When summer season is in full swing, and food means more to you than just food, but also an occasion to meet the sunrise or see the sunset, admire the cityscapes from the rooftop, breathe in the scent of greenery and flowers, or just slow down with a glass of wine or a cup of coffee — all the roads lead to the terrace.
Discover our selection of the 8 colorful terrace concepts in Helsinki for 2023, where the food tastes delicious and the joy of summer feels at the most.
Boulevard Seafood & Bar
A modern Scandinavian seafood restaurant BOULEVARD Bar & Seafood, located on one of the oldest streets of Helsinki — Bulevardi, has gained particular popularity and recognition among fish lovers in the two years of its existence.
A cozy summer terrace with a relaxed atmosphere and a pleasant view of Vanha Kirkkopuisto, the old park of Helsinki, invites you to enjoy fresh oysters, clams, fish, mussels and other sea treasures, prepared with love and respect for the ingredients, using various technologies and cooking methods.
According to the brand chef Sylvester Soisalo, the menu offered to guests is a tribute to the delicious dishes of the seas and waterways, where the main attention is paid to fresh, responsibly grown and caught seafood, which is treated with delicacy and iron professionalism.
The hit of the season is a luxurious assortment of seafood, which is unlikely to leave gourmands indifferent.
Royal Shellfish Tower — Lobster cocktail, crab, prawns, oysters, mussels, tartars and the sauces served in majestic manner. The taste of seafood will be elegantly emphasized by a glass of wine.
One of the most popular choice of the Mains is undoubtedly Trout With Sorrel, deserving special attention — Butter poached trout with sorrel beurre blanc with green salad and new potatoes.
In the Photo: François Mîkulski Meursault France 2021
In addition to the available wines by the glass, there’s a great opportunity to try some rare vintages from Coravin.
Address: Bulevardi 6, 00120 Helsinki
Contacts: info@boulevard.fi
Reservation & sales +358 10 322 9387
Restaurant +358 10 322 9382
Instagram: @boulevardhelsinki
SAVOY
One of the oldest and most beautiful restaurants in Helsinki, SAVOY, has been an impeccable place for more than 80 years, which always brought people together: artists, intellectuals and businesspeople as well as families, friends and lovers.
Located on the 8th floor on Eteläesplanadi street, SAVOY, in addition to its historic hall designed by famous Finnish designers Aino and Alvar Aalto, boasts a year-round glazed terrace with magnificent views of the central park and the main Cathedral of the city.
SAVOY‘s philosophy has been centered on Finnish cuisine made with classic French culinary skills since its inception, and still, the current Chef Helena Puolakka offers an experience that reflects the restaurant’s history, which is still relevant today.
Lunch & Dinner menues are filled with seasonal flavors.
In the Photo: Crème Ninon tartlet, green asparagus, champagne; Perch carpaccio, cauliflower, tomato vinaigrette; Spring vegetables from Lindtroth’s garden, truffle vinaigrette
Russian influence has been added to the Finnish-French cuisine, which can be attributed to one of the regular customers of SAVOY, Marshal of Finland, Carl Gustav Mannerheim. His favorite dish here was Vorschmack, which to this day is one of the restaurant’s bestsellers.
Vorschmack is served with potato purée, beetroot, pickles, sour cream and should be enjoyed with “Marskin Ryyppy” (Marchal’s Shot — originally mix of vodka, dry vermouth and gin).
Those wishing to treat themselves to fish dishes, should pay attention to Baltic wild salmon confit with Annabella potatoes and sorrel champagne sauce.
Along with gastronomy, the restaurant is famous for its wine cellar, which is one of the largest in Finland. In addition to wine pairing designed for different tasting menues, you can experience upscale wines presented by the glass.
In the photo: Kefir Panna Cotta, Apricot Sorbet
In the photo: Marinated strawberries, citrus crème, lime basil sorbet
The best dessert on a hot summer day is a refreshing sorbet, wether on its own or in beautiful combination with seasonal berries & fruits.
Address: Eteläesplanadi 14, Helsinki
Contacts: +358 (0)9 6128 5300
savoy@savoyhelsinki.fi
Instagram: @savoyhelsinki
Ravintola Mattolaituri
Hidden on the shores of Kaivopuisto Park in the strait between the beautiful islands of Uunisaari and Harakka, RAVINTOLA MATTOLAITURI is a restaurant with a seaside terrace, where you can enjoy beautiful sea views with a glass of Moët & Chandon champagne, comfortably sitting on a sun lounger on the restaurant’s own beach.
In the Photo: Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial Rosé
Founded by well-known Finnish entrepreneurs and public figures Antero and Esko Vartia in 2011, the restaurant has quickly become a favorite summer destination for Helsinki residents.
A stylish and cozy terrace is suitable for both large parties and chill-out in a small company. It offers summer champagne-based cocktails, champagne by glass or in bottles, as well as classic soft drinks.
In the Photo: SUNIOUE — Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial, Strawberry, Mango, Lemongrass, Rooibos; PASSION — Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial, Pear, Passionfruit, Apple, Green Tea
You can also choose light sweet or savory snacks for any drink, including coffee — sandwich, quiche, cheesecake, gluten free cake etc.
Visitors with pets are also warmly welcomed here, bowls with water and biscuits are specially prepared for them.
On weekends, DJs musical sets entertain guests until late in the evening.
Address: Ehrenströmintie 3 A, 00140 Helsinki
Contacts: mattolaituri@mattolaituri.com;
+358 50 5699631
Instagram: @ravintolamattolaituri
BRASA
BRASA’s open fire is burning in the historic atmosphere of the Senate Square in the very heart of Helsinki. Meat, fish, shellfish and vegetables are cooked here over an open fire. Fire brings each raw material to a new level, deepening and emphasizing its wonderful natural properties.
“Fire is a great element, and an open fire grill is the only real grill” — is the motto of the Brand Chef Taneli Korsiala and Restaurant Manager and Head Sommelier Severi Lukkarinen.
When cooking on open fire, the natural fat from meat and fish drips onto the coals, flashes and gives them a special aroma and taste, and when frying vegetables, only vegetable fats are used.
All products come from trusted manufacturers and are prepared with a burning passion to achieve the best possible result.
Attractive and very appetizing Snacks & Starters — Tartar from baby lamb, Tartalet from duck liver cream, Hamachi, Smoked Shrimps and others.
But the obligatory program of visiting the restaurant is the famous BRASA’s Grill Menu, which offers a variety of meat steaks including Premium ones like Japanese Wagyu, poultry, fish, as well as specials such as Tuna.
The BRASA restaurant always has a cheerful and relaxed atmosphere, which during the summer spreads on a wide terrace in the courtyard, where you can sit both at a table or in bright sun loungers.
In the photo: Cossetti Cinquantotto Barbaresco 2018, Italy
In addition to fire, excellent wines are loved here. BRASA’s wine cabinet can be attributed to one of the most sophisticated in the city. For each dish and mood you will find the best pair.
For cocktails fans, the Blanda bar, which has moved outdoors for the summer, will indulge the guests with a wide variety of refreshing drinks, both classic and seasonal.
Address: Aleksanterinkatu 2200170 Helsinki
Contacts: Tel. 010 505 0904; info@brasa.fi
Instagram: @restaurantbrasa
Allas Restaurants
ALLAS RESTAURANTS, a restaurant complex that includes three different restaurants Cafe & Terrace, Seagrill, Sky Bar and the urban seaside resort Allas Sea Pool, which are located in one of the most beautiful places in Helsinki — on the seashore, where you can have a great time in the very city center, admiring the water surface and magnificent landscapes.
The second floor of the complex is occupied by the Seagrill restaurant and cocktail bar with a spacious summer terrace.
Here, in the sun or under the shade of umbrellas, light and fresh flavors are served for both a quick lunch and a leisurely evening.
The assortment is represented by a variety of cold and hot platters, desserts, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Small Plates, Sides and Greens:
– Halloumi Fries with
mint yogurt and sweet pepper jam
– Ceviche Tortilla with trout, avocado mousse, red onion, chili, lime and coriander
– Summer salad
For a more hearty lunch, you should definitely order the restaurant’s most popular dishes — Seagrill Burger (a vegetarian version is available) or Beach House Pita with greens, pico de gallo, mint yogurt, sweety chili drops and sweet pepper jam.
The most suitable wine accompaniment will be selected for any dish.
Address: Katajanokanlaituri 2 A00160 Helsinki
Contacts: +358 400 470 045 info@allasrestaurants.fi
Instagram: @allasrestaurants
Holiday Bar
After a walk around the exotic island of Katajanokka, it’s time to stop by HOLIDAY BAR, which is nested in a 19th century red brick building on the Kanavaranta waterfront. In close proximity to the center of Helsinki and the most popular tourist attractions, next to the majestic Assumption Cathedral and the Observation Wheel, HOLIDAY BAR can be safely called a favorite place for both tourists and residents of the capital.
HOLIDAY BAR is a joint project of a well-known restaurateur and chef Richard McCormick, who managed to create a place where you can eat, drink and have fun with friends, and even dance on weekends.
The warm atmosphere of this establishment invites guests to relax and have a good time, and in the summer, on the sun-drenched terrace, the lucky ones who were the first to take their seats, enjoy doubly.
Shellfish and fish, modern vegetarian food, salads, desserts — everyone will find their favorite dish. However the adherents of meat will be a little upset, the meat concept is completely absent here. But you can treat yourself to great cocktails and wines.
One of the bestselling wine positions during summer, available by the glass, also in bottles, magnum and jeroboam, is Whispering Angel by Château d’Esclans, France
Raw bar, snacks and shares:
– Tuna tartar, crispy sushi rice, lemon mayonnaise, smoked pike roe
– Salmon sashimi, fennel, cucumber, miso, ruby grapefruit
– Halloumi nuggets, lime leaf yogurt, pineapple chutney
– Chicken karaage, chili, honey sake, mayonnaise
Many people come to HOLIDAY BAR to try the restaurant hits — perfectly tender and juicy Grilled octopus with baby potatoes and Linguine with lobster.
In the Photo: Linguine with Lobster & Prawns
Vegetarians will be pleasantly surprised by the taste and impressive portion size of Roasted cauliflower with green tahini, lemon, strawberry and pistachio dukkah
Friendly waiters and great service are a strong point that plays a big role in the lasting success of HOLIDAY BAR.
Address: Kanavaranta 7, 00170 Helsinki
Contacts: hello@holiday-bar.fi
+358 9 6128 5121
Instagram: @holidaybarhelsinki
Rooftop MIAMI
Offering the best views of the city’s central streets, ROOFTOP MIAMI is a three-level open-air bar, right on the roof of Stockmann, Helsinki main department store building, guaranteed to be the right place to enjoy the summer heat and sun alongside with breathtaking sunsets.
The spacious terraces of the bar are perfect for corporate summer parties, birthdays, as well as meetings with friends or colleagues.
After a day of shopping, tourists should definitely pop in for a cocktail or a glass of Lanson Champagne.
ROOFTOP MIAMI bar staff will prepare a wide variety of cocktails and other drinks for any event.
In the evenings, the best DJs in the city create a party mood at sunset and sunrise of the summer sun, where the sky is the only limit.
Address: Aleksanterinkatu 52 8th Floor Stockmann Helsinki
Contacts: info@miamihki.fi; +358 46 9215415
Table reservations: booking@miamihki.fi
Instagram: @rooftopmiami
TEATTERI
The popular restaurant complex TEATTERI in the pulsating epicenter of Helsinki, at the front of Esplanadi Park, is one of the most lively places in the city, where you can enjoy from morning coffee to a nightly cocktail.
TEATTERI includes the Teatteri Grill restaurant, the Teatteribaari lounge bar, the Kellobaari cocktail bar, the Klubi night club and the Deli salad bar.
The Teatteri Grill restaurant is a favorite meeting place for locals and tourists. And in summer, heading to the terrace of the restaurant, surrounded by greenery and flowers, you will hardly find free space.
In the middle of the bustling central streets of the city, here it never stops to be entertaining.
Trust the professional team of the restaurant, who will prepare for you the best dishes from the menu and select the most suitable wines.
Of the cold and warm appetizers, it’s worth trying — Grilled Trout, Duck Confit and a long-term Teatteri hit TG Salad. A good addition to any meal would be fresh Sourdough Focaccia.
Champagne and Caviar, this delicacy duo remains a timeless hit. So better not to deny yourself this pleasure. Caviar is served with Potato flatbread, sour cream and chives.
The perfect light end to the dinner will be a sorbet, elegantly emphasized with champagne bubbles — Pornstar Sorbet with Passion and Moët & Chandon Imperial.
Address: Pohjoisesplanadi 2 00130 Helsinki
Contacts: +358 9 6128 5005 tilaisuudet@teatteri.fi
Instagram: @ravintolateatteri
Text: Marina Timo
Photo courtesy: EATWEEKGUIDE
