Top Restaurants in Helsinki

Exotic

This small, cosy café in the Caisa cultural centre is located near the University of Helsinki and the big Kaisaniemi park. They serve various kinds of food and drinks in an exceptionally international atmosphere. Enjoy the various teas and all kinds of strange beers available here. Owned by an international cultural organization, they celebrate events such as the national days of different countries, and serve some national delicacies on those days. This is a popular place for meetings and seminars too. Wherever you come from you are likely to feel at home here.

Turkish Restaurant Ani

The cozy little restaurant Ani is well worth a stroll down to the Southern tip of Helsinki center. This traditional Turkish family restaurant has proof for quality. The next-door shipyard workers have been happily lunching there for over 25 years. The menu includes typical Turkish delights such as “meze” appetizers, seafood and lamb dishes, as well as a selection of house specialties. The true catch, though, is their excellent daily all-you-can-eat buffet. The restaurant can also host private events and an oriental dance show is available upon order. Reservations recommended for bigger groups. - Paula Holst

Thairestaurant Thaiger

This Thai place is not your typical corner joint, but a stylish gourmet restaurant connected to a design furniture store. Combine your meal with a tour of top Finnish and Scandinavian interior design. An inexpensive buffet lunch is served on weekdays between 11a-2p. The spacious lounge seats 80 people and is popular for all kinds of arranged events, such as musical dinners, product launches, birthdays and other receptions. Imagine having your Tom Yam on a nice design bowl while listening to a tango performance. Great place to recommend for those who like to enjoy their Thai food with a bit of an edge. - Paula Holst

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

Restaurant Sevilla Tapiola

Restaurant Sevilla, located at the Tapiola Garden Hotel, is a delightful Spanish-themed restaurant. A two main-course lunch buffet is available on weekdays between 11a-2p. The a-la-carte list covers favorites of the Spanish cuisine with a touch of Finnish flavor. The wine list includes a vast selection of both Spanish and international wines. This restaurant is a perfect destination for a quick business luncheon as well as a longer evening time fiesta with colleagues. The guests may choose a seating in a lighter and more Scandinavian-style décor or opt to dine in a stylish, dark wooden lounge. - Paula Holst

Villa Solvik

Villa Solvik is a beautiful 19th-century style villa situated in the scenic Aurinkolahti bay area of Helsinki. The villa houses a restaurant as well as rooms for receptions and meetings, fully equipped for smaller and bigger business meetings. An abundant lunch buffet is served daily. Special lunches and dinners are catered upon occasion, such as during holiday seasons. The villa's fall specialty is a hunters' buffet, which includes dishes of local game, such as moose and duck. Villa Solvik is an ideal place for wedding receptions, birthday parties and other family gatherings. In the summer, the tranquil garden is a wonderful setting for a quiet Sunday coffee moment. - Paula Holst

Farang

Farang is a new addition to the Helsinki gourmet sphere. This modern and atmospheric restaurant profiles itself as offering fresh and exotic Asian flavors. Treat yourself to excellent high-class dishes prepared by two top chefs whose restaurants have merited a Michelin star. Farang shares the premises with the Taidehalli art exhibition space. Taking a look at an exhibition of varying contemporary Finnish and international art and topping it with a tasty meal is a good suggestion for a day out. Lunch is served daily from midday till 2p. An upgraded business lunch option is available for those wishing to pamper their important guests. - Paula Holst

Vegemesta

Vegemesta, Finnish for "veggie place", provides a tasty alternative for the typical, cheap chain burgers. All products are 100-percent vegetarian or vegan. Veggie burgers are homemade out of delicious soy and tofu patties, fresh veggies, and rich whole-grain bread. Try their marvelous smoked cheeseburger or the vegan-friendly portion of hot chili sin carne. Vegemesta is located in the midst of the trendy Kallio neighborhood where locals like to hit the bars. This burger place is perfect for an in-between snack before continuing the feast. The friendly folks at Vegemesta will also deliver their goodies to your work place or home. - Paula Holst