Today's stop are ethnic restaurants - Helsinki style :

Russian:

Bellevue
Rahapajankatu 3
00160 Helsinki
Tel (09) 179 560

The oldest Russian restaurant in Helsinki founded by emigrants from the Rodina in the turbulent year of 1917. Fitting location in the shadow of the Orthodox Uspensky Cathedral and a professional kitchen dishing out Russian trad favorites with a French twist.

Galleria Hariton
Kasarmikatu 44
00130 Helsinki
Tel (09) 622 1717

Interestingly enough the owner is an Orthodox monk ( leading a double life as respected Chef ) who has built a small monastery west of Helsinki. The kitchen is well aware of seasonal food and the Byzantine church calendar so be prepared for some pleasant surprises.

Wellamo
Vyokatu 9
00160 Helsinki
Tel (09) 663 139

Not strictly Russian, but a longtime favorite of both bohemians and the Orthodox community from nearby Uspensky Cathedral. Apart from the wonderful Russian dishes also lighter mediterranean fare is available.

Swedish/Scandinavian:

G18
Yrjonkatu 18
00120 Helsinki
Tel (09) 4281 2500

Newish restaurant in a museum setting offering Swedish home cooking and mediterranean dishes.

Karljohan
Yrjonkatu 21
00100 Helsinki
Tel 09-612 1121

Very nice restaurant opposite the Hotel Torni with Swedish and Finnish traditional cooking and keeping high standards. It's worthwhile to try the Scandinavian mushy pea soup ( and pancake dessert ) at Thursday lunches.

Stroget
Radisson SAS Royal Hotel,
Runeberginkatu 2
00100 Helsinki
Tel 020 1234 800

The inhouse restaurant at the SAS Royal has Scandinavian starters and some Danish and Swedish style sandwiches on the "international" menu.