Ihana huoneisto juna aseman vieressä.

A pretty yellow townhouse located opposite the pier plays host to this cool, minimalist restaurant, where four rooms decked out with locally designed furniture have a delightfully understated feel. Choose between a four-course menu, a tasting menu or a pre-order seasonal tasting menu, all of which showcase produce from the north of the country, with meats such as moose and elk a feature. The refined yet richly flavoured dishes are beautifully presented and often innovative in design, with the sautéed reindeer with Lappish almond potato the chef’s signature. As well as a wine pairing, they offe

An intimate, elegant and professionally run restaurant with just ten tables – everything from the cutlery to the decanters is made by Finnish craftspeople. Set menus feature modern interpretations of traditional Finnish dishes, with first class ingredients used in detailed, technically skilled combinations.

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.

Located midway between Helsinki Cathedral and the sea, is this simple little bistro decorated in blue and white tones, where the welcoming service team help to create an upbeat atmosphere. Two regularly changing, keenly priced set menus are the draw, with the natural, uncomplicated dishes inspired by modern Mediterranean flavours. The chefs have a great understanding of their ingredients and treat them with care, and flavours are subtle but put together in well-thought-out combinations, such as asparagus and nori seaweed or rhubarb with Earl Grey and lemongrass.

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.

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.

This small bistro in the peaceful Kruununhaka neighbourhood is a hit with the locals, who come here to enjoy flavoursome Finnish dishes crafted from regional ingredients. Square black tables are spread over two dimly lit rooms – where empty wine bottles act as vases – and you’ll be warmly welcomed in by Laura, Tom and the whole team. The menu changes every three weeks, in line with the latest seasonal produce available, and is often supplemented by daily specials that are chalked up on the blackboard. If it’s on the menu, the peanut swiss roll with potato skin ice cream is a must-try!