Restaurants in City Center (Helsinki)

Fishmarket

Fishmarket provides an exquisitely lovely, white-linen locale for the upscale set. Tucked into an underground cellar just across from Helsinki's main marketplace, the white-walled, well-lit Fishmarket maintains a carefree, summery atmosphere year-round. With consistently delicious and aesthetically inventive seafood specialties, an extensive wine list, and mouth-watering desserts, this one deserves a place of priority on the itinerary of any gourmet traveler. Be sure to check out the upstairs deck in the summer months. -Liesl Yamaguchi

Bulevardin Kahvisalonki

Newly opened yet somehow classic, Bulevardin Kahvisalonki epitomizes the Old-World, Scandinavian café. Spotlessly white, spare, and sparkling with tiny chandeliers, this café offers coffees, teas, pastries, and chocolates all day, as well as Nordic salads, sandwiches, and quiches at lunchtime. With its central location at the end of Esplanad Park, it s a great place to pause and warm up over a steaming glass of coffee after a hectic day. The dark, bentwood furniture is comfy and classic, as is the general ambiance reigning at this elegant corner café. Coffees and pastries from EUR2, lunch EUR5-8.

Kitty O' Shea's Irish Pub

It won't take time to realize that Kitty O' Shea's Irish Pub is unlike the other Irish pubs in Helsinki. The interiors are all green with various wall hangings adorning the area. The ebony colored table and couch are set in compartments and have a small lamp burning on the table. The pub features delicious concoctions-the cider and beer are the favorites here. The pub also plays contemporary Irish music as one sits and enjoys a drink here.

Painobaari

Some places are difficult to categorize into restaurants or bars because they do not have any particular identity; they only manage to absorb the best qualities of all such places and give the visitor a completely enjoyable time. One such place is Painobaari in Helsinki. The first thing that catches ones eye on entering, is the cozy bar, adorned with several slates that proclaim the days special and the menu. While sipping on your drink, you notice your knees knocking into a bookcase running the length of the bar, crammed with books on all possible subjects. A glance at the menu above shows that there is no particular theme or cuisine apparent there. The chefs have just put together all-time customer favorites which suit everyone just fine. Music events are held here at times.

Virgin Oil Co. Bar, Restaurant and Club

Virgin Oil Co is a three story bar, restaurant and club. The ground floor houses the Italian-American restaurant that serves pizzas and other cuisines that are unparalleled in taste by any other restaurant in Helsinki. Baked items are all prepared in wooden ovens, ensuring that the food doesn't lose it's natural taste. For all wine lovers: wines here are served directly from the barrel, giving it a distinct flavor. The second floor is the place to shake a leg on weekends, when the DJ takes over and crowd goes crazy!

Vltava

Right in the heart of Helsinki downtown, next to the main train and bus stations, in an old jugend-style-building, restaurant Vltava has made Czech food and beer trendy again. With its four floors of bars and dining Vltava is a heaven for those who love good beer, merry atmosphere, and generous foods. Vltava has a very impressive selection of beers both bottled and draught, dark and light, from Czech, Germany and Belgium. And for those who aren't that fond of beer, there's also a good list of wines and English ciders. Besides the restaurant menu, they also serve small plates of different finger foods to accompany the beer at all of its three bars. -Tuuli Tammenkoski

Ilmatar

This hotel restaurant located in the sleekly designed hotel Klaus K, is worth checking out even if you re not a hotel guest. With distinctly Finnish dishes (including reindeer, as well as local fish like salmon, char, and pike perch) and a crisp interior inspired by the nature of Lapland, Ilmatar provides a gilded glimpse of the Finland beyond Helsinki. The wine list is impressive, and the friendly, knowledgeable wait-staff can suggest great matches for your Finnish meal. Ilmatar will empty your wallet, but it s a memorable indulgence. Entrees cost between EUR19 and EUR32.

Bar Celona Tapas Bar

Situated on a slightly forgotten little passage in the very middle of Helsinki center, this plain yet cozy tapas bar is a hidden gem. Nothing fancy, just a cool place to drop in for a spontaneous after-work drink; it's also a great place for get-togethers with good friends. The wine list is rather short but good, and the tapas selection is adequate with all the usual ingredients plus a touch of Finnish cuisine. Try the smoked reindeer salad. The inexpensive, 3 tapas menu is perfect for a light dinner. A tasty lunch buffet is served during weekdays, and catering services are also available upon request. - Paula Holst   

Morrison’s Grill & Green

Morrison’s Grill & Green serves tasty and uncomplicated food at a perfect location in Helsinki city center. Juicy beefs and luscious burgers wait on the small Ateneuminkuja street that hooks together Mikonkatu and Keskuskatu streets. The menu has an all-American flow in it, from appetite-arousing starters all the way to delicious desserts. The definite favorites of Morrison’s Grill & Green are the burgers; there are eleven variants to choose from, and the portions are very generous. No one should leave the house hungry, yet the prices are moderate, and the friendly staff serves you quickly. Lunch on weekdays is 11a-3p. - Kati Hurme

Ichiban Sushi

Ichiban Sushi is a small and cozy sushi parlor in the very heart of Helsinki. All sushi is fresh and handmade. Combine your meal from single rolls or pick a delicious ready-made sushi set from the menu. A special lunch menu is available on weekdays 11a-2p. Drink selection covers the usual Finnish beer and cider choices, wines, Japanese green tea, beer and sake, of course. The restaurant's fast takeaway service helps you arrange a fun get-together at home or a relaxed luncheon at the workplace. - Paula Holst