Eat & drink in Helsinki
What makes Helsinki a unique food city?
Helsinki’s food scene is full of contrasts: high-end restaurants and humble harbour-side cafés, traditional rye bread and bold vegan innovations, wild forest berries and Michelin tasting menus. Here, nature’s rhythm sets the menu and sustainability is always on the table. Whether you’re a curious foodie, a busy family or just really into cinnamon buns, there’s something fresh, fun and deeply Finnish to try.
Dive into the Helsinki food scene:
What’s in season? Eating with nature in Helsinki
Spring bright greens, foraged herbs, and lake fish
Spring brings a fresh, grassy taste to the table. Alongside asparagus, nettles, and ramsons, you’ll find perch and whitefish—light and flaky, often pan-fried or smoked. Pork and chicken dishes appear on spring menus, sometimes paired with early greens and creamy mustard sauces.
Summer berries, grilled fish, and seasonal sausages
Summer is all about outdoor eating and simple pleasures. Enjoy grilled salmon, smoked vendace, or Baltic herring served from food stalls at the Market Square. Fire-grilled sausages (makkara) are a Finnish summer classic—especially enjoyed after a swim or a sauna, with mustard and a slice of rye bread.
Autumn forest game, wild mushrooms, and rich river fish
As nature turns gold, menus grow earthier and more robust. Moose, venison, and duck appear in autumn stews and slow-cooked dishes, often accompanied by chanterelles or porcini. This is also the season for pike-perch and Arctic char, which are prized for their flavour and served with buttery root vegetable mash.
Winter reindeer, smoked fish, and festive comfort foods
Winter brings hearty comfort and rich tradition. Reindeer—smoked, sautéed or slow-braised—is a northern staple, often served with lingonberry jam and mashed potatoes. You’ll also find smoked or pickled fish like herring, salmon, and whitefish, especially during the festive season when traditional Finnish Christmas buffets (joulupöytä) offer a full spread of seasonal favourites.
Where can I find Helsinki’s top restaurants?
From Michelin-starred dining to Nordic bistros, Helsinki’s fine dining scene is creative, calm, and deliciously rooted in nature. Expect clean flavours, local sourcing, and menus that change with the forests and fields.
Where can I eat by the sea—or in a sauna?
Helsinki brings food and nature together in unforgettable ways. Have a meal on an island, sip coffee with a sea breeze, or enjoy a sauna session with a burger waiting afterward.
What should I drink in Helsinki?
Helsinki is quietly obsessed with coffee—it’s the most coffee-loving city in the most coffee-loving country. Add in craft beer, cocktails, natural wine, and non-alcoholic innovations, and there’s something to sip on every corner. Whether you’re warming up with world-famous coffee, tasting a locally brewed IPA, or sipping on wild berry sodas, there’s always something delicious in your glass. Here’s how (and where) to drink like a local.
Thirsty
Feeling
Coffee: Finland’s national obsession
Finns drink more coffee per capita than any other nation—and Helsinki is its heart. You’ll find cozy cafés, minimalist third-wave coffee shops, and traditional kahvilas on almost every corner.
Craft beer: local brews and laid-back vibes
Helsinki’s craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, blending Nordic ingredients with creative brewing techniques. Many bars also offer hearty snacks, making them great spots to pause and recharge.
Cocktails: Nordic flavours in every glass
Helsinki’s cocktail scene takes its inspiration from forests, coastlines, and seasons. Expect unusual ingredients like birch sap, arctic berries, and local herbs.
Wine: natural wines and nordic fermentation
Natural, low-intervention wines have found a big following in Helsinki, perfectly complementing the city’s seasonal, sustainable dining scene.
