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Helsinki restaurant tips by tommi

Helsinki Restaurant Tips by Tommi

Meet Tommi, the chef who has shaped the food at Hobo Helsinki since day one. He’s the mind behind the dishes our community keeps returning for: the best‑selling Cacio e Pepe pizza, the fluffiest scrambled eggs at breakfast, and the quietly iconic Skagen waffle bites that have become a favourite among our meetings & events guests.

On the first floor, our restaurant serves food we genuinely love: comforting, creative, and always true to Hobo. Whether you’re arriving hungry after hours of travel or just want something small to share with a glass of wine or a local craft beer, you’ll find something that fits. Yes, even the Finnish classic muikut, those deep‑fried little fish locals adore.

Upstairs, the second floor hosts what we like to call the freshest breakfast in Helsinki, open to everyone daily. Expect vegan options, gluten‑free choices, warm dishes, greens, and plenty straight from the oven thanks to our in‑house baker, Katja. By lunchtime, the same space becomes a relaxed, quick spot for a midday bite in the heart of the city.

So what is the Hobo Kitchen? Think Southern European food traditions meeting classic comfort dishes, all with a hyper‑local Finnish twist. Simple, honest, no‑fuss food, that’s where you’ll find us.

And because we trust Tommi with our own meals, we asked him to share his favourite Helsinki restaurants, cafés, and bars. Here are his top picks.

Tommi’s Helsinki Restaurant Recommendations

BasBas: Helsinki’s most loved wine restaurant

“BasBas is on everyone’s lips for a reason. If you can’t get 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.”

Why go

Consistently praised food
Warm, energetic atmosphere
Walk‑in friendly

Goose Pasta Bar: the best pasta in Helsinki

“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.”

Why go

Handmade pasta
No reservations, high demand
Perfect for pasta lovers

Elite, a classic Finnish restaurant in Töölö

“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.”

Why go

Traditional Finnish dishes
Historic, nostalgic setting
A true Helsinki institution

Tommi’s Café & Bar Picks

Vegalicious Pastry: award‑winning vegan pastry in Punavuori

“For a café, head to Vegalicious Pastry in Punavuori, all vegan and founded by the best vegan pastry chef in Finland.”

Why go

100% vegan
Exceptional pastries
Located in the Design District

Pub Sirdie for the most authentic Kallio experience

“If you want the most authentic Kallio experience, go to Pub Sirdie.”

Why go

Local favourite
Zero pretense
Classic Kallio atmosphere

Tommi’s hidden gem

Valimo in Suomenlinna: a summer day done right

“Every list needs a hidden gem, so here’s mine: Valimo in Suomenlinna. Hop on the ferry, wander through the island’s layers of Finnish history, stretch out on the grassy fields resting on old stone ruins, and then settle into Valimo Bistro. The people, the space, the story… chef’s kiss. Pun absolutely intended.”

Why go