Finland’s capital is cool, quirky and progressively modern – book a room in the heart of the city, then visit these eight eateries for the best food and drink in town.
1 For sundowners with a view: SKY ROOM
Sky Room, located on the rooftop of the Clarion Hotel Helsinki and enclosed with floor-to-ceiling windows, certainly lives up to its name. The restaurant-cum-bar is a popular meeting place and a sublime spot to watch the sun set. Arrive early, order a glass of bubbly and take in the incredible, uninterrupted city and waterfront views. nordicchoicehotels.com
2 For damn good veggie fare: YES YES YES
What was previously a McDonald’s is now a trendy vegetarian diner that’s almost always fully booked, with good reason. Serving small plates that are perfect for sharing, Yes Yes Yes is a herbivore’s dream. Portions are large and ingredients are fresh, with musttries including blood orange, fennel flower and Champagne risotto, halloumi fries with pomegranate and coriander, and Jerusalem artichokes with cashew Hollandaise. Yes (yes, yes), please! yesyesyes.fi
3 For wine lovers: VIN-VIN Walk too fast and you may miss this tiny wine bar located on busy Kalevankatu Street. It serves mostly organic wines from small vineyards, the selection is extensive, and the staff knowledgeable. A glass can easily set you back around R150, but it’s worth it for the ambience and the opportunity to enjoy a wine from a region that you may not have otherwise tried. vin-vin.fi
4 For a chilled-out brunch: SOUTH PARK
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