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Best restaurants in Finland

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Credits: Savoy

Helsinki – the capital of fine dining

The top restaurants in Finland take you on an unforgettable culinary expedition by using local ingredients in the most creative and mouth-watering ways. Finnish food culture is known for its pure flavours and minimalistic aesthetics and the sophistication in fine dining is unpaired.

This mastery is also noted by the renowned Michelin guide. Currently, the Michelin-starred restaurants listed below are all located in Helsinki, apart from Kaskis in Turku, Vår in Porvoo and Tapio in Ruka.

Let's take a look at the bustling culinary scene in Finland!

Article updated May 28, 2024.

Palace

Looking for that crème de la crème dining experience? According to Michelin, this is it. Palace has been a pioneer of Finnish gastronomy since its establishment in 1952. It was the first restaurant in Finland to receive a Michelin star in 1987. Today the two-starred restaurant continues to exceed the expectations of those with the highest standards and an appetite for the extraordinaire. Savor the delicate flavours of modern Nordic cuisine on the 10th floor and let your gaze wander at the stunning views over the city and its seascape.

The award-winning restaurant is run by Chef Eero Vottonen.
Credits : Palace
Elegance is present in every detail.
Credits: Palace
Dining above the rooftops of Helsinki is nothing short of an elevating experience.
Credits: Palace

The ROOM by Kozeen Shiwan

Nestled in the heart of Helsinki, The ROOM by Kozeen Shiwan offers an intimate and theatrical dining experience that has earned a coveted Michelin star (2024). This 14-seat restaurant, helmed by the charismatic and gold-toothed Kozeen Shiwan, immerses guests in a sensory journey centred around his life story.

At The ROOM, diners gather around a striking marble counter to watch Kozeen and his team craft an 8-course tasting menu that blends Middle Eastern roots with Nordic techniques. Each dish, with evocative names like ‘Made in Suleymaniah’ and ‘Coming to Finland’, highlights high-quality, seasonal produce, pushing the boundaries of conventional gastronomy.

Decadent golden dessert at The ROOM – a Michelin-starred delight.
Credits: Julia Wiberg & Louise Edlund Winblad

Olo

Located at a townhouse next to the Presidential Palace in downtown Helsinki, Olo’s take on fine dining is elegant yet laid-back. This minimalistic Nordic gourmet restaurant uses local ingredients in the most innovative and flavoursome ways. Olo has had a Michelin star since 2011. Dining with a group of people? Here you can reserve a room for a private get-together.

Olo's dishes are both delicious and pleasing to the eye.
Credits : Olo
The interior of Olo reflects a minimalistic, Nordic aesthetic.
Credits: Olo

Grön

Grön is known for its wild twist to modern fine dining. This restaurant – run by Chef of the Year award winner Toni Kostian – puts vegetables to the fore. Grön uses seasonal, organic, and wild Nordic ingredients to create unforgettable culinary experiences with the highest standards. The restaurant's dedication to sustainability has also been recognized with Michelin's green star along with one regular.

Chef Toni Kostian finds inspiration from Nordic nature.
Credits : Toni Kostian, Grön
Grön's dining room is dimly lit and intimate.
Credits: Grön

Demo

Demo is one of the most famous fine dining restaurants in Finland, owned by Tommi Tuominen, who also runs Finnjävel. Since its establishment in 2003, Demo’s been focused on offering memorable experiences and delicious food in a relaxed environment. This has been a winning recipe, as the restaurant has retained its Michelin star since 2007. Indulge in Demo’s state-of-the-art menu and pair it with some carefully curated beverages; the restaurant’s cellar consists of over 400 high-quality wines.

Demo's culinary art relies on minimal aesthetics.
Credits: Demo

Finnjävel Salonki

Finnjävel Salonki offers an elegant introduction to authentic Finnish cuisine with a contemporary twist. In this intimate restaurant, you will be served a modern interpretation of traditional dishes often based on meat, fish, vegetables, dairy products, and eggs. Along with the Michelin star, Finnjävel Salonki has also received an award for the best service in Nordic countries.

The term Finnjävel comes from Swedish and originates from the word "Finnish devil". It was a pejorative term used in the 1950s that the restaurant turned into an homage of the culinary essence of Finland.
Credits : Finnjävel
Finnjävel Salonki's take on Finnish cuisine is strikingly fresh and delicate.
Credits: Finnjävel

VÅR

VÅR, located in the charming city of Porvoo near Helsinki, is the second restaurant outside of the capital to receive a Michelin star (2023). The restaurant has a unique take on modern Finnish cuisine while respecting its traditional heritage. Known for a strong focus on locality, VÅR builds each course with fresh, seasonal ingredients hand-picked by local producers. As sustainability is at the core of the restaurant's food philosophy, it also holds a Michelin Green Star.

VÅR is located in the charming city of Porvoo.
Credits: Restaurant Vår

Kaskis

Kaskis, the gem of fine dining in Turku, is one of the two Michelin-starred restaurants outside the capital. Here you can enjoy a tailored 7-course menu made from fresh, local ingredients. The vibrant flavours and colours of the delicately finished dishes will showcase the craftsmanship of Kaskis and create an unforgettable experience for all senses.

Kaskis' culinary art is created using local ingredients and produce.
Credits : Visit Turku Archipelago, Kaskis
Kaskis is the first restaurant outside of Helsinki to have received the coveted Michelin star.
Credits: Kaskis

Restaurant Tapio

Located just a stone’s throw from the slopes in Ruka, Restaurant Tapio stands out as the northernmost Michelin-starred restaurant in the world (2024). Run by the dynamic duo of British chef Connor Laybourne and his Finnish partner Johanna Mourujärvi, Tapio focuses on high-quality, local ingredients crafted with both modern and traditional techniques. For travellers exploring the beautiful slopes of Ruka, dining at Restaurant Tapio promises an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of contemporary Nordic fine dining.

Each plate at Tapio showcases the depth of flavour achievable with top-notch, fresh, local ingredients.
Credits : Restaurant Tapio
Tapio offers a cosy dining experience with just 18 seats and vintage skiing posters adorning the walls.
Credits: Restaurant Tapio

Other top restaurant picks in Finland

Hungry for more restaurants? Don’t worry – there are plenty of other places where you can indulge your gusto for gourmet. Below are some selections from the top of the 50 Best restaurants of Finland list (2023).

Would you like to know more about Finland's food culture? Here's a link to our other article.

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