Brothers and Sisters in RAR!,
This is the first in an ongoing thread related to dining in Helsinki.
As my career takes me to Finland on a regular basis, I have suffered through the pain of many poor choices in dining. I hope this list helps you avoid my mistakes.
Not being included on the list means nothing, as I forget a lot of places and, frankly, I don't want to limit the possibility that you might have a horrific meal.
Thai: Villa Thai Restaurant, Bulevardi 28
First, Thai food. The best I've discovered so far is Villa Thai Restaurant at Bulevardi 28. It's off the 6 tram on the way toward the SAS Radisson Seaside, about halfway between the hotel and the Esplanade. The food was remarkably spicy by Nordic standards (I did, however, ask for it that way) and they managed to have the proper condiments and spices (normally, I've found a real lack of proper basil in European cuisine). Not open on Sundays.
http://www.villathai.com
Indian: Namaskaar, Bulevardi 6 A
Indian is right down the street at Namaskaar. I suggest the Thalis, which come in meat and meatless varieties. It's also off the #6 tram, right down the street from Villa Thai, though closer to the Esplanade.
http://www.namaskaar.fi
Russian: Saslik, Neitsytpolku 12
Across from the Russian Embassy, Saslik is a frequent destination on my travels. I highly suggest the bear, combined with a decent selection of ice cold vodka. The restaurant is rather cramped, so it makes escaping the Russian folk singers a bit difficult.
Note that this restaurant company has other branches serving Finnish and other cuisines, some of which I've eaten at, and seem to be equally as good.
http://www.asrestaurants.com/saslik/index.asp?lang=en
French: Michelle, Mikonkatu 4
Though I can't say I've tried all the French places in Helsinki, I can recommend this place as a reliable and tasty destination. The escargot are delightfully buttered and garlic'ed and the cuts of meat have been quite good. Dessert is worth it.
Again, note that this restaurant company has other branches serving Finnish and other cuisines, some of which I've eaten at, and seem to be equally as good.
http://www.ravintolaopas.net/michell...yId=30&lang=en
Irish: Molly Malone's, Kaisaniemenkatu 1C
I don't recommend the food, but the Guinness is generally fresh and the live music makes it for a good late night out.
http://www.mollymalones.fi/mollymalones_perus_en.html
Italian: Sasso, Market Square
Tasty Northern Italian cuisine, located off the market square at the end of the Esplanade. Good place for Martinis.
http://www.palacekamp.fi/etusivu.asp?rest=sasso&lang=fi
Finnish: G.W. Sundman's, Eteläranta 16
Excellent, High-End Finnish cuisine. The Krog downstairs is the same kitchen, but dining is
al fresco and only in summer. Eat Rudolph, his friends and your favorite salted fish here.
http://www.royalravintolat.com/sundmans/index_eng.asp
Japanese/Sushi: Nori, Eteläranta 1
Next door is a good sushi place. Reasonably priced by Helsinki standards and very close to the fish market. Closed on Sundays.
Japanese/Sushi: Ichiban, Mikonkatu 8, 2nd floor
Another highly regarded sushi restaurant.
http://www.ichiban.fi/
Tex/Mex: Cantina West, Kasarmikatu 23
Though I always hesitate to recommend any European-based [Tex]Mexican, this is about as good as it gets in Helsinki.
http://www.ravintolaopas.net/cantina...Id=158&lang=en
International: Eatz, Mikonkatu 15
Got a group and can't decide what to eat or, alternately, crave low-maintenance comfort food? Try Eatz in the city center, across from the train station. Stay away from the American and Mexican cuisines, but the sushi (conveyor belt-style, though you can usually convince them to make off the menu) and Thai food aren't too bad, but not as good as the dedicated places listed above. It has a lively Australian themed bar upstairs and, frankly, we all know how the Aussies party.
http://www.ravintolaopas.net/eatz/ (Finnish only!)
That's it for the start. I will amend it as I remember/discover new places. Alternately, post your own suggestions or dispute mine.
Timothy