Helsinki restaurant tips by tommi

Tommi has been with us from day one, shaping the food at Hobo Helsinki into what it is today. He’s the mind behind the dishes our community keeps coming back for: the best‑seller Cacio e Pepe pizza, the fluffiest scrambled eggs at breakfast, and Skagen waffle bites that have become a quiet favourite among our meetings & events guests.

On the first floor, our restaurant serves something for everyone, always true to Hobo, always dishes we genuinely love ourselves. Whether you arrive starving after hours of travel or just want something small to share with a glass of wine or a local craft beer, you’ll find your match. For example the Finnish fave, muikut (those iconic Finnish deep‑fried little fish). Upstairs, the second floor hosts what we like to call the freshest breakfast in town, open to everyone daily. Vegan options, gluten‑free choices, something warm, something green, and plenty straight from the oven thanks to our own baker, Katja. By lunchtime, the same space turns into a quick, easy spot for a midday bite in the heart of the city.

So how do you describe the Hobo Kitchen? Think of it as a flirtation between Southern European food traditions, classic comfort dishes, and a hyper‑local Finnish twist. Above all, it’s a no‑fuss philosophy—simple, honest, and real. Somewhere in that mix is where you’ll find us.

And since we trust Tommi with our food, we figured you might want to trust him with your next dinner plan too. Here are his Helsinki restaurant tips & favourites - consider it a gift.

Tommi, where would you go for dinner in Helsinki?  

“Basbas is on everyone’s lips for a reason. If you can’t snag a reservation, the kitchen aisle, the best seat in the house, welcomes walk‑ins. Great buzz, lovely staff, and dishes that hit the mark every time.

Goose Pasta Bar deserves a shoutout for the best pasta in the city. They don’t take reservations, so expect a line, but it’s absolutely worth the wait.

Elite in Töölö is the old‑school classic. Finnish staples, a cosy atmosphere, a terrace worth lingering on, and a cigarette room full of soul. Ask anyone in the city for a timeless spot, they’ll point you to Elite.

For a cafe, head to Vegalicious Pastry in Punavuori, all vegan and founded by the best vegan pastry chef in Finland. And since I can’t resist adding a bar tip: if you want the most authentic Kallio experience, go to Pub Sirdie.

Every list needs a hidden gem, so here’s mine: Valimo in Suomenlinna. It’s the perfect place to spend a summer day—just hop on the ferry, wander through the island’s layers of Finnish history, and stretch out on those grassy fields resting on old stone ruins. Then there’s Valimo Bistro itself: the people, the space, the story… chef’s kiss. Pun absolutely intended.”