At the center of Finland’s culinary renaissance are chefs who champion local ingredients. Here, zero waste and seasonal sourcing practices are not simply trendy trends but deeply embedded practices.
Laivakoira offers delicious salmon soup with toasty rye bread or Vorschmack (minced meat and fish) featuring pan-fried Baltic herrings, while Cafe Bar Valimo specialises in vegan dishes.
Demo
Finns may be best known for their sauna culture and beloved Moomin characters, but their culinary scene is also varied and vibrant. Helsinki provides an endless variety of dining options from fine-dining restaurants to street vendors serving traditional Finnish fare such as rye bread, mushrooms and berries foraged from nature.
At Demo, three-star restaurant, chefs are proud to showcase the rich cuisine of Finland through an innovative contemporary approach to cooking. Their philosophy is creating dishes that celebrate Finnish flavors without overshadowing them – and this state-of-the-art eatery certainly does this well.
Goose Pastabar offers a delicious take on pasta with chef Janne Thielmaki’s inventive pasta shapes and toppings, such as wild boar agnolotti with its light and airy cheese sauce – ideal to wash down their 30-day dry aged oxtail burger! Choose one of their carefully curated wines or drink up with their inventive cocktails like Oxtail & Sourdough made up of gin, vodka, lemon juice and sourdough!
Cielo
Helsinki offers foodies a feast. The city’s culinary scene features local, organic and ethical ingredients combined with traditional Finnish cuisine and world flavors presented with a Helsinki twist.
Cielo offers the finest of Finnish cuisine and is located in downtown’s ultra-chic Meat Packing District, featuring an electronic music program and perfect for mature individuals looking for intelligent nightlife without large clubs or exclusive lounges.
Nolla in Helsinki stands out with its modern take on traditional Finnish cooking with an emphasis on sustainability, using every part of an animal and recycling bread crusts in its dishes to reduce waste. Nolla has earned one Michelin star this year; Kaskis in Turku was the other restaurant outside Helsinki to achieve this honor this year and serves a tailored 7-course menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Alderfelt
Alderfelt Restaurant in Vastassa embodies sustainability in every way imaginable, striving for zero waste as part of its philosophy that can be found both on its menu and decor. Alderfelt is among a handful of global eateries that combine high-end dining with sustainable practices for an experience that is both delicious and eco-friendly.
As one continues north along a neoclassical street, Old Church and Senate Square can’t be missed. Notable features of Senate Square include its lavishly designed neoclassical architecture that seems more at home in Moscow than in Nordic capitals; enter for an affordable fee to explore its interior boasting white busts and exquisite domed ceilings.
Just outside the Old Church lies one of Helsinki’s greatest culinary gems: Bona Fide, awarded Bib Gourmand status and known for serving simple yet flavorsome Finnish dishes using seasonal menus with local ingredients in perfect balance, it makes an ideal stop when exploring Helsinki on foot.
Cafe Bar Valimo
Finland may be best-known for its sauna culture and Moomins, but don’t overlook Finland’s diverse culinary scene! Helsinki boasts some outstanding restaurants that take pride in using local ingredients creatively; chefs focus on using sustainable, organic and seasonal produce in innovative dishes that satisfy both body and mind. Many vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free options can also be found among these restaurants.
Maukku is located in Kallio’s trendy neighborhood and epitomizes modern French bistros, serving veggie-centric small plates such as an inventive twist on classic oeuf mayonnaise and lobster rolls featuring Korean chili paste known as gochujang. Additionally, they serve a selection of natural wines.
Elite Restaurant in the historic Savoy Building has long been an artist gathering spot and since 1887. Serving classic Finnish fare such as salmon soup served on toasted rye bread or the local favorite vorschmack (minced meat and fish), dessert options include syopaa (sweet pudding made with egg white, flour, sugar and vanilla), long drink (Finland’s equivalent of gin and tonic).
Military Museum of Manege
GGuest User The Military Museum of Manege offers visitors an in-depth glimpse of Finnish history. Visitors enjoy well-organized exhibits featuring artifacts and vehicles dating from early nationhood through modern conflicts; though some note that updated displays or interactive elements might improve visitor experiences at the museum.
Maukku’s location in Kallio exudes charm with its music playing on cassette players and cellar full of natural wines, plus its menu that reflects a modern French aesthetic featuring veggie-forward dishes and creative small plates like its gochujang-infused take on egg mayonnaise.
At this eco-certified hotel, guests can unwind with a drink at either of its two bars/lounges; room service is also provided during limited hours. In addition, free WiFi is provided in public areas as well as shopping and 24-hour fitness center access for guest traveling for business, while parking and conference room rental is available on-site; parking and conference room reservations can also be arranged on demand. Each morning guests receive a complimentary breakfast along with sauna access and hot tub services – perfect for relaxing after a long day of travel!
