Helsinki Restaurants

Although Finland is not known for its extensive eating options, Helsinki certainly has the best range of eateries in the country, from the ubiquitous fast-food joints to traditional Finnish fare and all types of international restaurants. The food is a cross between Scandinavian and Russian flavours, and fish is a firm favourite.

Local cuisine

Helsinki is without doubt a fish-eating city and salmon, whitefish, Baltic herring and Arctic char are all popular dishes in many of the citys restaurants, along with the typical Scandinavian smorgasbord. These great buffet meals include fish, eggs, a range of hot and cold meats, salad, cheeses, potato dishes and desserts and berries. Russian food is also extremely popular in Helsinki and visitors will find some fabulous Russian restaurants as well as a range of international-style dishes including Italian and Chinese.

Where to eat

Helsinki has some great restaurants spread throughout the city and it also has an excellent year-round caf scene and some quality markets. For Russian food, try the Kauppahalli (the Old Market Hall), which is a great place for snacks, while Kaarle XII features a number of restaurants and bars and is very Finnish. Helsinki is so compact that finding a suitable place to eat is never difficult; there are many restaurants in and around the city centre and out at the beaches.