From continental elegance to Finnish charm, from industrial chic to romantic quirkiness –Helsinki’s vibrant café culture offers something for everyone.
Finns have always sipped a lot of coffee, and in recent years they’ve taken this thirst from their kitchens into cafés. The city has sprouted a diverse selection of new coffee havens, catering for all types of drinkers. From people-watching to catching up with friends, our completely subjective, and admittedly incomplete, list of cafés in Helsinki is a good place to start.
Andante: This coffee and flower shop rolled into one offers a cosy, carefree aesthetic. A perfect place for some rest and relaxation in the middle of a busy day shopping on Fredrikinkatu. (Fredrikinkatu 20) Photo: Joanna Nylund
Brooklyn Café and Bakery: Cupcakes, bagels and quirky charm. American friendliness and a relaxed atmosphere draw people to this little slice of New York near the five-street intersection known as Viiskulma. (Fredrikinkatu 19) Photo: Joanna Nylund
Café Engel: Classically elegant Grand Old Lady of cafés. Famous for its breakfast menu and its unparalleled view the imposing Helsinki Cathedral on Senate Square. (Aleksanterinkatu 26) Photo: Joanna Nylund
Café Ekberg: Sitting elegantly on tree-lined Bulevardi, this café offers excellent pastries and a sophisticated whiff of old Europe. (Bulevardi 9) Photo: Joanna Nylund
Café Esplanad: With its continental feel and huge pastries, Esplanad remains one of the most popular cafés in the city centre. In summertime the sidewalk tables form a prime roost for people-watching. (Pohjois-Esplanadi 37) Photo: Joanna Nylund
Café Regatta: With more seats outdoors than indoors, this little red cabin by the sea extends a warm welcome all year round. The interior is a hilarious take on the typical bric-a-brac of a traditional Finnish summer cottage. (Merikannontie 8) Photo: Café Regatta
Cafetoria Coffee Roastery: This barista heaven in the Töölö neighbourhood sources its beans directly from South America. Trendy decor and generous tables means laptops and coffee have never looked so good together. (Runeberginkatu 31) Photo: Joanna Nylund
Fratello Torrefazione: Centrally located café steeped in industrial chic, attracting urbanites and shoppers alike. Sources its coffee from small growers around the world. (Yliopistonkatu 6) Photo: Joanna Nylund
Johan & Nyström; This harbourside café and concept store by coffee roaster and tea merchant Johan & Nyström is all about tasty beans and cool atmosphere. Arguably the most hipsterish hangout in town, yet still down-to-earth. (Kanavaranta 7C) Photo: Joanna Nylund
Kaffa Roastery: Small artisanal roastery and a café in the former working-class quarter. Kaffa Roastery roasts only 4000 kilos a week and the whole process is hand crafted. The beans are very carefully chosen with sustainable qualifications. (Pursimiehenkatu 29) Photo: Kaffa Roastery
Kaffecentralen: Coffee connoisseur with a wealth of coffee beans and supplies for sale. Stop by for a taster and peruse the gleaming shelves. (Fredrikinkatu 59) Photo: Joanna Nylund
Kakkugalleria: Let them eat cake! Kakkugalleria’s famous all-you-can-eat cake buffet is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. (Bulevardi 36, Fredrikinkatu 41) Photo: Joanna Nylund
Signora: Cosy Italian food shop and café that serves Sicilian coffees. Despite the Italian feel, Signora also has a wide selection of teas. Top yourself up with a mozzarella or prosciutto sandwich. (Satamakatu 5) Photo: Signora
TinTin Tango: All-day breakfast draws people to this café on Töölö Square, but so does the inhouse minilaundromat. Framed versions of art by Hergé add to the continental feel. (Töölöntorinkatu 7) Photo: Joanna Nylund
By Joanna Nylund, September 2015, updated September 2020
