Exploring Helsinki’s Evolving Culinary Scene

Exploring Helsinki’s Evolving Culinary Scene

Helsinki’s culinary landscape is continually evolving, offering residents and visitors an array of new dining experiences. From innovative restaurant concepts to popular food trucks, the city’s food scene caters to diverse tastes.

New Restaurant Openings

La Galleria

Located at Unioninkatu 30, La Galleria brings a touch of Italian Renaissance to Helsinki. The restaurant boasts Finland’s largest pizza oven, a striking Morello Forni nearly three meters wide, adorned with gold-toned mosaic tiles. The menu features classic Italian dishes, including fresh pasta, cured meats, risotto, and rack of lamb. Pizzas start at €15 for a Margherita, with specialty options like the €29 truffle pizza. La Galleria operates Tuesday to Friday from 16:00 to 23:00, Saturday from 13:00 to 23:00, and Sunday from 12:00 to 22:00.

Esmes

Esmes, the latest venture from the team behind 305, The Bull & The Firm, and Wellamo, offers a unique dining experience with its open kitchen and communal oak counter. The menu emphasizes precision and flavor, featuring dishes like a simple yet flavorful tomato starter and grilled endives with burnt butter emulsion and trout roe. Esmes has quickly become a hotspot for food enthusiasts seeking a refined yet approachable dining atmosphere.

Tales Wine Bar

Adjacent to the acclaimed Restaurant Teller, Tales Wine Bar opened its doors on January 20, 2026. This new establishment offers a curated selection of wines in a setting that encourages storytelling and camaraderie. Sharing a kitchen with Teller but maintaining its own identity, Tales Wine Bar is open Tuesday to Saturday from 16:00 to 23:00, reserving space for both reservations and walk-ins.

Innovative Concepts

Relove’s New Restaurant

Relove, known for its popular cafés and second-hand boutiques, is launching a new restaurant concept on Pohjoisesplanadi. This innovative space combines luxury second-hand accessories with a diverse food and drink offering, serving guests from breakfast to dinner. The menu draws inspiration from French and Italian cuisines, featuring fresh, sourdough-baked bread from an in-house bakery. The restaurant is set to open this summer, aiming to create a multisensory dining experience.

À La Kämp and Kämp Bar

Hotel Kämp, a historic luxury hotel since 1887, has unveiled its new bar and restaurant, À La Kämp and Kämp Bar. These establishments pay homage to the hotel’s rich history while offering a modern dining experience. Located alongside Esplanade Park, they provide guests with a blend of classic and contemporary culinary offerings in a refined setting.

Food Trucks and Street Food

Mr. Delicious Food Truck

Mr. Delicious has become a favorite among Helsinki’s street food enthusiasts. Known for its signature Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, the food truck offers a variety of options, including chicken cheesesteaks and hearty bowls. Operating throughout Helsinki, Mr. Delicious brings its flavorful offerings to various locations across the city.

Bamilami Food Truck

Specializing in fresh Banh Mi sandwiches, Bamilami has been voted the best lunch spot in Helsinki for 2024. Located at Kampintori, the food truck offers a variety of customizable options, catering to health-conscious foodies seeking bold flavors. Operating hours are Monday to Friday from 11:00 to 19:00, Saturday from 12:00 to 19:00, and closed on Sundays.

Meatout Burgers

Meatout brings high-quality burgers to various locations around Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa. Their menu features options like the Classic Burger and Bacon Burger, both made with local Finnish beef patties cooked on a charcoal grill. The food truck’s schedule varies, so it’s advisable to follow their social media channels for the latest locations and specials.

BULI

BULI has made a name for itself with its charcoal-grilled brisket and acclaimed burgers. As a two-time European Street Food Awards winner, BULI offers a menu that includes the OG Burger and other delectable options. The food truck operates in various locations, including Oulunkylä, Lauttasaari, and Haaga, with specific operating hours available on their website.

Helsinki’s dynamic food scene continues to thrive, offering a rich tapestry of flavors and experiences for all to enjoy.