The 12 restaurants in Helsinki that fashion insiders flock to

The eating-out scene seems to be blossoming in Helsinki, where buzzy new restaurants are popping up regularly, offering the most inventive and mouth-watering menus in town. As spring finally makes its way to us, we wake up from our pandemic-induced hibernation and switch Netflix and chill to a sumptuous meal out, accompanied by a fresh cocktail or a glass of luscious wine.

Whether your choice of cuisine is Asian, French, Italian, or if you’re looking for an entirely vegetarian menu, we’ve got you covered. From old classics to hot newcomers, below, Vogue Scandinavia lists the tastiest spots to try out in the Finnish capital.

Related: The 3 major food trends shaping Scandinavian dining in 2022

Established in 1952, Palace was the first Finnish restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star in 1987. With stunning views overlooking the bustling city and glistening Baltic Sea, Palace is located on the 10th floor of a historical building that was constructed to mark the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki.

Headed by Chef Eero Vottonen, Palace strives to offer a unique yet refined Nordic culinary experience. The menu focuses on authentic flavours representing Finland and the rest of Scandinavia. While the restaurant introduces fresh, innovative takes on seafood and meat, it also offers a vegetarian menu for guests looking for alternatives. To complement the food, a comprehensive wine and cocktail list can be explored.

Eteläranta 10, 00130 Helsinki, Finland

Consisting of a cosy, rustic restaurant (BasBas Kulma) and a separate, intimate courtyard bistro (BasBas bistro), BasBas is the place to go for a warm atmosphere, delicious artisan wines and, of course, tasty food.

BasBas Kulma focuses on hearty delicacies crafted from pure ingredients flamed in the open fire of their charcoal grill. Drawing inspiration from Paris, San Francisco and the Italian countryside, at BasBas bistro, guests are seated next to a lively open kitchen that creates raw-based dishes, kept extremely simple but deeply flavoursome. Sip delicious, organic wines while enjoying fresh seafood or rich pasta, or pop by for a late evening nibble and great ambience.

Tehtaankatu 27-29, 00150 Helsinki, Finland

An iconic restaurant located in the heart of Helsinki, Gaijin explores the flavours of North Asia, mixing modern aromas from Korean, Japanese and North Chinese cuisines. Inspired by their trips to northern Asia, owners and acclaimed chefs Tomi Björck and Matti Wikberg constructed the menu where traditional meets modern, taking cues from contemporary Asian cooking in Sydney and New York.

Surrounded by moody interiors and a mystical atmosphere, via a sharing-concept Gaijin’s guests are taken on a delicious journey introducing vibrant and fresh flavours. For lovers of Asian beverages, Gaijin’s drink list boasts everything from traditional sake to creative cocktails.

Bulevardi 6, 00120 Helsinki, Finland

Earning a Michelin star in 2020, Inari offers an extremely intimate setting for enjoying an exquisite and innovative, 15-course tasting menu, created by chef and owner Kim Mikkola. Located in central Helsinki, it’s recommended that you book a table well advanced, as there are only seven tables at the restaurant.

With the menu introducing food that is rooted in Finland but mingles with Asian influences, Inari focuses on pure, locally produced ingredients and the finest imported spices. The restaurant strives for the ultimate dining experience of simple yet complex, profoundly flavoursome food – a true trip for our tastebuds.

Albertinkatu 19 A, 00120 Helsinki, Finland

Located in Kruununhaka, one of Helsinki’s most architecturally beautiful areas, Kuurna is a charming bistro boasting a menu that changes fortnightly, combining seasonal European flavours. Working together with local producers, Kuurna solely works with Finnish seafood and meat and aims for all the ingredients to be locally sourced. At Kuurna, you’ll also be able to taste a variety of wines, ranging from classic to natural wines, produced by small and more renowned wineries.

Meritullinkatu 6, 00170 Helsinki, Finland

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Probably one of the buzziest new restaurants in Helsinki, renowned restauranteur Richard McCormick’s Chéri offers luscious French cuisine. The menu is enjoyed while surrounded by beautiful décor and a soundtrack that transports you to the streets of Paris, where the brasserie gets its inspiration. A carefully composed and swanky interior boasts adorable pinks and ravishing reds, and the beautiful artwork and quirky details create a space where one could dine and sip Cosmopolitans all night long.

Eteläesplanadi 22, 00130 Helsinki, Finland

Opening in central Helsinki in 2020, Lily Lee quickly became the hottest spot in town for modern Asian flavours, taking its cues from Taiwanese cuisine. Creating delicacies that are a contemporary take on ancient recipes and traditional techniques, Lily Lee extracts the best out of what the world’s finest ingredients can offer. Step inside from the restless streets and be transported to a magical world created by the impressive interiors while you're enjoying a fresh cocktail and a delicious family-style meal.

Erottajankatu 4, 00100 Helsinki, Finland

One of the most legendary restaurants in Helsinki, Savoy has been around for over 80 years, serving guests a menu that mixes influences from Finnish and French cuisine with a hint of Russian flavours. Headed by Chef Patron Helena Puolakka, Savoy strives to create culinary experiences that respect the restaurant's history but have a modern touch. The restaurant also boasts one of the most extensive wine cellars in the country. Great music, elegant interiors and beautiful art create an inviting space, leaving no doubt about the restaurant's history of bringing people together.

Eteläesplanadi 14, 00130 Helsinki, Finland

Located in Helsinki's trendy area of Kallio, Madonna offers some of the best Italian food available in the Finnish capital, finished off with a striking décor. Even though Madonna entered the restaurant scene amid the pandemic in 2020, once opened, it became the place for delicious pasta, pizzas, dessert and an array of divine cocktails, wines and beers. Creating a nostalgic, retro mood, an evening spent at Madonna feels like a quick trip to central Europe.

Haapaniemenkatu 5 B, 00530 Helsinki, Finland

A distinguished restaurant with sustainability at heart, Nolla (meaning zero in Finnish) aims for a zero-waste policy without compromising the emphasis on serving excellent food. With sustainability front of mind, ingredients is sourced from local farmers, producers and fishers, while suppliers are offered composted soil made out of the food waste. Nolla is truly paving the way as the ultimate leader of environmentally friendly conduct in hospitality.

Nolla's menu focuses on seasonal and organic ingredients to maintain the sustainability factor, where Finnish forest, land and sea treasures meet the owners Luka Balac, Albert Franch Sunyer and Carlos Henriques' southern roots.

Fredrikinkatu 22, 00120 Helsinki, Finland

Another great success from Richard McCormick, Yes Yes Yes offers the tastiest vegetarian menu in town. Occupying a space where a legendary McDonald's used to reside, Yes Yes Yes offers high-concept plant-based dishes served in cheerful settings. With a seasonal menu that changes eight times per year, you are guaranteed to get the freshest and most innovative flavours.

Related: The best plant-based restaurants in Copenhagen

Iso Roobertinkatu 1, 00120 Helsinki, Finland

Another gem located in the hip area of Kallio, Wino is the spot for great natural wines, a beverage that seems to have become one of the trendiest in recent years. In addition to the wine bar, Wino includes a relaxed and charming bistro that will be buzzing come weekend. The menu reflects Wino's unique selection of wines, where the perfect pairing is found in bistro-style, French-inspired fine-dining dishes crafted from organic and fresh ingredients.

Fleminginkatu 11, 00500 Helsinki, Finland