7 Summer island restaurants in Helsinki
Sunlit archipelagos, the sparkle of the Baltic Sea, and unforgettable meals shared with friends define Helsinki’s summer months. And there’s no better way to experience it than island-hopping to some of Helsinki’s most charming island restaurants. From seaside saunas to organic archipelago cuisine, these Helsinki summer island restaurants bring together food, nature, and soul.
Why Island Restaurants in Helsinki Belong on Your Summer Bucket List
Helsinki’s summer magic comes alive in these unforgettable island restaurants. Whether you’re craving pizza by the water or modern Finnish cuisine in a 19th-century villa, Helsinki’s summer island restaurants deliver not only delicious food, but also breathtaking views, cultural stories, and warm hospitality.
Here are 7 (plus 2) Helsinki island restaurants you should check out this summer.
1. Adlerfelt
15 minutes by ferry from Market Square.
Tucked away on the historic Suomenlinna sea fortress, Restaurant Adlerfelt invites you into a 250-year-old stone building filled with stories. But this isn’t just about the past — it’s about reimagining it.
Chef-driven and seasonally inspired, Adlerfelt’s menu shifts with the rhythm of the island. Local ingredients, traditional preservation methods, and modern Nordic elegance come together on every plate. From smoked fish to fermented greens, every bite tells a tale of place and purpose. Wine pairings are thoughtful, staff recommendations heartfelt, and sustainability woven into everything — including zero-waste cooking.
Suomenlinna isn’t just a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With Adlerfelt, it’s a culinary destination.
2. Restaurant Lonna
Sustainably focused. Locally loved.
Just off the coast lies Lonna Island, home to one of Helsinki’s most beloved hidden treasures. At Restaurant Lonna, traditional island recipes get a modern refresh. Expect seasonal, mostly organic ingredients sourced from Finnish farms, served with understated style and a focus on purity.
The setting? Dreamy. Think minimalist Nordic decor, sea breezes, and a downstairs bar perfect for a pre-dinner aperitif.
3. Skiffer Liuskaluoto
Ferry leaves from Merisatamanranta near Café Carusel.
If Helsinki had a pizza island, Skiffer on Liuskaluoto would be it. Famous for their gourmet “Liuska” pizzas — thin, crispy, and topped with everything from smoked reindeer to vegan delights — Skiffer blends relaxed beach vibes with sharp flavour.
Modern maritime aesthetics meet rustic charm. And the ferry ride? Just enough to feel like an adventure.
4. Cafe Kobben
Boats leave from Meritullintorilta.
On the pint-sized island of Katajanokanluoto, Café Kobben is serving up wood-fired pizzas and summery snacks from an authentic Italian pizza oven. The charm is in the details: waves lapping at the shore, hot coffee or chilled rosé in hand, and fresh sea air to season your slice.
A local favourite for low-key afternoons that stretch into golden evenings.
5. HSS Restaurant
The ferry leaves from Merisatamanranta halfway between Cafe Caruselli and Kompassitori. The ferry ride is free for those dining at HSS Paviljonki.
Perched on Liuskasaari Island, HSS Restaurant has welcomed guests since 1949. The allure? A sweeping terrace overlooking the Helsinki waterfront and a kitchen that merges Nordic classics with contemporary techniques.
Whether you’re here for crayfish season or just to sip something crisp by the sea, it’s a postcard-perfect setting for a summer memory.
6. Restaurant NJK
Ferry leaves from Ehrenströmintie 13
Step into a villa from 1900 on the charming island of Valkosaari and discover Restaurant NJK — an icon of Helsinki’s summer culinary scene. With a sweeping veranda, polished white tablecloths, and unbeatable views of the harbour, it’s no wonder NJK is a hotspot for summer parties and legendary crayfish dinners.
7. Restaurant Saari
Don’t miss: The panoramic terrace at sunset.
A few hundred meters from the mainland lies Sirpalesaari Island, where Restaurant Saari serves up seasonal Finnish and archipelago dishes — like creamy salmon soup or char-grilled elk — with a side of sea breeze.
A boat (for 30 persons) serves the island from the Saari pier/Ursininlaituri: address Merisatamanranta 10 (behind Cafe Carusel). The crossing (200 m) takes only a couple of minutes.
8. Uunisaari
Reach it by ferry in summer from Kompassilaituri, Ehrenströmintie 1 or by bridge in winter.
A hop away from Kaivopuisto Park, Uunisaari is a playground for summer lovers. The island features a vibrant seaside restaurant, sunny café terrace, and even two bookable saunas for private celebrations.
The red-brick charm of the historic main building makes it feel both nostalgic and fresh — a true blend of Helsinki past and present. Uunisaari restaurant offers high-quality, seasonal delicacies, combining Scandinavian cuisine and international flavors. The sea view and the restaurant’s warm atmosphere create the perfect setting for both everyday pleasures and celebrations
9. Suomenlinnan Panimo
Ferry from Market Square, just 15 minutes.
At Suomenlinna Brewery, heritage is on tap. Located beside the Suomenlinna main dock, this brewery-restaurant pours handcrafted beers inspired by the island’s Swedish-Russian past, alongside bold dishes made with local ingredients.
Expect hearty flavours, rich conversations, and a casual vibe perfect for groups and craft beer fans.
