THE BEST VEGETARIAN-FRIENDLY DINING, ROOFTOPS & RESTAURANTS IN HELSINKI

The Finns are known to be very passionate about their food so its no wonder that there is an incredible range of restaurants in Helsinki to choose from.  As well as being passionate and loyal to their own culinary roots, Finns have a palette for international taste. There’s no denying that a lot of the food in Finland as well as the other Nordic countries is focussed on meats and fish but Helsinki’s restaurants most definitely include great vegetarian options as well as vegan dishes in many cases.

Finnish food concentrates around seasonality, with much lighter meals being eaten around summer, such as fresh vegetables, fruits and/or fish, as opposed to the heavier options consumed during the winter months, which can include preserved fruit and vegetables. Berries are eaten much throughout the year along with an impressive over 100 varieties of wild herbs in Finland.

Delve in the world on the Finnish dining, culture from must-eats to gratuities and where to head for the best restaurants, rooftops and cafes from a vegetarian’s perspective. Your guide to vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Helsinki.

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Is Helsinki Vegetarian and Vegan Friendly

The simple answer is Yes! The Finnish foodie culture is very customer focussed and aims to please, therefore even when visiting a restaurant heavy on non-vegetarian dishes then will almost always cover meat-free options. In addition, this is one reason why making a reservation is always a good thing, the restaurant has advance notice of your dietary requirements. The restaurants in Helsinki are vegetarian friendly but in addition there are restaurants which are dedicated to accommodating a full vegetarian menu. For an extensive list of vegan foods available in grocery stores in Finland, head to Vegaani Tuotteet.

Be-lavie Tip: Always make restaurant reservations even during the week but especially at weekends. This will give the chef plenty of time to plan an alternative dish or source any local ingredients they may not usually stock.

Classic Finnish Dishes You need to Try in Restaurants in Helsinki

It’s widely known that the Finns and other Nordic countries eat a lot of Reindeer (this is more seasonal to autumn time) but there are some commonly eaten vegetarian dishes you can indulge in to eat like a local too.

• Leipäjuusto: Bread cheese or a type of Finnish squeaky cheese. Made from cows milk this cheese is heated and served with cloudberries to form a sweet dessert dish called, Juustoleipä
• Ruisleipä: This is a classic Finnish rye bread which you’ll most probably find this sourdough bread served all the time with. It is known as the national food of Finland and is delicious with some butter. Read more about how Rye Bread Reigns as the Finnish Food
• Karjalanpiirakka: These are known as Karelian pasties are the equivalent of pizza in Italy. The pastry casing is filled with mashed potato or rice pudding and traditionally eaten with egg butter.
• Korvapuusti: The cinnamon bun. The perfect korvapuusti is sprinkled with granules of pearl sugar. The bun’s layers should fall apart easily to show the cinnamon interior.
• Salmiakki: known as one of the more odd things that the Finns love, salty liquorice is flavoured with Salmiakki butter and is very popular in Helsinki and all of Finland. You can get sweets, alcohol, milkshakes sauces, ice-cream and cakes flavoured with Salmiaki. You can also get Vegan Salmiaki, by brand Fazer.which also does a great Vegan Box filled with lots of plant-based products to munch.

Refer to this list of Finland’s protected food items for further information.

 Be-lavie Tip: It’s said Salmiakki is an acquired taste and most only like it if they’ve grown up with it!

Food Prices in Helsinki

Helsinki after all is a capital city like London, Paris, Rome etc, so be prepared for prices to be a lot higher than what you’d expect at home at least if you don’t already frequent capital cities. If you prefer to eat at lunchtime, you’ll be in luck as a weekday lunch is pretty affordable and average prices will set you around 10-12 Euros in a good quality restaurant. If you opt to have a salad, sandwich or soup in a café, expect to pay 7-9 Euros.

Evening meals are more expensive and some starters can cost 12 Euros with mains costing 20 Euros. It’s also advantageous for veggies as non-veggies can pay 10-15 Euros more for meat and fish! Go for a set menu as it’s more cost effective if possible. You can get three courses in some places for 49 Euros.

Coffees such as cappuccinos can be anything up to 3,50 Euros but many places will do a refillable black coffee or house roast Kahvi doe around 2.50-3.50 Euros. Expect to pay up to 5 euros at some places for cinnamon bun.

Be-lavie Tip: Alcohol is pretty pricey in Helsinki as its highly taxed so prepare to pay a little more for the wine (45-60 Euros/bottle), cocktails (15-20 Euros) and shots (10-15 Euros). Finland has a wide variety of alcohol, including  Welcome to the The Helsinki Distilling Company , Kåska, Juomat | Hartwall, Kyrö Distillery Company – Palkittu ruistislaamo Isossakyrössä,  and berry wines Bilberry Dessert Wine – a Finnish Artisan Wine Made of Wild Bilberries if you prefer a more sweeter taste.

The Best Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants in Helsinki

Krog Roba

Located at the Hotel Lilla Roberts, in the Design district, Krog Roba is a casual Nordic style restaurant serving up a la carte options as well as a three course set menu for 49 Euros. Their vegan and vegetarian creations are creative and delicious and change regularly to suit the seasons and availability of local produce. Presentation is a work of earthy-toned art. The interiors are very rustic with lighting installations being a feature as well as the different seating areas. It’s open to residents as well as non-residents.

Related Article: Hotel Lilla Roberts: A Beautiful Art-Deco Hotel in Helsinki

• Location: Pieni Roobertinkatu 3, 00130 Helsink. Tel. +358 9 68242880
• Visting Information: Krog Roba
• Reservations: Essential especially at weekends.
• Be-lavie Recommendations: To start, the green pea gazpacho with cucumber, feta and mint, for main, creamy turban fungus stew with egg and summer vegetables. Dessert go for the Finnish oven baked pancake with marinated berries and vanilla ice-cream. Wash down with a glass or bottle of one of their full bodied reds like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Price Range: ££

Yes Yes Yes

A stand-out restaurant experience, Yes Yes Yes occupies the space of the ex-McDonald’s site but is a far cry from the fast-food chain. This bustling bar and restaurant that is also vegetarian not only impresses with it’s small plate menu but also its vibrant and bustling bar, where the mixologists don’t just know how to make incredible cocktails but can also nock up drool worthy mocktails. Expect quirky interiors in hues of pink, gold and teal. The menu changes often to reflect the seasons and creativity is at its peak when it comes to the dishes at Yes Yes Yes. Opt for a la carte small plates of have the Tasting menu for 2 of small plates!

• Location: Iso Roobertinkatu 1, 00120 Helsinki. Tel. +358 9 61285130
• Visiting Information: Yes Yes Yes
• Reservations: A must as this place is very busy!
• Be-lavie Recommendations: Tasting Menu for two of six courses for 52 Euros. Seasonal (summer), First plates: fried halloumi, lemon yoghurt, strawberry, za’atar with smoked aubergine, tahini, mint oil, tandoori bread. Second plates: Summer cabbage, blackcurrant, peanut, sesame yuzu and tomato zucchini, coconut feta, seasonal greens, watermelon vinaigrette. Main Plates: Garden risotto, charred sweet corn, tarragon, mint, masala parmesan. Dessert: white chocolate mousse with blackcurrant sorbet. Cocktails: try the Basil and Sea Blackthorn.
• Price Range £££

Penny

Penny exudes Brooklyn vibes in this dimly lit cosy restaurant with candles and romance in the air. Serving traditional Finnish classics and twists on classic, this is a great lunch spot. Choose from the a la carte menu or the specials board. The staff at Penny are quick to accommodate dietary requirements if you fancy popping in ad hoc for a quick weekday lunch without reservations. Simple, beautifully presented cuisine, cooked to perfection. In the summer garb a seat outside on its street side terrace to people watch.

• Location: Uudenmaankatu 13, 00120 Helsinki. Tel. +358 9 640724
• Visiting Information: Penny
• Reservation: Not always necessary for lunch but advised for dinner.
• Be-lavie Recommendations: A refreshing apple juice and local mushroom risotto makes a perfect lunch option to fuel up for plenty more sightseeing.
• Price Range ££

Onda

Located in an Old Match factory in the neighbourhood of Kallio, Onda boasts a truly relaxed vibe, great music, an impressive terrace outside as well as indoor space. The restaurant turns into a bit of a club atmosphere in the late evening with a live DJ. There’s a reason why this place gets busy-it’s a really great casual spot serving great quality food and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options of course.

• Location: Hämeentie 13 b, 00530 Helsinki. Tel. +358 44 0660530
• Visiting Information: Onda
• Reservations: Essential in summer as can get busy.
• Be-lavie Recommendations: The crispy tofu salad with lemon drizzle and mac n’ cheese is deliciously light. Accompany with one of the many beers on offer. Dessert is heavenly- try the vegan Biscoff cake with raspberry coulis and lemon sorbet.
• Price Range: ££

Allas Restaurants

Located above the famous Allas Sea Pool, the Allas Restaurants on multiple floors is essential a rooftop bar and restaurant. The menu is seasonal but accommodates all tastes and service is fast. They also have some private dining spaces should you wish to invite some friends and secure a table. It’s a no brainer, get here early for dinner, maybe 5 pm ish and grab a table outside to enjoy the views over the harbour. Cocktails are great as is the bubbles list!

• Location: Katajanokanlaituri 2 A, 00160 Helsinki. Tel. +358 40 0470045
• Reservations: It’s first come first serve in Summer but reservations are taken at all other times.
• Visiting Information: Allas Restaurants https://www.allasrestaurants.fi/en/etusivu-en/
• Be-lavie Recommendations: vegetarian burger with an artichoke and lentil patty accompanied with fries or the summer salad with vegan soy nuggets are great summer options with a refreshing pink spritz.
• Price Range: £££

The Best Rooftop Bars in Helsinki

Clarion Sky Room

The Skyroom rooftop is located on the top floor of the Clarion Hotel in the urban harbourside neighbourhood of Jätkänsaari. The hotel sits high at 78 metres and the sky room has fantastic views over this part of the city. Décor is modern and contemporary and the cocktail list is quite extensive with bartenders who have a certain flair! The atmosphere is quite chilled out with seats facing the windows and the music is classy and makes great and not too over-powering. The clientele are mainly hotel guests, business travellers and young couples.

• Location: c/o Clarion Hotel Helsinki, Tyynenmerenkatu 2, 00220. Helsinki.
• Visiting Information: The Sky Room
• Reservations: Not necessary during the week
• Be-lavie Recommendations: Grab a seat by the huge windows and order the tea infused cocktails with local ingredients.
• Price Range: ££

Loiste at Sokos Hotel

Located right next to the Central railway station, has a great 1950s vibe in terms of décor and design. This particular terrace only opens duting the summer months but the restaurant Vaakuna is open all year round. The views offer great panoramic viewpoints of the Art Deco design of the central Station as well as the Finnish parliament House

• Location: C/O Sokos Kaivokatu 3, 00100 Helsinki,
• Visiting information: Loiste Rooftop
• Reservations: Not during the day but to avoid disappointment evening may be essential
• Be-lavie Recommendation: Go for a glass of cold bubble as you take in the busy city view
• Price Range: ££

Stockman Roof Terrace by Ravintola Teatteri

This bar is rather vibrant during the summer months and is part of the roof complex known as Teatteri. This is a great place to head post shopping or pre-dinner after. a day hanging out on the Esplanade or hitting the shops. The restaurant serves great light bites including a selection of salads and snacks. It is quite focussed on sushi, just to note.

Location: C/O Stockmann. Pohjois-Esplanadi 39, 00100 Helsinki

Visiting Information: Roof Terrace at Ravintola Teatteri

Reservations; Not required

Be-lavie Recommendation: Opt for bubbles, in the form of Prosecco or splash out with the Champagne

Price Range: ££

Allas Sky Bar

Located just above the Allas Sea Pool, this contemporary bar and restaurant are a great meeting place with a. harbourside location and sea views. There’s a great list of cocktails and the vibe is very lively especially in the summer when the locals are out till late. This place has quite a distinct crowd from groups of friends to couples as well as families. It’s a grea sunset spot too with the terrace facing out to sea and wrapping around to revealing city views. Go later afternoon if you plan to stay the evening and secure a table. First come first served with tables.

Location: Katajanokanlaituri 2 A, 00160 Helsinki. Tel. +358 40 0470045

Visiting Information: Allas Sky Bar

Reservations: Walk-ins only during summer but VIP spaces can be reserved.

Be-lavie Recommendation: Champagne based cocktails are a great option here as well as local beers.

Price Range ££

Michelin Starred Restaurants in Helsinki

Helsinki also has a world-class fine dining culture, with exceptional quality, creativity and inventiveness at its core. Local ingredients are transformed by fusing with traditional and contemporary cooking techniques. Currently Helsinki has seven Michelin starred restaurants, one of which has two stars and the others have one star. Here’s the line-up of excellence which also includes Michelin’s Green star for excellence in sustainability:

• Restaurant Palace
• Restaurant Demo
• Finnjävel Salon
• Restaurant Ora
• Restaurant Olo
• Grön

Be-lavie Tip; Reservations for Michelin Star restaurants need to be made in advance (the earlier the better) most release dates with three months notice. State your vegetarian requirement at time of confirmation so the chef can create an alternative tasting menu for you.

The Best Markets in Helsinki

The Old Market Hall

This market is frequented by locals as well as visitors to the city and is located in Old Market Square, Kauppatori. It specialises in what most would class as luxury items such as reindeer meats, caviar and picked fish as well as having coffee shops and smaller other stalls. It’s a must-visit as the architecture is beautiful inside and has been preserved well. The building dates back to 1885 and features around 25 merchants. The food here is traditional Finnish and much of it is culinary specialities.

Location: Eteläranta 125, 00130 Helsinki. +358 9 31023550

Visiting Information: Old Market Hall

Market Square (Kauppatori)

Also known as Kauppatori in Finnish, this is the most famous market located right in the city centre. Here you can purchase anything from fruit and veg, clothing, foodie stalls selling Finnish pastries, meats to leather goods. The Market Square also has a long tradition which involves displaying an old American car on the first Friday every month. The market is open daily until 17:00. Look out for the oldest Memorial in Helsinki in the middle of the square.

Location: Eteläranta, 00170 Helsinki. Tel. +358 9 31023565

Visiting Information: Market Square

Hietalahti Market Hall

Built in 1914 this market has an extensive foodie culture. As well as fresh produce, and souvenirs this market has many authentic Finnish eating outlets as well as Asian cuisine such as Ramen places, bakeries, cafes and the like. It most definitely is worth a visit as it is more centred around the locals and would serve as a great authentic experience.

• Location: Abrahaminkatu 3, 00180 Helsinki

The Best Brunch Restaurants in Helsinki

If you love a good brunch Helsinki is not short of wonderful Brunch Spots, many are cafes and sell a good breakfast combo of dishes that comes with hot drinks. Add these to your must-brunch list:

• Way Bakery & Winebar
• Café Engel
• Sävy Coffee Bar
• Relove Café
• Café Regatta
• Tanner

Instagram-Friendly Restaurants & Rooftops in Helsinki

If you love a café that will make it onto the grid for looks as well as quality then look no further than the below which have fantastic Instagram photo worthy interiors to match the food:

• Yes Yes Yes
• Relove Café
• Allas Café & Terrace
• Cafe Regatta

The Best Cafes in Helsinki

When it comes to coffee culture the Finns love their Kahvi and a sweet or savoury treat to go with. For an extensive list of cafes In Helsinki by neighbourhood, refer to this related post:  A Coffee Lovers Guide to Cafes in Helsinki.

• Sävy Coffee Bar
• Café Engel
• Cafe Ekberg
• Birgitta
• Ihana Kahvila
• Café Regatta
• Relove Kahvli
• Story
• Kaffe Roastery
• Café Succes

Gratuities Culture

Gratuities and tips are not expected in Helsinki as with other international cities, Staff are paid appropriately and in keeping with government regulations. The tip culture doesn’t exist and isn’t expected, however it always appreciated and split evenly between hospitality staff. However if you feel you would like to extend your gratitude, a 10% tip of the total bill amount is an acceptable amount to add to the bill or leave as cash.

The Best Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants & Rooftops In Helsinki Round-Up

The foodie culture in Helsinki is truly one of the best in the world which can be seen by the number of Michelin Star restaurants where quality isn’t compromised. But, Helsinki’s exquisite quality of food, their creativeness in menus, the importance of least food waste, use of local Finnish food transformed with cooking techniques and inventiveness truly makes it quite a rival in Nordic cuisine if not the world. Finnish food is hardly spoken about but it is a hidden gem, like the country itself and is waiting to be discovered by palettes.

Foodie Tours in Helsinki

Tours by Helsinki locals are a great way to find some great local and reasonable-priced eats. Eat as the Finns do in Helsinki and learn of all their local recommendations and authentic spots

Helsinki Food Tour Including Tastings

Private Helsinki Food & Beer Tour

. Be-lavie Tip: Remember to let them know you’re vegetarian so they can tailor your tour to your requirements

Related Articles:

• A Beautiful Art-Deco Hotel in Helsinki: Hotel Lilla Roberts
• How to Best Spend 72 Hours in Helsinki Sustainably
• The Best Dining in Vegetarian Dining in Helsinki: Restaurants & Rooftops
• Discover the Best Photo Locations in Helsinki

À bientôt

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