阳光公寓

It might be slightly more challenging than usual to reach the entrance – you receive a code to open the side door before taking the lift up to the 14th floor – but once you’re safely ensconced, the view from this modern office building is worth it. The modern open-plan interior allows you to see into the kitchen where the chefs prepare the interesting set menu. Top quality local and international ingredients come together in flavoursome dishes crafted using classical techniques, with the breads in particular being a highlight.

Simplicity leads the way at this cosy little restaurant, where the atmosphere is warm and the charming team look after their guests with natural ease. You arrive at either 5pm or 8pm and are served throughout the night by the chefs, who explain each course in detail. Dishes are not only beautiful to look at but comprise layer upon layer of flavour; this could include scallop with honey-roast swede and XO sauce or sea buckthorn with roasted kombu and oolong tea. Fermenting foodstuffs cram the shelves, vegetables come from their garden and the rest of the produce is sourced from within the count

Friendly service, sensible prices and plenty of buzz in the air – this is the kind of neighbourhood spot we’d all love to have at the end of our street. It’s located in the north of the city, inside a substantial three-storey building dating back to the 19th Century. The unfussy dishes are a great example of Nordic bistronomy: rustic, satisfying and filled with bold, balanced flavours – whether that be fresh herbs adding vibrancy to a burbot dish, or tart lingonberries cutting through the sweetness of meringue.

There is a comfortable and contemporary feel to this restaurant in the neighbourhood of Töölö. The cooking is inspired by the seasons and the well-constructed dishes deliver layers of intense flavours, with texture and acidity also playing a key role. There is generosity in the tasting menu offer, including some servings split across multiple complementary dishes – as with scallop presented both raw and as a dried powder to add flavour to a cabbage salad. Wine pairings are available to enhance the experience.

In the village-like Puu-Vallila, one of Helsinki’s most distinctive districts, old wooden houses painted in pastel colours sit on narrow winding streets dotted with courtyards. And at its edge, housed within a former butcher’s shop, is this neighbourhood bistro, whose unfussy feel is a perfect fit. Broth and bread are served before the four-course set menu, which can be expanded with two extra dishes; if you’re hungry, go for the latter option. You might find oyster with roast pumpkin and bell pepper purée or blueberries with caramel, douglas fir syrup and liquorice ice cream.

You’d be hard pushed to find a restaurant with a greater focus on wine than Muru. This cosy little bistro is home to quirky touches such as a wine bottle chandelier, a bar made from old wine boxes and a raised ‘cellar’ – and that’s not to mention the nearby wine bar they run. Simple, tasty dishes are on-hand to accompany the excellent wine list, and the sommelier’s pairing suggestions are spot-on.

A fun, intimate restaurant in the basement of the Hotel St George; the perfect place for a night out with friends. The fragrant dishes cover all the regions of Thailand and are good for sharing. Unsure what to order? Then go for one of the set menus, which also include good vegetarian options. A range of cocktails will help to keep you in the party mood, including some specially made to go with dessert.