Restaurant Elite

A short distance from the town center, Elite is a welcome place to recharge with a drink at the bar or meal after visiting Temppeliaukio Church, which is a five-minute walk away, and the Sibelius Monument—especially in summer, when there's outdoor seating. In addition to the Finnish classics of fried vendace, salmon soup with rye bread, and select game, a fixed "Artist's Menu" is offered, including an option for recommended wine pairings and a main course choice of charred trout or sirloin steak. Its elegant art deco interior and spacious layout are popular with artists and writers.

ON RESTAURANT PAGE 3: alppitori, amanda, elite, havis, kabuki, kokomo, kuurna, kynsilaukka -garlic, brasserie kämp, juuri, la place, olo, postres, safka, saaga, savotta, sea horse, signe, tori, yume. SUMMER RESTAURANTS, LOCATED ON HELSINKI ISLANDS: boathouse, chapman, njk, saaristo, särkänlinna, uunisaari, walhalla & a general Suomenlinna link. TRADITIONAL Finnish cuisine and LAPPISH cuisine.

A true classic for a reason, the artist restaurant Elite in the Töölö neighbourhood is possibly one of my favourites of the list and known for being one of the best Finnish restaurants in Helsinki for a reason. The service is wonderful, the classic menus just delicious, and the whole experience was just an absolute delight. It’s a bit of a trip to the 30s and definitely a traditional option.

Since 1932, Elite has been a beloved haunt of Helsinki’s cultural scene and artists, offering a classic Töölö-style functionalist atmosphere. The restaurant’s storied history includes wild dance parties and poetry evenings. Writer Mika Waltari frequented Elite, and Finnish film star Tauno Palo not only has a signature table but also a signature dish: creamy onion steak.

Restaurant Elite in Helsinki has been welcoming guests since 1932 and showcases a warm, nostalgic atmosphere with art-adorned walls. This cultural spot is known for its relaxed setting, where visitors can enjoy unhurried moments indoors or on the leafy summer terrace. It’s a place that feels genuine, reflecting years of history and a love for good company.

Elite is a rare example of a Finnish restaurant widely favoured by the country’s cultural and artistic circles – it has been a stage of life and a living room of the artists since 1932. The atmospheric dining room and the restaurant’s traditional bar invite you to stop by or spend time. In the summer clients are also served on the green outdoor terrace.

the 'Tauno Palo-style' sirloin steak / Image: Minna Kurjeluoma. This Töölö institution has been a popular hangout for Helsinki artists and writers set since it opened in the 1930s. As such, the wood-panelled room, complete with stained glass rose window, eschews modernity and leans into its venerable grand dame status.

This old-school restaurant has been open since 1932, and still serves traditional Finnish dishes today. Elite is an artist hotspot, and has attracted actors, musicians, writers, and dancers for almost a century. The food is more of a trip down memory lane, but if it’s classics you’re after, you’re in the right place.

Eteläinen Hesperiankatu 22, Helsinki (See on map) (Close map). Elite is a traditional restaurant located on the edge of Hesperian Park in Töölö, where they prepare dishes with passion and skill accumulated over decades. There are many great attractions nearby...