Helsinki’s 15 Best New Restaurants, Bars and Cafés 2023 (2024)

The Nordics • • The 2023 hot list: Helsinki’s 15 best new restaurants, bars and cafés

The list of all-new 2023 Helsinki restaurants, bars and cafés

November

17/11

The Rook

The Rook, a British-style gastropub in Helsinki, brings a unique twist to pub dining. Helmed by esteemed chef Hans Välimäki, it offers a fusion of seafood and game. Dishes like fish & chips and pigeon Wellington showcase its eclectic menu. The pub’s ambience, designed by Fyra, echoes the 1919 Birmingham setting of the television show Peaky Blinders, with green walls and a continuous sofa row enhancing its communal vibe. A standout feature is a crystal chandelier, adding elegance to the pub’s character. With about 60 seats, including a secret room for bespoke co*cktail making, The Rook provides an intimate, yet lively dining experience​​​​​​​​​​.

The Rook
Yrjönkatu 2
Helsinki
Finland

Photography courtesy of Fyra and The Rook

10/11

Minne Champagne & Wine

Minne Champagne & Wine, designed by the local firm Shaw, combines a vibrant atmosphere with culinary finesse. This wine haven, curated by Master of Wine Essi Avellan, presents over 200 wines, featuring European classics and new-world gems. The champagne menu, a highlight, showcases top houses and unique small producers. The bar menu, crafted by Kristian Karnell, includes tapas, charcuterie and sophisticated dishes like gratinated lobster. Morning café offerings and lunchtime buffets add versatility. Regular expert-led wine tastings deepen the experience. Its décor, inspired by the historic Ahlström building and Savoy Theatre’s Art Deco style, creates a chic, inviting setting for all occasions.

Minne Champagne & Wine
Eteläesplanadi 14
Helsinki
Finland

Photography courtesy of Minne Champagne & Wine

7/11

Dagmar Bistro & Wine Bar

Located in the vibrant Töölö district, right next to Parliament House and The National Museum, the Dagmar Bistro & Wine Bar is a testament to Helsinki’s eclectic culinary scene. It’s a neighbourhood gem where the casual ambience of a bistro meets the sophistication of a wine bar. Here, a sprawling wine list complements a menu filled with favourite dishes from various locales. The setting is friendly and inviting, ideal for a leisurely lunch, an evening glass of wine or a night-long stay. Dagmar Bistro & Wine Bar stands out for its relaxed yet refined atmosphere.

Dagmar Bistro & Wine Bar
Dagmarinkatu 4
Helsinki
Finland

Photography courtesy of The Rook

1/11

Quartier Bistro & Bar

Quartier Bistro & Bar in Helsinki combines the classic elements of European bistros with the fresh flavours of Nordic cuisine. This city centre bistro is an ideal spot for both brief visits and extended dining experiences. Its menu, comprising individual portions, allows diners to create their own culinary journey. The offerings include smoked burrata with herb-fennel salad, duck breast with plum sauce and Angus sirloin with béarnaise, among others. Complementing the food is a thoughtfully selected wine list. Quartier’s atmosphere is relaxed and inviting.

Quartier Bistro & Bar
Korkeavuorenkatu 4
Helsinki
Finland

Photography courtesy of Quartier Bistro & Bar

October

6/10

Ristorante Scolare & Enoteca Banco Vini

Ristorante Scolare
Fabianinkatu 19
Helsinki
Finland

Photography courtesy of Ristorante Scolare

September

19/9

Bistro Gina

Bistro Gina in Helsinki is a contemporary Italian bistro with a twist. Managed by Hans Välimäki and Arto Rastas, this restaurant infuses Helsinki’s culinary scene with traditional Italian dishes, served with a modern flair. The interior, designed by local design firm Fyra, creates a relaxed yet vibrant dining experience. The design incorporates sturdy pillars to divide the space, while bespoke ceiling light fixtures and mirrored walls add depth and intrigue. Serving a variety of Italian classics, Bistro Gina emphasises high-quality, seasonal ingredients, offering homemade pastas, piadinis and focaccias, with a focus on quality olive oil, garlic, sardines, cold cuts, basil, sun-ripened olives and amore.

Bistro Gina
Korkeavuorenkatu 34
Helsinki
Finland

Photography courtesy of Bistro Gina

19/9

Outo

Restaurant Outo in the Kallio district offers a unique dining experience. It’s the brainchild of Juho Saralehto, emerging from a long career chasing Michelin stars and burnout, followed by a journey of rediscovery. The restaurant prides itself on being a melting pot of deliciousness, where guests are invited to step out of their comfort zones. With its focus on combining various culinary influences, Outo promises a dining experience that is both unique and comforting, reflecting the personal journey and culinary expertise of its founder – the atmosphere and menu at Outo are crafted to provide a space of rejuvenation and enjoyment.

Outo
Näkinkuja 7B
Helsinki
Finland

Photography courtesy of Outo

August

23/8

Le Ankka

Enter Le Ankka, the latest venture from esteemed Chef Ilkka Lääveri. Le Ankka combines the sophistication of French dining with a hearty Finnish touch, housed within the historic Jugend-style Hannus house on Huvilakatu, built back in 1908. Every corner tells a story, with decor personally curated from items found in the owners’ homes. But the real star of the show? The 3-4 course menus, featuring fresh ingredients sourced from the chef’s network of farmers and fishers.

Le Ankka
Huvilakatu 28
Helsinki
Finland

Photography courtesy of Le Ankka

4/8

Ravintola 305

Ravintola 305, a modern neighbourhood restaurant in Helsinki’s Hakaniemi district, has a unique approach to dining. The culinary team, led by chef Janne Keskevaari, focuses on creating unforgettable flavours with respect for seasonal ingredients. The restaurant offers a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere, featuring dark walls, playful artwork and an open kitchen that adds to the bistronomic experience. Guests can enjoy the music at just the right volume to allow for easy conversation. Signature dishes include artichoke & roe, fish and almond potatoes, as well as waffles with autumn apples, showcasing the chef’s creativity and skill.

Ravintola 305
Toinen Linja 3
Helsinki
Finland

Photography courtesy of Ravintola 305

July

18/7

Pobre

Reopened in a new space in the summer of 2023, Pobre has quickly become the talk of Helsinki’s dining scene once again. Masterfully drawing from Spanish culinary traditions and enriched with Filipino flair, thanks to the heritage of General Manager Justine Caoibes, one of the restaurant’s founders, the menu delights and surprises. Signature dishes, including the crunchy fried chicken and sumptuous seafood adobo, showcase a passionate reimagining of two rich food cultures. While each plate narrates a unique tale of taste and tradition, the ambience complements this gastronomic journey. The interior seamlessly combines contemporary design with intimate charm, inviting diners to relish, reminisce and return.

Pobre
Annankatu 15
Helsinki
Finland

Photography courtesy of Joonas Ojala and Koko3

11/7

Ravintola Eka

In the heart of Helsinki’s Töölö district, Ravintola Eka offers a dining experience where simplicity meets elegance. This restaurant combines the essence of high-quality, seasonal ingredients with a selection of classic favourites. The menu features imaginative dishes such as scallops or oyster mushrooms accompanied by fennel and rum sauce, pumpkin ravioli in a dashi broth and options of duck or fried cauliflower with polenta and roasted brussels sprouts. Situated near the bustling Kamppi shopping mall, Ravintola Eka is easily accessible and offers a perfect blend of casual dining with stylish flair​​​​​​.

Ravintola Eka
Museokatu 29
Helsinki
Finland

Photography courtesy of Ravintola Eka

June

8/6

The Pantry

The Pantry in Helsinki captivates with its contemporary culinary approach. The menu features creative starters like cured salmon with hand-peeled prawns, moving on to a main course of grilled corn chicken, served with a unique rosemary-parmesan polenta and aubergine caviar. The meal is perfectly rounded off with a raspberry frangipane dessert, enriched with wild berry salad and white chocolate mousse. These sample dishes are indicative of The Pantry’s innovative style, blending modern cooking techniques with comforting flavours.

The Pantry
Siltasaarenkatu 10
Helsinki
Finland

Photography courtesy of The Pantry

2/6

Le Coucou Vert

Le Coucou Vert is a delightful French bistro that captures the essence of Parisian dining. Designed by Koko3, it boasts a vibrant atmosphere, with a colour palette inspired by its functionalist building. The restaurant’s interior is a mix of red wine, cream, olive and herb hues, highlighted by whimsical vintage bistro chairs and handmade brass lighting. Classic Finnish fabrics on banquette benches and stylish cutlery add to its allure. Chef Teemu Aura helms the kitchen, offering innovative takes on French classics. The open kitchen and bar create a perfect setting for an evening of culinary exploration, making Le Coucou Vert a little piece of Paris in the heart of Helsinki​​​​​​.

Le Coucou Vert
Bulevardi 32
Helsinki
Finland

Photography courtesy of Le Coucou Vert

May

25/5

Terroir – permanently closed

Helsinki’s restaurant sensation Terroir pulses with a contemporary culinary vision. Living up to its name – a French term encapsulating the environmental influences on cultivation – this establishment is about designing an all-encompassing gastronomic experience, down to the finest detail. Adhering to a deterministic philosophy, every culinary event is seen as preordained by prior conditions, transforming each meal into a tribute to the complete journey of growing, procuring, and integrating ingredients. At Terroir, a nine-course dining experience or a quicker four-course ‘rapid dining’ option await, available only upon reservation.

Terroir
Unioninkatu 30
Helsinki
Finland

Photography courtesy of Terroir

23/5

Foc Tapas

Immerse yourself in the heart of Spain without leaving Helsinki at Foc Tapas, a family-owned gem known for its authentic tapas. With a menu boasting patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo and pulpo a la gallega, crafted by a chef who’s trekked through the Spanish culinary landscape, the restaurant is a hotspot for taste adventurers. Its inviting bar area, boasting Spanish wines and craft beers, marries perfectly with the designer’s vibrant and textured decor, creating a lively atmosphere that sings the Spanish spirit in Finland.

Foc Tapas
Unioninkatu 18
Helsinki
Finland

Photography courtesy of Foc Tapas

March

24/3

Omadi Bar & Bistro – permanently closed

Step into Omadi Bar & Bistro, where the urban Telakka district sets the stage for a harmonious blend of French and Japanese culinary traditions. Here, the lavish creaminess of French cuisine meets the delicate elegance of Japanese flavours, thanks to an expertly crafted menu. Indulge in dishes such as Balfegó tuna tartare with soy and mirin cured yolk, or treat yourself to a rich Wagyu A3 steak. Designed by the renowned Joanna Laajisto, the space exudes contemporary sophistication.

Omadi Bar & Bistro
Telakkakatu 14
Helsinki
Finland

Photography courtesy of Omadi Bar & Bistro