Generally considered the definitive live venue in Helsinki, Tavastia is conveniently located, right by the main bus station in Kamppi. Live artists, local and foreign, are featured on many nights every week. The club is open on other nights as well, and since the place is owned by a university student organisation, special events are frequent. Short music festivals focusing on certain genres are also common, and twice a year record fairs draw in a crowd. In terms of acoustics, Tavastia is one of the best live venues in town, though it is relatively small. Its maximum capacity is less than a thousand people, only just over half of whom can fit into the actual live side of the club. Therefore, many artists playing there sell out, even when they play for two or more nights in a row.
Ubicado en Etu-Töölö detrás del museo Nacional y junto al Parlamento, el bar St. Urho fue inaugurado hace 20 años, siendo uno de los más populares en tradición con las personas locales. Una amplia selección de cervezas embotelladas y de barril están disponibles y el menú tiene todo, desde pequeñas hasta enormes comidas. Nunca hay cargo de cover, aún durante las presentaciones de música en vivo.
Su ubicación, cerca del mar en Kauppatori, es provechoso por traer la pesca del día. Los competidores han cuestionado este restaurante como el lugar para comer mariscos de toda la ciudad, pero Havis Amanda ha mantenido su posición, disfrutando de una inmensa popularidad entre los turistas. El menú tiene más platillos de mariscos y pescado que la mayoría de los restaurantes de este tipo y la calidad es impresionante. Las opciones populares incluyen la perca a la parrilla y la langosta en salsa de limón. Su decoración tiene una sensación antigua y clásica.
Kappeli ha sido pionero en cenas finlandesas desde 1837, ofreciendo hermosas vistas al mar. La parte del café tiene postres estupendos (aunque caros), perfectos para cualquier hora del día. El restaurante sirve platillos tradicionales finlandeses, a menudo ofreciendo salsas hechas de la elaboración de cerveza de la propia fábrica de cerveza del restaurante. El mismo edificio también cuenta con un bar y un restaurante en el sótano. En verano, los clientes pueden hacer uso de su grande y concurrida terraza y mirar a los transeúntes y las actuaciones del escenario Espa que se encuentra al lado. Los horarios varían en cada sección.
Este es un lugar interesante para cenar, aún para los ciudadanos de Helsinki. Todas las mesas, sillas y otras partes del mobiliario están hechos de madera y la iluminación tenue intensifica el sentimiento de estar en un lugar totalmente diferente. El menú es fácil de usar con precios justos. Su especialidad es el solomillo de reno, o puedes probar el corégono a la parrilla, el cual es considerablemente más barato. Completa tu comida con la selección de quesos de granja Lapp, saborizados con crema de canela. Los meseros siempre están atentos con un buen servicio aún en las noches concurridas.
El club de jazz más conocido de Helsinki, Storyville reside en un sótano donde las paredes de ladrillo rojo gritan Nueva Orleans. Éste es un lugar para aquellos que les gusta sentarse, disfrutar bebidas y escuchar a una banda tocar jazz ligero y sencillo; siempre puedes entrar aquí y esperar una interpretación en vivo. Los músicos invitados son a menudo extranjeros. Storyville es especialmente popular durante los fines de semana, pero puedes esperar en el bar de arriba si el club está lleno.
House of Sandwiches is a fairly new deli right behind the big Forum department store. Open only on weekdays, this tiny place consists of exactly two tables, so be prepared to take away. But, the sandwiches are excellent. You can watch as the cook fixes your sandwich right on the spot. There is a wide variety of toppings to choose from. Different kinds of salads are also available. This is a good place to enjoy a snack, it even accepts a few credit cards.
Ora is a fine dining restaurant that offers pristine Finnish cuisine featuring seasonal specialties. Awarded one Michelin star, this restaurant offers prix fixe menus which include creative platters that will greatly satiate your palate. Some of its dishes that have received a mention in the past include beef, Malt Saimaa Pork, Perch and fish. The wine and coffee varieties have also been appreciated by several guests. Fine ingredients that are locally procured are utilized for the preparation of meals. While the dining area is small and features minimalistic interiors, the hospitable staff, prompt service and cozy atmosphere make you revisit the restaurant several times.
Known for its 15- course prix- fixe menu featuring Nordic and Asian flavors, Inari is a must- visit during your trip to Helsinki. Awarded one Michelin star, the restaurant is helmed my owner and head chef, Kim Mikkola who aims to create a blend of simplicity and purity in his cuisine. He wishes to provide an experience where guests feel cared for. This restaurant offers pristine seasonal cuisine that has a delicate balance of flavors. If you are a vegetarian, this restaurant is a great option for you since several plant- based dishes are also offered here. The restaurant is also great for oenophiles since it offers an exhaustive list of wines to suit all palates. Ingredients are locally procured and of fine quality. Inari houses just seven tables and hence it is advisable to make reservations.
OlO is probably the best restaurant in Helsinki. Located by the waterside, this restaurant is more a modern gastro-bar that serves some amazing Scandinavian cuisine than anything else. Try their eight-course meal if you have that kind of appetite, or just order a la carte. Along with the mains, the restaurant serves mouthwatering desserts and keeps a good collection of drinks as well. The staff is friendly, explaining each dish as it comes along. Ingredients for all the dishes are locally sourced, and so is the cutlery on the tables. They act swiftly when apprised of preferences, allergies and dietary restrictions and make arrangements for alternatives in quick time. The fact that the chefs take pride in all they do comes through every single dish the resto serves.
A live music venue in Helsinki G Livelab is a very popular bar that invites well known bands to play. The acoustics at the venue are excellent.