Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
10am-midnight Mon-Sat, 10am-11pm Sun)
Down by the water in the west of town, this centenarian establishment has long been a fa-
vourite of nautical types, and has appropriately high-seas décor, with paintings of noble
ships on the walls. It serves great Finnish comfort food such as meatballs, fried Baltic her-
ring and steaks in substantial quantities. The atmosphere is warm and the service kindly.
Kosmos
FINNISH
11.30am-1am Mon-Fri, 4pm-1am Sat)
Designed by Alvar Aalto, and with a bohemian history, this nonagenarian place is a Hel-
sinki classic. It combines a staid, very traditionally Finnish atmosphere with tasty not-
very-modern dishes, including reindeer, sweetbreads, kidneys and succulent fish options.
Service can be no-nonsense but comes straight from the days when waiting tables was a
career.
Rikhards
GASTROPUB
4-10pm Tue-Fri, 2-10pm Sat, 1-6pm Sun; )
The latest venture of top Finnish chef Hans Välimäki, this corner gastropub blends the
stylish and the casual with notable success. Some intriguing creations - try the 'popcorn' -
back up classic bistro dishes - sausage and mash, succulent pork chop, fish 'n' chips - all
of which reach great taste levels. A classy meal at a decent price.
Bellevue
RUSSIAN
€20-33; 11am-midnight Tue-Fri, 5pm-midnight Sat Aug-Jun)
Helsinki's best Russian restaurant, complete with pot-roasted bear (€70). More standard
choices include
zakuska
(mixed starters) and a range of blini choices. The atmosphere is
elegant and old-fashioned. Closes Saturday lunch in summer.
Grotesk
MEDITERRANEAN
