New Nordic kitchens work with a short local season — foraged herbs, fermentation, seafood — and usually serve one long tasting menu with no à la carte.
In Helsinki the Nordic list is led by Finnjävel Salonki in Töölönlahti (One MICHELIN Star, €180-220 / $195-240 per person). If you want the same cooking for less, Grön at €120-140 / $130-150 is the value pick.
- 1.
Finnjävel Salonki
One MICHELIN StarModern Finnish · Töölönlahti · €180-220 / $195-240
Henri Alén
Finnjävel Salonki elevates Finnish culinary traditions with exquisite precision and modern flair. Housed within a beautifully restored industrial building, the tasting menu is a journey through Finland's seasonal bounty, presented with artistic plating and meticulous service. It's a definitive experience for those seeking refined Finnish identity.
Order: Karelian Pie with truffle and roe; Pike perch with dill and buttermilk
- 2.
Olo
One MICHELIN StarModern Nordic · Market Square · €195-230 / $210-250
Tuomas Koponen
Olo delivers an immersive gastronomic journey through contemporary Nordic cuisine, emphasizing purity of flavor and innovative presentations. Situated near the Market Square, its elegant setting complements the artful tasting menu, which changes frequently to reflect the freshest available ingredients. A hallmark of Helsinki's culinary ambition.
Order: Artful presentations of fish and foraged ingredients
- 3.
Palace
One MICHELIN StarNordic Contemporary · Eteläranta · €190-250 / $205-270
Eero Vottonen
Palace offers an unparalleled fine dining experience with breathtaking panoramic views over the Helsinki harbor. Chef Vottonen's innovative Nordic cuisine celebrates luxury ingredients with precision and creativity. The sophisticated mid-century modern interiors provide a refined backdrop for a truly memorable, elegant meal.
Order: Turbot with caviar; Lamb with seasonal accompaniments
- 4.
Ora
One MICHELIN StarModern Finnish · Töölö · €150-170 / $160-185
Sasu Laukkonen
Ora is a small, intimate restaurant known for its unwavering commitment to hyper-local and sustainable sourcing. Chef Laukkonen creates deeply flavorful dishes from ingredients often personally foraged or sourced from nearby farms. The tasting menu offers a genuine taste of the Finnish landscape, presented with thoughtful simplicity.
Order: Dishes featuring wild mushrooms and berries
- 5.
Grön
One MICHELIN StarNew Nordic / Vegetarian-focused · Kamppi · €120-140 / $130-150
Toni Kostian
Grön champions a deeply seasonal and often vegetarian-focused New Nordic cuisine, showcasing incredible depth of flavor from local, foraged, and organic produce. The intimate, minimalist space enhances the focus on the innovative, beautifully plated dishes. It offers a fresh, conscious approach to fine dining.
Order: Fermented vegetables; dishes featuring seasonal Finnish mushrooms
Booking a Nordic table in Helsinki
- · For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book 4-8 weeks in advance, especially for Friday/Saturday evenings. Some establishments open reservations 2-3 months out and fill quickly.
- · Many fine dining restaurants require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for tasting menus, particularly for larger groups or peak times. Check their specific cancellation policies.
- · Consider booking lunch menus at starred restaurants; they often offer a slightly abbreviated tasting experience at a more accessible price point, providing excellent value and easier reservation availability.
- · Be aware of no-show policies. Most restaurants will charge a significant fee (often the full tasting menu price) if you fail to cancel within their specified window, usually 24-48 hours.
And the local dishes in Helsinki
Lohikeitto (Salmon Soup)
A creamy, hearty salmon soup featuring chunks of fresh salmon, potatoes, carrots, and dill. It's a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for any season. You can find excellent versions at traditional Finnish restaurants or at market halls like Old Market Hall.
Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian Pie)
A traditional Finnish pastry from the Karelia region. It consists of a thin rye crust with a filling of rice porridge, often served warm with egg butter (munavoi). It's a popular breakfast or snack item, widely available in bakeries and cafes across the city.
Leipäjuusto (Finnish Squeaky Cheese)
A fresh cow's milk cheese, baked or fried, giving it a caramelized crust. It's traditionally served with cloudberry jam, creating a delightful sweet and savory combination. Look for it at market halls, dessert sections of restaurants, or specialty cheese shops.
Korvapuusti (Cinnamon Bun)
A classic Finnish cinnamon bun, larger and often more spiced than its Swedish counterpart, with a distinctive knotted shape and pearl sugar topping. It's best enjoyed fresh with a cup of coffee. Many cafes and bakeries throughout Helsinki offer this beloved treat.
Other cuisines in Helsinki
Seven days in Helsinki
Pair these Nordic tables with the full itinerary: neighbourhoods, museums and what to skip.
Read the Helsinki travel guide