Where to Eat in Helsinki’s Kallio Neighborhood
Helsinki’s Kallio neighborhood is cool. Not only is it a cultural hub with saunas, vintage shops, hip concerts, and inviting outdoor spaces, but it also offers up some trendy and delicious restaurants and Restaurants to eat at.
This bohemian neighborhood is fairly close to the historic downtown of Helsinki but has its own unique vibe. It is common to see writers, artists, and punk rockers all out enjoying this green and eclectic neighborhood. Besides, what’s not to love about one of the best foodie areas in the city?
With a wide range of coffee shops, traditional restaurants, and a plethora of restaurants showcasing diverse cuisines of the world, there are delicious places for anyone and everyone to eat in the Kallio neighborhood.
On top of the best Kallio restaurants, find plenty of neighborhood pubs
But let’s be real, the best thing to do in Kallio is simply to eat!
Here are some of the best Kallio restaurants in one of Helsinki’s hippest districts.
Table of Contents
- Morning Vibes in the Kallio Neighborhood
- Eat Traditional Food in the Kallio Neighborhood
- Vaasankatu Street, THE Place to Eat Diverse Food in the Kallio District
- Grab a Drink in the Kallio Neighborhood
- Kallio Neighborhood More than a “Foodie Destination”
- Where to Eat in Helsinki’s Kallio Neighborhood
Morning Vibes Cafes in Kallio Neighborhood
Start the morning with a coffee in the Kallio District. Yes, the Finns indeed consume more coffee than any other country in the world, so they know how to serve up the perfect cup of morning rocket fuel.
Here are three great cafes in Kallio Helsinki.
IPI Kulmakuppila
IPI Kulmakuppila is a wonderful social initiative in the Kallio District. It’s a bright cafe in a beautiful location. This inviting cafe serves up coffee, homemade bread, and sweet treats. On Saturdays, indulge in brunch. There’s a chance to eat the weekday “Finnish Lunch Menu” and sample an assortment of local craft beers.
IPI Kulmakuppila is a living memorial for the legendary Pekka “Ipi” Hämäläinen of Helsinki. One of his grandsons was born with Down Syndrome, and this cafe created an initiative to employ workers with some sort of intellectual disability. I loved the social initiative and caring environment of IPI Kulmakuppila.
IPI Kulmakuppila | Find it here: Porthaninkatu 13, 00530 Helsinki
Way Bakery
Way Bakery sits along a popular green park in the heart of the Kallio neighborhood. This intimate eatery is a cafe at heart. Find a delicious breakfast menu with pastries and sweet treats. This all-day cafe transitions to a lunch and dinner menu and boasts an amazing natural wine list.
Whatever you do, don’t miss the homemade sourdough bread.
This is a trendy and busy spot, and on a sunny day, it may be hard to snag an outdoor seat. This top-rated Kallio restaurant is a great place for coffee and wine!
Way Bakery | Find it here: Agricolankatu 9, 00530 Helsinki
Meli Cafe & Bakery
Meli Cafe & Bakery is THE place to come for fresh bread and pastries. In the morning have an omelet or try a sandwich on the fresh baked bread. For lunchtime, they transition to hearty sandwiches with the freshest ingredients.
There is an ample seating area, or enjoy the terrace during the summer and fall.
Meli Cafe & Bakery | Find it here: Helsinginkatu 11, 00520 Helsinki
Where to Eat Traditional Food in Kallio Neighborhood
Looking to eat some traditional food in the Kallio neighborhood? Try these two well-established eateries.
Ravintola Cella
Cella is one of the most famous places to eat in the Kallio District. This establishment has been serving traditional Finnish cuisine in a cozy gastropub atmosphere since 1969.
If looking to sample the traditional reindeer stew, Cella has a delicious plate with large portions. On the menu find another old-fashioned favorite like the traditional Salmon Soup.
Visiting on a sunny day? Grab a seat outside and watch the Kallio neighborhood come alive.
Ravintola Cella | Find it here: Fleminginkatu 15
Hakaniemi Market Hall
The Hakaniemi Market Hall has been providing the Kallio District with fresh food since 1914. The famous building has recently reopened in April 2023 after some serious renovations.
This is the place to buy fresh produce and artisanal handicrafts. Browse through many of the interesting stalls or eat at one of the fresh eateries. Sampling is most definitely encouraged!
During the lunch hours, look for the makeshift food stands in the plaza serving up warm bowls of salmon soup. There are also plenty of pop-up stands that spill out into the plaza.
This is one of the best places in Kallio to eat local fresh food and casually soak. in the atmosphere.
Hakaniemen Kauppahalli | Find it here: Hämeentie 1, 00530 Helsinki | Hours: Monday – Saturday, 8:00 – 18:00
Harju 8
Harju 8 is a popular neighborhood restaurant in Kallio. This almost bistro-style restaurant serves brunch, lunch, and staple Finnish cuisine. Harju 8 is a popular restaurant in the summer months when the outdoor patio overflows with locals, tourists, and musicians.
Harju 8 | Find it here: Harjutori 8, 00500 Helsinki
Vaasankatu Street, THE Place to Eat Ethnic Cuisine in the Kallio District
Do not miss Vaasankatu Street. This is THE street filled with the best “street food” in the Kallio District.
This small, but jam-packed street has diverse cuisines from across the globe. On Vaasankatu Street find everything from trendy vegetarian and vegan cafes to Thai food, Indian restaurants, and many more unique foodie places.
The prices for Helsinki were fair and the portions generous. Vaasankatu Street is lined with some of the most inviting and best restaurants in Kallio. This is the hipster area of the Kallio neighborhood.
Tuk Tuk
Tuk Tuk is serving up delicious Thai-inspired street food in a tiny little eatery on Vaasankatu Street. This restaurant is popular and has been serving locals for almost 15 years! The portions are large, but due to its small location, carry-out is a nice option option.
Check out their lunch menu during the week.
Tuk Tuk | Find it here: Vaasankatu 19
Döner Harju
Döner Harju is located just one block off of Vaasankatu Street, but close enough! This nice restaurant is serving up delicious, fresh, and large kebabs. Find great outdoor seating with shared picnic tables. The street car passes by frequently, making it an excellent place to people-watch.
Back to the kebab, the veggies are super fresh and abundant. Vegetarian options are also available. This may be the fanciest Kebab I’ve ever eaten. Prices are more than reasonable.
Again, like most places check for the weekday lunch menu.
Döner Harju Flemari | Find it here: Fleminginkatu 23
Grab a Drink in the Kallio Neighborhood
It can be expensive to drink in Finland, so try out one of these “dive” bars, or sip on some natural wine.
Pub Sirdie
Pub Sirdie has been slinging drinks since 1966, and the decor really hasn’t changed that much. This little pub is a favorite among locals, especially for playing tunes from the classic jukebox. Step back in time and enjoy an adult beverage at Pub Sirdie.
Pub Sirdie | Find it here: Kolmas linja 21
Roskapankki
Roskapankki is known as a “hidden gem” among locals for its cheap beer prices, making it the ultimate dive bar. The patio is always packed with a diverse range of patrons. Roskapankki is a busy neighborhood establishment.
Ravintola Roskapankki | Find it here: Helsinginkatu 20
Wino
One of the most extensive wine lists in the Kallio neighborhood is found at Wino. There are many wines to choose from, so make sure to mention your price range to not feel overwhelmed by the bill.
While there are limited wines by the glass, Wino is also a popular food destination. The food is presented immaculately and beautifully. Reservations to eat are a must.
Wino | Find it here: Fleminginkatu 11
Kallio Neighborhood More Than a “Foodie Destination”
The Kallio neighborhood is blessed with delicious food, but there’s more to see and do in Kallio.
There’s an art to the Finish sauna and the public saunas are an important part of the culture. This bohemian area of Kallio is home to one of the most iconic neighborhood saunas, Kotiharjun Sauna. With its red neon signboard, maybe the most memorable scene is the men who sit out front chatting in their towels.
Of course, the Kallio District is the heart of the green movement and is extremely progressive. There are interesting little museums, flea markets, boutique shops, vintage and record stores, and other treasures waiting to be discovered.
The hip Kallio District is worthwhile to visit and it’s a delight to stroll the pedestrian-friendly streets, enjoy the sprawling green space, and eat as much food as possible!
Kallio, A Neighborhood of Change
One of the best things about the Kallio neighborhood is its progressive attitude.
The last election was the first time in recent history that the Green Party won. This progress party’s main focus is the environment and their movement sprouted right here from this neighborhood.
This is an encouraging reminder that change will indeed come from the artists, writers, outcasts, and those who feel like challenging the socially accepted norms.
The Kallio neighborhood will continue to lead by example for a more conscious and promising future.
Conclusion | Some of the Best Kallio Restaurants
The bohemian gem of Helsinki is the trendy Kallio neighborhood, and with that title comes a diverse range of eateries.
Dabble into Finn’s love of coffee. Eat some of the authentic and traditional favorites of Finnish cuisine. Delve into cuisines of the world on Vaasankatu Street, a culturally rich “eat street.” This street is a perfect example of how diversity is accepted and embraced in this neighborhood. Besides being home to some of Helsinki’s top restaurants, the Kallio neighborhood boasts local watering holes to wine bars serving up natural wines.
The Kallio neighborhood is THE place to eat, but there are other interesting things to do. Stroll the streets, jump into the sauna culture, and appreciate this diverse hip neighborhood.
Have you visited the hip Kallio neighborhood? What were your favorite Kallio restaurants? Let me know in the comments below!
Pack This Post for Later! Pin It!
Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.
