Recently Helsinki got its first ever 2-star restaurant into the Michelin Red Guide. It is a small (34 seats) restaurant run by a couple of young talented chefs:

Chez Dominique
Address: Ludviginkatu 3-5 (downtown, close to the Swedish Theater)
Tel. (09) 612 7393 (int. +358-9-612-7393)
Fax (09) 6124 4220 (int. +358-9-6124-4220)
info@chezdominique.fi
http://www.chezdominique.fi/
N.B. Closed Sun and Mon.

I recommend eating the Menu Surprise (4, 6, or 9 courses chosen by the chef). They have also picked matching wines for each course. It is pretty pricey, of course, something in the range of 100 to 200 euros per person. However, taxes are always included in the prices in Finland and tips are not really expected -- it is customary to give tips only in a very high class place, like this one, if the service is good.

[This message has been edited by ORD Finn (edited 03-24-2003).]

I have eaten at Chez Dominique and can highly recommend it; the choice of menu options is helpful and the food excellent.

Just over the road from Chez Dominique is one of my favourite restaurants in Helsinki. Strangely for me, an avowed carnivore, Via is a chiefly vegetarian restaurant but it does have a wide variety of imaginative dishes including some with chicken or beef. Well presented starters and generously proportioned main courses offer a mixture of traditional Finnish dishes and some fusion cuisine. The main restaurant is stylish and modern and there is a delightful garden terrace which is gorgeous in summer. Best of all are the prices; I've never paid more than 80 Euro for dinner for two here...and that's with three courses and plenty of drinks.

I first dined here a couple of years ago when the restaurant was only a few days old. It is still my first port of call in Helsinki.

Via Ravintola (http://www.viaravintola.com)
Ludviginkatu 6-10
+358 (09) 6811370