owners of Hills Dumplings have a few other restaurants in Helsinki, for example a really good burger place Hills Burger Bar and LoiLoi Rooftop & Distillery.
