To eat well in Helsinki isn’t too hard.

There are endless options of fantastic restaurants serving a range of experiences, from fine-dining to casual bistros. Moreover, to indulge in traditional Finnish food, many restaurants embody historical backgrounds and stories carried on for generations. Needless to say, these favorite eateries have become practically institutions in the capital of Finland.

Here are some of the best restaurants in Helsinki to indulge in traditional Finnish cuisine.

 

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Savoy is one of the most iconic fine-dining addresses in Helsinki, enhanced with a dash of French allure. The restaurant also boasts gorgeous view of Esplanade Park, paired with a world-class wine list. Since the 1930s,

Savoy was frequented by well-known customers, including Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim – Finnish military commander. Even his favorite dish now remains on the menu: Vorschmack, salty minced meat. Savoy’s style is decadent Finnish classics, like lobster pelmeni, salicorne, sauce américaine. Or the lightly smoked yellow beet, spring cypress, and black currant.

Since 1934, Restaurant Sea Horse has been serving popular Finnish delicacies in an artistic setting. Crispy fried Baltic herrings and Wiener schnitzels, for instance, is a rare but delightful specialty that’s been on the menu for 90 years. Salmon soup, meat balls, poron filee are other items that make this historical hot spot a true legend in Helsinki’s restaurant scene.

Old Market Hall is one of Helsinki’s oldest market halls, with roots dating back to 1889. Its design derives from an architectural shift at the time, altering from open-air markets to indoor due to hygiene issues and to better structure for trade purposes.

For foodies, this is a true haven with lines of stalls displaying vegetables, meats, spices, fruits, cheese, fish, tea and coffee, even tableware. Certainly, this also makes a perfect place for souvenir shopping.

Kauppatori is Helsinki Market Square, another fantastic choice for sampling local flavors without breaking the bank. Smoked fish, pastries, pies, sandwiches, grilled meats…just to name a few. Situated at the end of Esplanade Park, this market square also hosts the city’s oldest event: Helsinki Baltic Herring Market, every October since 1743.

In the middle of the square, there’s Stone of the Empress which is Helsinki’s oldest public memorial.

Restaurant Konstan Möljä is a local restaurant serving traditional Finnish food since 1981. The dinner buffet for 38€, serving all kinds of Finnish delicacies: cured salmon, marinated herrings, forest mushroom salad, homemade pickles, lingonberries and beetroots, sautéed reindeer, traditional Karelian stew…etc. But the standout is Finnish beers and ciders, along with Finnish berry wines.

The story of Ateljé Finne is tied to 1920s sculptor Gunnar Finne, who used to work at the location later transitioned into a restaurant during the 1960s. Today, his works remain to display in the interior space, along with popular Finnish dishes made with utmost creativity and premium ingredients: cabbages, forest mushrooms, root vegetables, and apples. Depending on the season, you may also taste wild fish, Northern reindeer and Lion’s mane mushrooms.

Kosmos could come off as intimidating for its colorful history, but it’s one of the most friendly restaurants in Helsinki often visited by artists and creatives. Don’t miss its signature rye bread, baked from a 75-year-old levain. The sauces used in every dish are made from traditional self-boiled soup. Diners can taste all the Finnish signatures; from blinis, fried herring to Wiener schnitzel.

Restaurant Kultá Kitchen & Bar brings Lapland to Helsinki with a surprise menu which pays homage to the North’s wild and pure nature. Situated inside Lapland Hotels Bulevardi, the ambiance is luxurious but down-to-earth. Upscale but cozy. Some dishes honoring the polar landscape include: king crab, reindeer of the day, Sea Lapland beef tenderloin, Arctic char, snow grouse, liver mousse…and more.

Opened in 1932, Restaurant Elite is also another crowd-pleaser often graced by the presence from actors, authors, musicians, and artists. Especially Tauno Palo, the Finnish actor and singer, loved the restaurant so much that there’s an onion steak named after him. His favorite table now has a plaque. Elite is adorned with an expansive art collection, pieces from owner Mattas family’s private collection.

Hietalahden kauppahalli has been around for more than a century, and highlights flavors from around the world. Hence, it’s often considered a local’s favorite food paradise. Vietnamese pho, Japanese sushi, Mexican tacos, Italian pasta…and much more. Part of the hall is also a flea market, ideal for thrift lovers on the look out for vintage finds. The building was designed in 1903 by architect Selim A. Lindqvist, it was originally meant to be a Russian cavalry barracks but always served as a market hall from the start.

Restaurant Kuu translates to “moon,” and opened its doors in 1966 like a friendly neighborhood bistro. Often on the menu are Finnish fish, reindeer steak, vegetables and berries. The dishes showcase locally-sourced produce cooked with a touch of Scandinavian twist. The atmosphere is warm and cozy, almost like being invited to a family dinner.