Elite

This Töölö restaurant has been a local hangout for artists and creatives since 1932. The dining room feels like stepping into a piece of Helsinki’s cultural history—original artwork lines the walls, and you can even sit where famous actor Tauno Palo used to. The food is traditional Finnish, with some dishes linked to its artistic crowd. In summer, the green terrace is a nice spot for a drink and a break from the city buzz.

• Web:

  www.elite.fi/en/front-page

• Address:

  Eteläinen Hesperiankatu 22, Helsinki

• Phone:

  +358 9 61285200

Finnjävel Salonki

A focused take on Finnish fine dining, where old techniques—curing, fermenting, smoking—are used in quietly inventive ways. Dishes are built around local ingredients, and the space itself reflects modern Finnish design without overdoing it. If you’re curious about how Finnish cuisine can be reimagined, this is the place.

• Web:

  https://finnjavel.fi/salonki

• Address:

  Ainonkatu 3, Helsinki

• Phone:

  +358 300 472340

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sat 5pm–11:30pm, Sun & Mon closed

Goodwin The Steak House

Goodwin is Finland’s only classic American-style steakhouse, built on traditional grilling techniques and quality beef. If you’re into charcoal-grilled steaks and hearty sides, this is your spot.

• Web:

  www.steak.fi/index.html

• Address:

  Eteläranta 14 00130 Helsinki

• Phone:

  +358 50 4198000

Krog Roba

Housed in an old police station, Krog Roba's menu sticks to Nordic basics, from simple burgers to more thoughtful dishes, all served in a relaxed, neighbourhood vibe.

• Web:

  www.lillaroberts.com/en/restaurant

• Address:

  Pieni Roobertinkatu 3, Helsinki

• Phone:

  +358 9 68242880

Kultá Kitchen & Bar

Kultá is a stylish spot with a Nordic edge—think reindeer, mushrooms, lichen, and other northern ingredients used in modern, unfussy ways. The menu leans into Lapland flavours without getting too heavy or traditional. And its interiors are clean and wood-heavy, with a bit of a high-end cabin feel.

• Web:

  www.kitchenkulta.fi/en/kulta-kitchen-bar.html

• Address:

  Bulevardi 28, Helsinki

• Phone:

  +358 9 25251113

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 5pm–10pm, Fri & Sat 4pm–midnight

Kuu

Kuu serves Finnish and Scandinavian dishes with a modern twist, using fresh local ingredients—fish, meat, root veg, and berries. They keep things simple so the flavours really come through. The place has a slightly old-school feel, with cosy lighting and a covered terrace that’s perfect when it’s chilly. The wine list is well chosen, too.

• Web:

  https://ravintolakuu.fi/en/home

• E-mail:

  ravintola@ravintolakuu.fi

• Address:

  Töölönkatu 27, Helsinki

• Phone:

  +358 9 27090973

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 4pm–11pm, Sat & Sun 2pm–11pm

Apollo Live Club

Located in the Forum shopping mall, Apollo hosts everything from live bands to stand-up comedy in a former cinema space. The tiered seating and private booths give it a theater vibe, and there's food and drinks if you want to make a night of it.

• Web:

  https://apolloliveclub.fi

• Address:

  Mannerheimintie 16, Helsinki

Ateljee Bar

Perched on the 14th floor of Hotel Torni, Ateljee Bar is all about the view. You’ll get a full sweep of the Helsinki skyline — even from the restrooms, which are a bit of a cult experience. The vibe is relaxed, with a slightly artsy feel (they rotate exhibitions), and the rooftop terrace is a solid choice for enjoying sunset drinks.

• Web:

  www.raflaamo.fi/fi/ravintola/helsinki/ateljee-bar

• Address:

  Yrjönkatu 26, Helsinki

• Phone:

  +358 300 870020

Casino Helsinki

Right in the city centre, Casino Helsinki is Finland’s only full-scale casino, open every day with free entry. Inside, you’ll find table games, slot machines, bars, a restaurant, and a show venue — all under one roof.

• Web:

  https://casinohelsinki.fi

• Address:

  Mikonkatu 19, Helsinki

• Phone:

  +358 200 55000

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 3pm–2am, Fri & Sat 3pm–4am

Kitty's Public House

Kitty's Public House is a cosy British-style pub smack in the middle of Helsinki, with dark wood interiors, booth seating, and a laid-back crowd. The beer list leans heavily toward the UK, with rotating taps, bottled imports, and even real ale poured straight from the cask. They’ve also got a decent selection of Finnish craft brews and ciders, plus classic pub grub, darts, and board games.

• Web:

  www.raflaamo.fi/fi/ravintola/helsinki/kittys-public-house

• Address:

  Mannerheimintie 5, Helsinki

• Phone:

  +358 10 7664510

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Thu 11am–midnight, Fri & Sat 11am–2am, Sun noon–10pm

Musiikkitalo - The Helsinki Music Centre

At the centre of it all in Helsinki, Musiikkitalo is where you go for live music of all kinds—classical, jazz, folk, pop. It’s home to the Helsinki Philharmonic, the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, and the Sibelius Academy, but the lineup is broad and runs year-round.

• Web:

  https://musiikkitalo.fi

• Address:

  Mannerheimintie 13 A, Helsinki

• Phone:

  +358 20 7070400

Siltanen

A lively bar-restaurant in the Kallio district that blends food, music, and a solid weekend crowd. Think brunch trays, Berlin-style or veggie-friendly, plus drinks and club tunes as the night rolls in. There’s a leafy terrace for summer hangs, and DJs or live gigs most evenings.

• Web:

  https://siltanen.org

• E-mail:

  info@siltanen.org

• Address:

  Hämeentie 13 B, Helsinki

• Phone:

  +358 44 0660530

Cafe Carusel

Café Carusel sits right on the waterfront near Kaivopuisto, with big windows and a terrace that fills up fast when the sun is out in Helsinki. The menu focuses on local ingredients—seasonal soups, Roman-style pizzas, and pastries baked in-house. They’re big on sustainability, using solar and sea energy, and even grow herbs out back. It’s a popular spot, especially on weekends, so expect a queue at peak times.

• Web:

  www.carusel.fi

• Address:

  Merisatamanranta 10, Helsinki

• Phone:

  +358 9 6224522

Café Piper

Café Piper has been serving visitors since 1928 in Suomenlinna's Piper's Park, offering coffee, pastries, and a scenic terrace with views of the Gulf of Finland. Open during the summer season, it provides a selection of savoury and sweet treats, along with a soup of the day on weekdays. The café also serves beer and wine, including options from the Suomenlinna Brewery.

• Web:

  https://suomenlinnatours.com/en/sweets-and-treats/cafe-piper

• Address:

  Suomenlinna B56, Helsinki

• Phone:

  +358 9 68999850

• Opening hours:

  Daily 11am–5pm

Cafe Regatta

This tiny red cabin by the sea looks like something out of a postcard—and it kind of is. Right next to Sibelius Park, Regatta has been serving coffee and cinnamon buns to locals and visitors for years. The inside is packed with vintage knick-knacks and old-timey charm, but the real draw is the terrace: perfect on a sunny day. Grab a cinnamon bun (they’re famous for a reason), maybe a blueberry pie, and enjoy the laid-back, slightly quirky atmosphere.

• Web:

  www.caferegatta.fi

• Address:

  Merikannontie 8, Helsinki

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–9pm

Café Strindberg

This long-time Helsinki classic is where locals go when they want a bit of old-school elegance. Upstairs, there’s a restaurant with large windows and views over Esplanade Park; downstairs, the café is more casual but still has that refined European feel. Great spot for people-watching, coffee and cake, or a light lunch with a Scandinavian touch.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/ravintolastrindberg/

• Address:

  Pohjoisesplanadi 33, Helsinki

• Phone:

  +358 9 61286900

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 9am–11pm, Sat 10am–11pm, Sun 11am–7pm

Café Ursula

What started as a small kiosk built by local women to fund social causes—a mission that continues today—has become a Helsinki favourite. Perched at the edge of Kaivopuisto with front-row views of the sea and Suomenlinna, Café Ursula serves breakfast all day, a weekday lunch buffet, and weekend salmon soup. The terrace is the main draw in summer, especially during Friday evening concerts (mid-June to August), but the indoor space is cosy year-round.

• Web:

  www.ursula.fi/en

• E-mail:

  kaivopuisto@ursula.fi

• Address:

  Kaivopuisto, Ehrenströmintie 3, Helsinki

• Phone:

  +358 40 1472669

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Thu 9am–9pm, Fri & Sat 9am–10pm, Sun 9am–7pm

Ekberg

The oldest bakery in Scandinavia, Ekberg, has been around since 1852 and still draws a steady mix of regulars and visitors. The café serves breakfast, lunch, and a delicious weekend brunch, with a wide selection of classic pastries and cakes. Next door, the shop is stocked with cookies, jams, and other handmade treats—great for gifts or snacks on the go.

• Web:

  www.ekberg.fi/en

• E-mail:

  info@ekberg.fi

• Address:

  Bulevardi 9, Helsinki

• Phone:

  +358 9 6811860

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 7:30am–7pm, Sat & Sun 9am–6pm