Elite

The artists' canteen since 1932 — Sibelius's table, vorschmack, and Helsinki's most storied dining room.

If you want to experience a true cornerstone of Helsinki’s cultural life, make your way to the beautiful neighborhood of Töölö and step inside Restaurant Elite. Since opening its doors in 1932, this spacious Art Deco restaurant has served as the living room for Finnish artists, actors, writers, and musicians. It is a place filled with stories, where the walls are lined with real artwork donated by its famous regulars over the decades.

Despite its rich history, Elite is not a museum—it is a lively, warm, and wonderfully casual neighborhood favorite. You can feel the easygoing, human touch the moment you walk in. The team looks after you with a smooth, friendly professionalism that makes everyone feel right at home, whether you are stopping by for a quick glass of wine, a casual lunch, or a long dinner.

The menu is a beautiful tribute to classic, honest restaurant food that never goes out of style. Elite is famous for its traditional dishes, most notably Tauno Palo’s onion steak—named after the legendary Finnish actor who used to sit at his favorite table here. The kitchen focuses on clean, rich flavors and generous portions that bring real comfort to the table. In the summer, their large terrace opens up, making it one of the nicest spots in town to enjoy a sunny afternoon and watch the neighborhood life roll by.

It’s the perfect choice when you want a dinner with real character, a relaxed atmosphere, and a taste of authentic Helsinki history.

What recommends: Elite is a fantastic choice for a relaxed evening out with friends or a cozy dinner date. Make sure to take a look around at the incredible art collection on the walls, and if you want the ultimate taste of the house tradition, ordering the classic onion steak is a guaranteed home run.