Classic Finnish restaurants you should visit

Finland’s restaurant scene is booming, with trendy new foodie hotspots popping up all over. But sometimes, things really do get better with age. These traditional and cosy neighborhood bistros and historic restaurants serve up classic Finnish fare in an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. In Finnish, we call them kortteliravintolat.

For a truly authentic dining experience in Finland, look no further than these long-standing local favorites around the country.

Restaurant Sea Horse, founded in 1933, is a true Helsinki institution. Known for its unique atmosphere, bohemian clientele and one-of-a-kind wall art, the restaurant serves Finnish classics such as fried herring, vorschmack, and meatballs. Their steak with onions is a must-try! Tucked away in Helsinki’s vibrant Punavuori district, Sea Horse is a short stroll from the Design District and the seaside.

Restaurant Elite in Töölö has been the hangout of Finland’s greatest artists and stars since 1932. The menu features Finnish and European classics, lovingly prepared using recipes passed down through the decades, along with seasonal specialties. In summer, the leafy terrace invites you to enjoy a drink (or two), while in winter, the restaurant serves hot blinis with traditional condiments.

A Finnish restaurant experience since 1924, Kosmos has been serving great food and atmosphere to both the elite and the everyman for over a hundred years. Still run by the same family and located in the same unbeatable central spot on Kalevankatu, Kosmos offers a menu of classic European gastronomy alongside traditional Finnish dishes with French, Swedish, and Russian influences.

If you're craving for perhaps the best Finnish meatballs, head to the elegant, neoclassical streets of Kruununhaka and restaurant Kolme Kruunua (Three Crowns). Not much has changed in the décor or on the menu since it opened in 1952 – and for good reason. The warm wooden panelling, vintage light fixtures, crisp white tablecloths, and artworks lining the walls and windows keep regulars and newcomers alike returning to this beloved local gem.

Vintage interiors and impeccable design await at restaurant Meiccu in Meilahti. This classy location has hosted gourmet dinners since 1946. The elegant and warm style continues on the menu: expect traditional European cuisine made with seasonal Finnish ingredients.

Konstan Möljä, a charming family-run tavern in Kamppi, offers classic Finnish and Karelian home cooking in a warm, nautical-themed setting. Locals love the generous buffet of reindeer stew, Karelian pies and more.

For more delicious traditional restaurants in Helsinki, go to Myhelsinki.fi.

The historic town of Turku is known for its trendy restaurant scene, but if you're after something nostalgic, head to Brahen Kellari. This cosy spot in the heart of Turku is one of the oldest, still operating restaurants in town (established in 1967), famous for its homely vibe and attentive service. The menu features classic Finnish and European flavours, from escargots to pan-fried fish and hearty steaks.

The idyllic island of Reposaari is well worth a visit when in the coastal town of Pori, not least for the excellent seafood on offer. The historic Restaurant Reposaari, housed in a wooden villa built in 1838, is not to be missed. Be sure to try the traditional fish dishes! Restaurant Reposaari is the oldest restaurant in Finland.

The Old Town of Rauma is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and right next to it you’ll find Wanhan Rauman Kellari – a traditional restaurant housed in an old civil protection shelter. This local favourite has been around for decades, and its terrace is a popular meeting spot during summer.

Further up the coast in Oulu, Restaurant Sarkka has been serving hungry and thirsty travellers since 1941. This is the ultimate Finnish gastropub experience: enjoy hearty comfort food, local beers and karaoke for dessert.

Oulu is a historic harbour town, and its local food culture is influenced by the east, the west, and Lapland in the north. For something truly authentic, head to Pikisaari island and restaurant Sokeri-Jussin Kievari housed in a beautiful log building that’s over 150 years old. Here, the food is traditional and seasonal, made with local ingredients and grandmothers’ recipes.

In Western Lakeland's Tampere, do as the locals do and head to restaurant Ohranjyvä for some tasty, traditional Finnish food. This casual neighbourhood eatery and bar has been a popular hangout since 1965. Along with homely cooking and refreshing drinks, the restaurant hosts bingo and quiz nights, live music, and special events, such as their legendary Läskisoosi Day, an homage to the traditional Finnish pork belly sauce.

For a more refined experience, visit restaurant Tillikka, a Tampere institution located in the scenic Tammerkoski national landscape. Since 1912, local artists and the cultural elite have gathered here to enjoy good food and drinks. The menu features both classic dishes and modern culinary trends. After dinner, stop by nearby Korvatillikka, a legendary pub and beloved local landmark.

Restaurant Pispalan Pulteri has an interesting history: it started in 1968 as an experimental restaurant by the Finnish State Alcohol Monopoly’s (Alko). Today, this neighbourhood restaurant is known all over the country. Perhaps try their famous Super Steak – a classic that has been on the menu since the very beginning.

The city of Kuopio, in the heart of Eastern Lakeland, is known for its unique food culture, especially vendace (muikku in Finnish), a small fish abundant in these pure waters. There’s no better place to taste this local delicacy than Muikkuravintola Sampo, a restaurant specializing in vendace with over 90 years of experience. The traditional way to enjoy muikku is crispy fried, but you’ll also find a muikku burger on the menu!

Restaurant Harmooni, located in a beautifully restored former factory in the Central Lakeland city of Jyväskylä, serves exquisite seasonal dishes in a charming, nostalgic atmosphere. Ingredients are locally sourced from nearby forests, farms, and lakes. The building once housed a harmonium factory, and its history still echoes in the elegant wooden interiors, vaulted ceilings, and warm, intimate ambience.

Restaurant Kissanviikset (Cat Whiskers) has been a local culinary hotspot in Jyväskylä for over 60 years. The restaurant keeps the most popular classics on the menu while also offering seasonal specialties. You might even spot reindeer among the options.

Jyväskylä is a famous university town, and restaurant Sohwi has been the go-to hangout for local academics and students alike since 1968. The food is freshly made and affordable, featuring comfort food classics with a modern twist. In summer, Sohwi's terrace is one of the most popular in town.

In Southern Lakeland, in the sporty city of Lahti, foodies flock to restaurant Roux, housed in a former pharmacy in a building dating back to 1912. This classic restaurant serves seasonal cuisine with French influences and a modern touch but you will always find reindeer on the menu. Roux is known for its elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, expert wine pairings, and beautifully plated dishes that highlight the best of Finnish and European culinary traditions.

Can't get enough of Finnish food? Below, you'll find a selection of other tasty articles to explore.