The hidden culinary paradise

Sorry about the slightly overblown title. I have had the pleasure of living in a neighbourhood that has turned out to be a heaven on earth for someone keen on dining in a rather traditional fashion and in functionalist architecture. It is basically the western part of metropolitan Helsinki that covers the neighbourhoods called Töölö and Meilahti. Here are the higlights in the order of distance from Helsinki centre. All these restaurants offer fantastic meals made of fresh local fish, which is why I am a regular. But their menus cater for all tastes and preferences.

Lehtovaara (lehtovaara.fi)

A classic and very traditional. A very beautiful interior and large windows that open to the city and the sea.

Elite (elite.fi)

A wonderful and classical menu. Beautiful interior. Great service. A fantastic terrace outside the winter seson. This picture is from Elite.

Messenius (messenius.fi)

Small but very popular. Fantastic family-like atmosphere. The Kaurismäki brothers like this place.

Meiccu (meiccu.fi)

Silly name but great atmosphere. You’ll enjoy lovely food and friendly service amongst locals who just came out for an evening drink. A very beautiful interior from the ’40s that luckily has not been destroyed by any of the owners.

White Lady (whitelady.fi)

This is where the metropolitan city ends in the west. A lot of locals and families. Great pizzas.