Restaurants in Helsinki You Should Visit

Helsinki has a wide selection of high-quality restaurants; we’ve tried many of them. The overall standard is consistently good, while not always perfect. Below, we share a few places we’ve personally dined at and our impressions. Maybe you should visit one of them on your Helsinki trip!

Restaurants in Helsinki

Albina, Helsinki

Albina is a retro-modern restaurant in the Vallila district. While the atmosphere during our visit was pleasant, the food didn’t leave the same impression. The dishes were on the small side and heavily seasoned with salt. The service also fell a bit short compared to other similar experiences.

We could still recommend Albina. The Vallila area is lively in summer, and it’s possible we just had an off day. Albina seems a favourite among Finns so that it might be worth another try. Many high-quality restaurants in Helsinki are in the centre, but Albina is a fresh exception.

Albina is not in the centre of Helsinki but near it. You can most conveniently reach it by tram. A warm late summer evening is the ideal time to visit, as the surrounding area has a unique charm. Remember the HSL Route Planner when finding the best route.

Kirsikka, Helsinki

Kirsikka is in the historic Hakaniemi Market Hall. During our winter visit, the food was excellent, and the service was smooth and efficient. The restaurant focuses on local Finnish ingredients, which shows in the quality of the dishes.

The restaurant was crowded and quite noisy because it was a Friday evening during our visit. Tables were also tightly spaced. Still, the overall experience was positive, and we plan to return, perhaps on a quieter weekday evening.

We suggest visiting the restaurant during quieter hours for a more relaxed atmosphere. Kirsikka is an excellent place to enjoy Finnish cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. Hakeniemi Market Hall is also an experience in itself. It is centrally located, 1-2 kilometres from the central railway station.

Lucy in the Sky, Espoo

Since the Helsinki metropolitan area includes four cities, excellent restaurants are also available outside Helsinki. Keilaniemi, a modern district, offers a few dining options. So, do not concentrate only on restaurants in Helsinki; travel 20 minutes to Espoo.

Lucy in the Sky is a scenic rooftop restaurant in Keilaniemi, Espoo. Its panoramic views over the sea and city are impressive in summer, and the cosy interior makes it a pleasant destination in winter too. The restaurant is stylish and popular, so reservations are essential. The atmosphere is truly international.

We’ve visited Lucy in the Sky a few times. Each visit offered something slightly different, but the quality stayed high. On one occasion, we enjoyed a well-prepared Wiener schnitzel; another time, a nicely presented flank steak stood out for its flavour but came without side dishes, which we had to order separately. This detail had a minor impact on the overall experience, as it’s not a common practice in Finland. The restaurant has a modern and business-like atmosphere.

Lucy in the Sky is outside Helsinki, just a 20-minute metro ride from Helsinki city centre.

Read about Helsinki’s public transport.

Villa Lilla, Espoo

Villa Lilla is also in Espoo.It has a peaceful and warm atmosphere in a charming wooden house in the Leppävaara district. It’s tucked away from traffic yet easily accessible. The staff has always been friendly and professional.

We’ve been there twice, and the food met high expectations. However, one lunch visit was noticeably slow despite the nearly empty restaurant, so this might not be the place for a quick bite. That said, Villa Lilla is ideal for a relaxed premium lunch. The nearby free parking and public transport access make it a convenient spot to visit.

Villa Lilla is also located in Espoo and is easily accessible by commuter train from the Helsinki Centre, followed by a short walk. This charming summer spot offers a peaceful alternative to the busy Helsinki centre. Consider combining your visit with a swim in Leppävaara’s outdoor pool.

Farang, Helsinki

Farang in Kamppi specialises in Southeast Asian-inspired cuisine, although the flavours and presentation lean toward the Western style. The tasting menu we tried was flavorful, but portion sizes were small.

The service was friendly, although we noticed a few missteps during our visit. Overall, Farang is a stylish venue in a central location, best suited for those curious about Asian flavours in a more Western format. If you’re looking for authentic Asian cuisine, this may not be the right place for you.

Farang is centrally located, making it a leisurely walk in the centre. The restaurant also features a stylish bar worth visiting later in the evening. While the exterior of the building is unremarkable, the interior is elegant and inviting. We recommend visiting Farang during the colder months for the cosiest experience.

Jim Lim, Helsinki

Jim Lim is near the waterfront in Telakkaranta. The restaurant appears more Western than Asian, but the food tells a different story, in a good way. We enjoyed our visit from start to finish.

The service was prompt and courteous. This spot stands out for its quality and balance, and we would be delighted to return.

Jim Lim is located slightly outside the city centre but within walking distance for those arriving by ferry or cruise ship. It’s also easily accessible by tram. Jim Lim is an excellent introduction to Asian cuisine, especially if you’re new to it.

From the restaurants we listed, Jim Lim is our favourite.

Salutorget, Helsinki

Salutorget is on the Esplanade in a former bank hall. The building alone is worth a visit. Its central location makes it easily accessible by public transport, although parking nearby is challenging. The South Harbour and Market Square are just a few steps away.

We visited Salutorget on a summer afternoon. We chose dishes from the full menu, which had a nice touch. The food was elegant Finnish cuisine, and the service was smooth. Salutorget is worth experiencing at least once, especially for visitors looking for a classic Helsinki setting.

Salutorget enjoys a prime location by the sea near the Presidential Palace, right in one of Helsinki’s most vibrant areas. Every visitor should explore this part of the city. Prices may reflect the setting, but if budget isn’t a concern, the restaurant is well worth experiencing.

Mat Distrikt, Helsinki

Mat Distrikt in Ullanlinna offers a premium dining experience with a cohesive atmosphere and refined menu. It’s centrally located and accessible by tram or car.

We visited Mat Distrikt on a Friday evening. The restaurant was busy, with many diners enjoying a set menu. While the food was tasty and the service efficient, the tipping system was a bit pushy. Still, the overall experience was positive, especially for those looking for a well-rounded fine dining evening in Helsinki.

Ullanlinna is a charming, upscale residential area close to the city centre. It’s easily accessible by tram or on foot. Mat Distrikt can be an excellent option for a quieter atmosphere while staying in the heart of the city.

Tipping is uncommon in Finland, so requesting a tip can be seen as impolite.

Bronda

Bronda is located on South Esplanade in the heart of Helsinki. The location is ideal for public transport users, but arriving by car is not as smooth. Just parking can easily cost 15 euros, and finding a spot is not guaranteed. Bronda is an excellent summer restaurant for those moving around in downtown Helsinki.

We visited Bronda in May 2025. The restaurant made a stylish first impression, and it was relatively quiet in the afternoon. The reception was professional, and we were seated at a table of our preference.

One drawback to note is that the waiter did not provide much guidance on the menu, and we had to ask more about the dishes ourselves. We would say that customer service was straightforward, even though it may not be a significant advantage. Sides were not included in the meal price at Bronda either, which was a slight disappointment. In Finland, it is typical for sides to be included in the cost of the main course. Drinks at Bronda were expensive, but this is typical in downtown Helsinki.

Despite the minor shortcomings, Bronda was an excellent experience. The food was delicious, and the service was professional but straightforward. Therefore, we can recommend Bronda to visitors in Helsinki.

Food Cost in Helsinki

Dining in high-quality restaurants is not inexpensive. Expect to spend around 80 euros on food and 15 euros on drinks. Tipping is optional.

More casual restaurants usually charge about half the fine dining price for a more budget-friendly option. The prices are around 20 – 30 euros, or even 10 euros at lunchtime. For a more affordable dining option, consider eating in malls.

How to Pay

All restaurants accept card and cash payments, though paying by card is more common and recommended. A few restaurants charge a reservation fee, but it’s usually waived. Prices are visible in menus, and scams are rare. It is still a good habit to check the bill before paying, as mistakes can happen.

Read about Curve Pay, an alternative to Google Pay

Bottom Line

Finland isn’t particularly famous for its food culture. Most dishes are relatively simple, with minimal use of spices. Restaurants in Helsinki typically serve international Western-style cuisine. The good thing is that the food is well-prepared.

Traditional Finnish food can be delicious. Consider trying dishes with fish, fresh Finnish potatoes, or reindeer. Don’t hesitate to ask the waiter for a recommendation, and opt for local specialities over international options. Servers in Finland are professional, so you can expect to receive good service.

Bon Appetite!