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Helsinki is dotted with cozy yet decidedly modern-looking venues offering reindeer, herring, and pike accompanied by delicious Finnish mushrooms or wild-berry sauces. Don't be turned off by spare menu descriptions such as "reindeer with lingonberry sauce and chanterelles,"—it's a classic example of the Finnish tendency toward un
Helsinki is dotted with cozy yet decidedly modern-looking venues offering reindeer, herring, and pike accompanied by delicious Finnish mushrooms or wild-berry sauces. Don't be turned off by spare menu descriptions such as "reindeer with lingonberry sauce and chanterelle
Helsinki is dotted with cozy yet decidedly modern-looking venues offering reindeer, herring, and pike accompanied by del
Helsinki is dotted with cozy yet decidedly modern-looking venues offering reindeer, herring, and pike accompanied by delicious Finnish mushrooms or wild-berry sauces. Don't be turned off by spare menu descriptions such as "reindeer with lingonberry sauce and chanterelles,"—it's a classic example of the Finnish tendency toward understatement, and the skill will be evident in the taste. You'll find everything from Mexican to Nepalese (quite popular with locals) in the city, though not at every price point. Expect European-size entrées, excellent location, and service at a steep price. A strong café culture makes it easy to find a tasty, reasonably priced lunch.
Opened in 2003 by chefs Tommi Tuominen and Teemu Aura and the holder of a Michelin star since 2007, Demo serves food of the very best quality without the stuffiness of some high-end restaurants; this is a place where you can comfortably laugh out loud. The core menu combines classical French and local ingredients, and the restaurant offers six- and seven-course seasonal "surprise" chef's menus. The wine cellar is among the best in Finland—some 450 wines and counting, with Burgundy a specialty.
Uudenmaankatu 9–11, Helsinki, Uusimaa, 00120, Finland
A short distance from the town center, Elite is a welcome place to recharge with a drink at the bar or meal after visiting Temppeliaukio Church, which is a five-minute walk away, and the Sibelius Monument—especially in summer, when there's outdoor seating. In addition to the Finnish classics of fried Baltic herring, salmon soup with rye bread, and select game, a fixed "Artist's Menu" is offered, including an option for recommended wine pairings and a main course choice of charred trout or sirloin steak. Its elegant art deco interior and spacious layout are popular with artists and writers.
Etelä Hesperiankatu 22, Helsinki, Uusimaa, 00100, Finland
If you like finding the true character of a city and enjoy local color, try looking in simple, friendly restaurants like this one, whose name means "moon." The menu combines Finnish specialties such as perch, salmon, and reindeer with imaginative international fare. It's especially convenient for nights at the opera, and the delightful covered terrace is open year-round. Diners can choose from an a la carte list or go for one of two fixed-price four-course house menus.
A five-minute walk from the somewhat austere neoclassical Parliament House, on the same street as the National Museum and close to the "Church in the Rock," this casual local gem is the kind of restaurant travelers delight to discover. The main courses have a pan-European flavor, but the "classics"—the sort of hearty food that grandma used to make—are what this place is about. Seasonal game is popular in the colder months; in summer the menu lightens to include quality salads and fish. But whenever you come, you're in for good-quality, wholesome, Finnish organic ingredients at their best. Roasted butternut squash is an excellent starter. Pan-fried breast of pheasant makes a terrific main-course follow-up. Diners can choose between one of three set menus, including a delicious vegetable-only option, and a varied à la carte selection.
Olo is perfectly located close to the historic Senate Square and the harborside Market Square. Its Michelin-star-winning menu, originally inspired by chef Jari Vesivalo's childhood memories, varies from season to season. Diners need to set aside three hours to sample the terrific five-part tasting menu, some of which is so beautifully presented it seems too good to eat. Wine pairings are offered for each stage of this gourmet fusion of Nordic and international ingredients, served in a calm and elegant setting. Reservations are essential.
Pohjoisesplanadi 5, Helsinki, Uusimaa, 00170, Finland
There's the flavor of Hyannis Port and the Kennedys in this lovely restaurant—stunning views of yachts and mansions and other islands in the Baltic Sea abound. The boat trip to this island (€6 added to the bill for the ferry trip there and back) from the Ursininlaituri jetty only takes a few minutes, and it's well worth it. Given its location, the maritime theme here is obvious enough, but it's not overwhelming or tacky. A great starter is the assortment of archipelago appetizers, with roast lamb and alder-smoked salmon fillet choices for the main course. A full vegetarian menu is available. Like other island restaurants in Helsinki, Saari is a popular venue for the traditional late-summer, often vodka-fueled crayfish party.
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