Originally Posted by
mosburger
A few of the "classic" Helsinki eateries with Finnish cuisine:
Savoy - Back to (refined) basics on a constantly high level. An August crayfish dinner can be spectacular.
Lehtovaara - A bit out of the centre. Best bet is the Sunday brunch/lunch buffet.
Sea Horse - Could be found on Manhattan. Urban Helsinki at it's best with workman's fare.
Salve - Ditto, with a maritime twist.
Kosmos - Traditional artists haunt, nice mix of Russian, French and domestic influences on the menu.
Elite - Similar to Kosmos, but with an excellent, romantic summer terrace.
Personally I'm not a big fan of Lapland cuisine but would guess the showcase places in Helsinki are at least acceptable.
I second these recommendations. Also
Kolme Kruunua on Liisankatu in Kruununhaka offers a similar experience to Sea Horse and Salve. Maybe it should be noted that the above mentioned places differ quite a bit regarding the price levels (and "gourmet levels" too. Lehtovaara, Elite, Kosmos and especially Savoy can get heavy on your wallet.
I grew up eating reindeer meat every week (my family got own reindeers actually). I haven't eaten at the Lapland theme restaurants in Helsinki except once at Lappi with an American friend -- both of us were rather disappointed with the food (I bother not to comment the interior at all). Since then I've usually taken international guests, who wanted to try e.g. reindeer stew, to Salve or Sea Horse. Somewhat surprisingly especially many of my Japanese friends have been very happy with those restaurants.