Shelter
Our first night in Helsinki we had the most incredible meal at Shelter. This centrally located restaurant (about 5 minute walk from Uspenski Cathedral) is built into an old warehouse along the water. If you’re visiting in the Summertime, there is an outdoor terrace. The inside is also very cozy in the colder months.
Their menu focuses on the flavors of the season and we loved how beautifully each dish was plated. Our waiter was extremely friendly and happy to make recommendations for us. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, there is a chef’s menu where you can choose either 3, 4 or 5 courses and be surprised by the chef!
One of our favorite things about Shelter was the pace of the meal. We never felt rushed and it was very clear our waiter intentionally waited for us to finish our starters entirely before even directing the kitchen to put begin prepping our main meal. In terms of pricing, Shelter is definitely a bit more expensive but entirely worth it. Starters range in price from €12-€16, and main meals range from €26-€38. We recommend booking a table in advance, as this is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike!
Löyly
Löyly is the perfect place to enjoy a meal after spending time at their relaxing sauna. Not only does this restaurant have a lovely dining area inside, they have a massive outdoor deck overlooking the Baltic Sea to enjoy in the warmer months.
Between May and August Löyly does not accept reservations, but rather handles guests on a first come first serve basis with their Summer menu & self-service concept. We visited during the shoulder season so we were able to make reservations.
One of the reasons we’ve ranked this a top restaurant in Helsinki is truly thanks to the views. There is not a bad seat in the house – as large floor to cieling windows allow you to take in the surrounding Baltic Sea & nearby islands. They have a multitude of food options, including vegetarian. We loved their chic atmosphere and felt truly relaxed after our sauna visit.
Savotta
Savotta is a must visit restaurant in Helsinki – especially for those looking to try traditional Finnish food. Located directly across from the Cathedral, this mis-matched cozy spot is perfect for an adventurous eater!
We were able to try bear and reindeer at Savotta and were pleasantly surprised by how wonderful everything was! They truly know how to slow cook these tough meats so they melt in your mouth.
The interior is decorated with items from traditional Finnish country homes. It is absolutely necessary to book a table in advance, as we saw many people turned away when walking in. (Pro Tip: We recommend requesting a table by the window so you can enjoy views of the Cathedral!) Overall, this is a pricer restaraunt due to the location and nature of the meal. The main courses range from €25-€65.
Market Square
Market Square is arguably the most popular food hall in Helsinki and is located downtown where the ferry takes you to Suomenlinna Fortress. We stopped here to grab a quick dessert and found the market to host a lot of traditional Finnish food options. These markets offer many small restaurants or booths inside so it’s perfect for anyone looking to try a variety of things or grab a quick bite.
Food halls make the perfect lunch spots so we wanted to share a few other options in the city. We also ate at Hietalahden Market where the focus is more on global food options. This place is very popular among locals and a bit further outside the city center (we took a tram to get here).
Hakaniemi Market is another popular option in Helsinki but we weren’t able to visit as it was closed for repairs. This market has food options on one level and local craft and artisan vendors on another making it an ideal spot to grab lunch and pick up some souvenirs!
Pompier Espa
Pompier Espa is a French restaurant located across from Helsinki’s esplanade. We were in need of a quick lunch so this was recommended to us from the staff at Hotel F6, as it’s only a minute down the road. On weekdays they offer a set menu from 11am-2pm. You can choose their soup & salad buffet or their hot meal of the day. There are no reservations for lunch, but if you prefer a slower meal you can make reservations for dinner!
Ateljee Bar
Ok, so this isn’t exactly a restaurant but let’s consider it a bonus on our list! We had an amazing nightcap at Ateljee Bar, which is one of the only rooftop bars in Helsinki. We were able to catch the sunset and watch the lights come on across the city. Due to it’s amazing views, the drinks tend to be pricier than at your standard bar so this is probably not a place you want to spend your whole night.
It’s important to note that the bar itself is very small, so there are only a few tables indoors but there are two terraces available with outdoor seating. Thanks to blankets & heat lamps, we were able to enjoy the views outside despite the chilly Spring weather.
Shelter, Löyly, Savotta, Market Square & Pompier Espa all make the list of top restaurants in Helsinki for a variety of reasons but they will all leave you feeling full and content! We hope this guide is helpful when planning your own trip. Be sure to drop any places we’ve missed in the comments below.
