The Nordic Nomad

Helsinki, Finland

The 2023 hot list – Helsinki’s 5 best new restaurants, bars and cafés

The list of all-new 2023 Helsinki restaurants, bars and cafés

Do you want to know where to eat and drink in Helsinki, Finland, right now? Restaurant aficionados want to know what’s new, what’s popular, and where their favourite chefs have settled — and with a slew of highly anticipated debuts, there are more places to explore than ever before. We maintain a current list of all new Helsinki restaurants, bars, and cafés that have opened in the last year, conveniently divided down month by month so you can see exactly when they opened. Here is the complete guide to Helsinki’s newest, best and buzziest restaurants, bars and cafés.

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August

23/8

Le Ankka

Enter Le Ankka, the latest venture from esteemed Chef Ilkka Lääveri, known for his previous Michelin-recognised restaurant, Ora. Le Ankka combines the sophistication of French dining with a hearty Finnish touch, housed within the historic Jugend-style Hannus house on Huvilakatu, built back in 1908. Every corner tells a story, with decor personally curated from items found in the owners’ homes. But the real star of the show? The 3-4 course menus, featuring fresh ingredients sourced from the chef’s network of farmers and fishers.

Le Ankka
Huvilakatu 28
Helsinki
Finland

Photography courtesy of Le Ankka

July

Pobre Helsinki Finland restaurant
Pobre Helsinki Finland restaurant

18/7

Pobre

Reopened in a new space in the summer of 2023, Pobre has quickly become the talk of Helsinki’s dining scene once again. Masterfully drawing from Spanish culinary traditions and enriched with Filipino flair, thanks to the heritage of General Manager Justine Caoibes, one of the restaurant’s founders, the menu delights and surprises. Signature dishes, including the crunchy fried chicken and sumptuous seafood adobo, showcase a passionate reimagining of two rich food cultures. While each plate narrates a unique tale of taste and tradition, the ambience complements this gastronomic journey. The interior seamlessly combines contemporary design with intimate charm, inviting diners to relish, reminisce and return.

Pobre
Annankatu 15
Helsinki
Finland

Photography courtesy of Joonas Ojala

May

Terroir Helsinki Finland restaurant
Terroir Helsinki Finland restaurant

25/5

Terroir

Helsinki’s restaurant sensation Terroir pulses with a contemporary culinary vision. Living up to its name – a French term encapsulating the environmental influences on cultivation – this establishment is about designing an all-encompassing gastronomic experience, down to the finest detail. Adhering to a deterministic philosophy, every culinary event is seen as preordained by prior conditions, transforming each meal into a tribute to the complete journey of growing, procuring, and integrating ingredients. At Terroir, a nine-course dining experience or a quicker four-course ‘rapid dining’ option await, available only upon reservation.

Terroir
Unioninkatu 30
Helsinki
Finland

Photography courtesy of Terroir

23/5

Foc Tapas

Immerse yourself in the heart of Spain without leaving Helsinki at Foc Tapas, a family-owned gem known for its authentic tapas. With a menu boasting patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo and pulpo a la gallega, crafted by a chef who’s trekked through the Spanish culinary landscape, the restaurant is a hotspot for taste adventurers. Its inviting bar area, boasting Spanish wines and craft beers, marries perfectly with the designer’s vibrant and textured decor, creating a lively atmosphere that sings the Spanish spirit in Finland.

Foc Tapas
Unioninkatu 18
Helsinki
Finland

Photography courtesy of Foc Tapas

March

Omadi Bar & Bistro Helsinki Uusimaa Finland restaurant
Omadi Bar & Bistro Helsinki Uusimaa Finland restaurant

24/3

Omadi Bar & Bistro

Step into Omadi Bar & Bistro, where the urban Telakka district sets the stage for a harmonious blend of French and Japanese culinary traditions. Here, the lavish creaminess of French cuisine meets the delicate elegance of Japanese flavours, thanks to an expertly crafted menu. Indulge in dishes such as Balfegó tuna tartare with soy and mirin cured yolk, or treat yourself to a rich Wagyu A3 steak. Designed by the renowned Joanna Laajisto, the space exudes contemporary sophistication.

Omadi Bar & Bistro
Telakkakatu 14
Helsinki
Finland

Photography courtesy of Omadi Bar & Bistro

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