Breakfast and brunch

Guide to Helsinki's Best Breakfast, Brunch & Coffee Spots

Breakfast and brunch

Guide to Helsinki's Best Breakfast, Brunch & Coffee Spots

Updated Fri, Feb 6, 2026

Start your day off well at Helsinki's authentic breakfast scene with neighborhood cafes, artisan coffee roasters, and local brunch favorites.

Guide to Helsinki's Best Breakfast, Brunch & Coffee Spots
1

Restaurant Story

Punavuori
sit down
nordic fine dining
Required

Story is a bright all‑day café in Helsinki’s Old Market Hall, best known for salmon soup, breakfast plates, and harbor views rather than white‑tablecloth fine dining. Grab a table by the market‑hall windows for hearty fish soup, porridge, or eggs and toast while ferries come and go just outside. The atmosphere is lively and casual with counter ordering, free bread refills, and coffee that keeps locals and market workers going through the morning rush. Prices are on the higher side for the portions, but the combination of location, view, and classic Helsinki flavors makes it a solid choice for a first breakfast in the city.

Summary of reviews from

Google

Restaurant Story serves excellent salmon soup that's fresh, rich, and hearty with generous portions. The dill oil adds a nice touch. Staff provide warm, friendly service with efficient ordering. Free bread refills are included. Prices are reasonable and democratic for Helsinki standards.

The market location gets uncomfortably warm with poor ventilation during summer. Some find the fish soup watery rather than rich. Tables need more frequent cleaning. Coffee is poor quality and surprisingly sweet. Breakfast items like eggs Benedict are overpriced at 14 EUR for small portions.

Reviews summarized from between Jun 2025 and Aug 2025

Summary of reviews from

Tripadvisor

Story Cafe sits in Helsinki's charming old market hall with harbor views and fantastic atmosphere. The breakfast menu offers delicious options with well-made coffee and fresh juice. Staff provide warm, helpful service. The salmon soup receives particular praise as incredible. The central location makes it worth visiting even just for coffee.

Prices are quite expensive for the portion sizes offered. Some visitors found the famous salmon soup good but not exceptional for the cost. Table cleanliness can be inconsistent with some dirty surfaces. The premium location comes with an upcharge that may not match expectations for food quality.

Reviews summarized from between Oct 2024 and Oct 2025

Summary of reviews from

Claude

Guests praise the exceptional creativity and flawless execution of each dish. The service receives consistent acclaim for being knowledgeable and attentive without being intrusive. Many highlight the restaurant's ability to showcase Finnish ingredients in surprising ways.

Some diners find the portions small relative to the high price point. A few guests mention that the tasting menu can feel lengthy. Occasional complaints about difficulty securing reservations and the formal atmosphere feeling intimidating.

2

Café Regatta

Töölö
sit down
coffee and pastries
Not required

Café Regatta is Helsinki's most beloved red wooden cottage café, perched directly on the shoreline of Töölönlahti Bay. This tiny rustic establishment serves traditional Finnish pastries, coffee, and light meals in an impossibly charming setting that feels like stepping into a fairytale. The café operates year-round, offering visitors a chance to warm up by the outdoor fire pit while sipping hot beverages and watching swans glide across the water. During winter months, the contrast between the cozy interior and snowy landscape creates pure magic. The simple menu focuses on quality coffee, fresh cinnamon buns, and traditional Finnish fare. Limited indoor seating means most guests gather around the outdoor fire regardless of season. This iconic spot has become a mandatory Helsinki experience for locals and tourists alike.

Summary of reviews from

Google

This charming red lakeside cottage cafe offers fresh pastries with strong cardamom flavors, especially acclaimed cinnamon buns and blueberry pie. The scenic 40-minute walk from Helsinki city center leads to cozy outdoor seating by the water with warming fires. Visitors love the rustic atmosphere and peaceful Finnish charm.

The cardamom flavoring can be overwhelming for some tastes. Coffee quality varies with occasional plasticky or off flavors. Aggressive birds may disturb outdoor dining. While the setting is beautiful, some feel the food and drinks aren't exceptional enough to justify a special trip just for refreshments.

Reviews summarized from between Sep 2025 and Nov 2025

Summary of reviews from

Claude

Visitors rave about the magical atmosphere and waterfront location. The outdoor fire pit creates a cozy experience even in winter. Fresh cinnamon buns and quality coffee receive consistent praise. Many describe it as Helsinki's most charming café spot.

Long queues during peak times frustrate some visitors. Limited seating means finding a spot can be challenging. Some find portions small for the price. Weather dependency makes outdoor seating uncomfortable during harsh conditions.

3

Restaurant and Bakery Levain

Punavuori
grab and go
bakery
Not required

Restaurant and Bakery Levain is Helsinki's premier artisan bakery and bistro, crafting exceptional sourdough breads, pastries, and seasonal dishes using locally sourced Finnish ingredients. The cozy space features rustic wooden tables, exposed brick walls, and the warm aroma of fresh-baked goods throughout the day. Their signature sourdough takes 48 hours to develop, creating complex flavors that pair beautifully with house-made preserves and Nordic-inspired toppings. The menu changes seasonally, highlighting ingredients from Finnish forests and farms. Weekend brunch draws long lines for their famous cardamom buns and savory grain bowls. The open kitchen allows guests to watch bakers at work, creating an authentic artisanal atmosphere that feels both modern and traditional.

Summary of reviews from

Google

This Helsinki cafe excels at fresh, delicious food with standout pastries, egg sandwiches, and mushroom pasta. The spacious setting works well for brunch gatherings and solo work sessions. Prices offer good value for Helsinki standards, with smooth matcha and tasty yogurt granola drawing repeat visits.

Service runs consistently slow, especially during busy periods. Limited seating creates 10+ minute waits, making it challenging for larger groups. The matcha skews too sweet for some tastes, food can feel heavy, and coffee quality disappoints. Space constraints mean shared tables are often necessary.

Reviews summarized from between Mar 2025 and Oct 2025

Summary of reviews from

Tripadvisor

Beautiful modern space with industrial charm and airy atmosphere. Excellent coffee and fresh pastries including amazing porridge and buttery kouign-amann. Menu offers creative dishes alongside classics with beautiful presentation. Friendly, attentive staff create welcoming experience perfect for relaxed brunch.

Quality declining with understaffed service causing 25-minute waits. Rising prices don't match value with tough bread and minimal fruit portions. Limited vegan options are overpriced. Popular items sell out quickly. Messy restrooms and crowded, noisy environment unsuitable for pets.

Reviews summarized from between Aug 2024 and Aug 2025

Summary of reviews from

Claude

Visitors praise the exceptional quality of fresh bread and pastries, noting the authentic sourdough texture and complex flavors. Many highlight the friendly staff knowledge about ingredients and baking processes. The cozy atmosphere and quality coffee receive consistent mentions.

Some guests mention long wait times during peak hours and limited seating availability. A few reviews note higher prices compared to regular bakeries and occasional inconsistency in service speed during busy weekend periods.

4

Andante Coffee

Punavuori
sit down
Nordic fine dining
Required

Andante is a slow‑paced specialty coffee bar in Punavuori that feels more like a living room than a restaurant, built for unhurried mornings over beautifully made coffee and cake. Floor‑to‑ceiling windows, vintage furniture, and carefully curated music create a mellow backdrop for hand‑brewed filter coffee, espresso drinks, and Japanese‑style specials alongside pastries like cinnamon rolls, carrot cake, and matcha‑tinged desserts. There’s no Wi‑Fi by design, so it’s ideal if you want to read, journal, or chat without screens while lingering over a second cup (filter refills are a bonus on quieter days). It’s a particularly good pick if you care more about the beans in your cup and the vibe of the room than about a huge brunch menu.

Summary of reviews from

Google

Exceptional specialty coffee with knowledgeable, passionate baristas who roast their own beans. Outstanding pastries including fresh cinnamon rolls and carrot cake. Japanese-style drinks and all-day breakfast available. Free filter coffee refills and calm atmosphere despite busy crowds. Handbrewed slow coffee from unique beans like geisha varieties.

Prices are on the higher side for coffee and food. No wifi available for those wanting to work. Limited seating can make the space feel packed during busy times, though the atmosphere remains peaceful.

Reviews summarized from between Sep 2025 and Oct 2025

Summary of reviews from

Tripadvisor

Andante serves excellent specialty coffee in proper ceramic cups with a retro chic atmosphere. The slow dub tech music creates a mellow, relaxing vibe perfect for unwinding. The decoration and ambience make it an appealing spot for coffee lovers who appreciate quality brewing and thoughtful presentation.

Staff can be rude and hostile, especially regarding coffee customization requests. Some workers are passive aggressive and unwelcoming to customers paying with cash. Music quality varies dramatically and can be off-putting. Coffee consistency issues exist, with some drinks being watery and bland despite specialty claims.

Reviews summarized from between Jul 2024 and Aug 2024

Summary of reviews from

Claude

Diners praise the exceptional creativity and technical skill in every dish, highlighting the beautiful presentation and unique flavor combinations. Many appreciate the knowledgeable staff who explain each course thoroughly and provide excellent wine pairings.

Some guests find the portions small for the price point and mention that the tasting menu format may not suit all preferences. A few reviews note that the modern interpretations can sometimes feel overly complex or pretentious.

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5

Löyly Café

Hernesaari
sit down
Nordic
Optional

Löyly Café sits inside Helsinki's famous Löyly sauna complex on the waterfront, offering a unique dining experience where guests can eat before or after their sauna sessions. The café serves fresh, locally-sourced Nordic cuisine with panoramic Baltic Sea views through floor-to-ceiling windows. The modern space features clean Scandinavian design with wooden accents that complement the sauna's architecture. Menu highlights include seasonal Finnish dishes, artisanal coffee, and healthy options perfect for post-sauna recovery. The location provides direct access to the sea for brave swimmers looking to cool off between sauna rounds. Open year-round, the café becomes particularly magical during winter when diners can watch the frozen Baltic landscape while staying warm inside.

Summary of reviews from

Google

Löyly offers an exceptional Helsinki experience with stunning Baltic Sea views and authentic Finnish sauna culture. The modern waterfront building features three different saunas including traditional smoke sauna, plus refreshing sea plunges. Staff are knowledgeable and friendly, while the restaurant serves excellent Nordic cuisine like reindeer and elk meatballs. Visitors appreciate the respectful atmosphere and stylish design.

The main concerns center around maintenance issues with facilities needing better upkeep. Booking in advance is essential as time slots fill quickly. The location is somewhat isolated with limited nearby dining options beyond the on-site restaurant. Some visitors noted the facilities showed clear signs of lacking proper ongoing maintenance.

Reviews summarized from between Sep 2025 and Nov 2025

Summary of reviews from

Tripadvisor

Löyly offers an authentic Finnish sauna experience with multiple high-quality saunas including outdoor options with sea views. The Baltic Sea dip is refreshing and invigorating. Attentive staff provide helpful guidance, especially for first-timers. The smoked sauna and fire pit areas add to the relaxing atmosphere. Many consider it a Helsinki highlight.

Overcrowding is the main issue, making spaces feel cramped and stressful, especially women's changing rooms. The small waterfront sauna gets very busy. Slippery floors pose safety concerns. The restaurant receives poor reviews for being expensive and unappealing. Weekends are particularly crowded compared to weekdays.

Reviews summarized from between Aug 2025 and Nov 2025

Summary of reviews from

Claude

Visitors praise the stunning waterfront location and modern Nordic design. The fresh, high-quality food receives consistent compliments, especially the seasonal Finnish dishes and excellent coffee. Many appreciate the unique sauna-café combination and beautiful sea views.

Some guests find prices steep for café-style food. Limited seating can create long waits during peak times. A few visitors mention that the focus on the sauna experience sometimes overshadows the food service, leading to slower meal preparation.

6

Fratello Torrefazione

Punavuori
grab and go
coffee and pastries
Not required

Fratello Torrefazione stands as Helsinki's premier coffee roastery and cafe, operating since 2009 with a commitment to exceptional specialty coffee. This Italian-inspired establishment roasts beans in-house daily, creating distinctive blends that attract both locals and visitors. The industrial-chic space features exposed brick walls, wooden tables, and the aromatic centerpiece of their roasting equipment. Beyond outstanding espresso drinks, they serve fresh pastries, light sandwiches, and Italian-style breakfast items. The knowledgeable baristas take pride in their craft, often explaining brewing methods and bean origins. Located in a trendy area, it draws creative professionals, coffee enthusiasts, and tourists seeking authentic Finnish coffee culture with Italian flair.

Summary of reviews from

Google

Fratello serves excellent coffee with friendly service in a clean, cozy atmosphere. Staff accommodate special requests like bringing your own cup or making off-menu drinks. The espresso quality is consistently brilliant, and they offer good flat whites, tasty sandwiches, fresh breads and delicious cakes.

The salmon salad disappoints with minimal fish - just a few thin slices on top for the price. One visitor found the lunch risotto less creamy than expected at other locations. No discount offered for bringing reusable cups despite the environmental benefit.

Reviews summarized from between Jun 2017 and Aug 2025

Summary of reviews from

Tripadvisor

New Moroccan chef has transformed the food with fresh ingredients and intricate spicing. Coffee remains exceptional - among Helsinki's best. Five warm lunch dishes daily, good pastries, and smoothies available. Central location near university metro station with reliable internet. Quick service in cozy atmosphere with reasonable prices between 12-16 euros.

Recent visits show declining quality with disappointing lunch experiences. Long wait times of 15-30 minutes have become standard. Mushroom steaks were overcooked, salty, and greasy with watery potato puree. At 12.90 euros, prices seem too high for the poor food quality received. Service inconsistency across chain locations.

Reviews summarized from between Apr 2018 and Jun 2023

Summary of reviews from

Claude

Visitors praise the exceptional coffee quality and expertly crafted espresso drinks. The knowledgeable staff receives frequent compliments for their passion and willingness to explain brewing techniques. Many appreciate the authentic roastery atmosphere and fresh pastries.

Some customers mention limited seating during peak hours and occasional wait times. A few reviews note higher prices compared to chain coffee shops. The industrial setting can feel too noisy for some seeking a quiet coffee experience.

7

SIS. Deli + Café

Kamppi
quick service
nordic cafe
Not required

SIS. Deli + Café is a modern Nordic café‑deli that does fresh, fast breakfasts in a bright, minimalist setting rather than long, boozy brunches. Morning regulars stop in for good coffee, avocado or tomato‑mozzarella toast, smoothies, and yogurt bowls before work, with counter service keeping things efficient even when trains or offices nearby are waking up. Big windows, clean Scandinavian lines, and a mix of small tables and window seats make it an easy place to eat, answer a few emails, and people‑watch without feeling rushed. Portions are on the lighter side for the price, but if you want something fresher and more design‑forward than a chain café in a convenient central location, it’s a reliable option.

Summary of reviews from

Google

This conveniently located train station café offers great coffee with nice views and friendly, attentive staff. The cozy atmosphere makes it perfect for relaxing or people watching. Menu has good variety including fresh options like avocado toast. Quick service without feeling rushed, and staff clearly care about quality customer experience.

Some items could be improved - cakes were noted as being a bit dry and could have been more moist. At 12 euros for toast and coffee, pricing may be on the higher side for what's offered, though this could be expected given the convenient train station location.

Reviews summarized from between Jun 2023 and Aug 2025

Summary of reviews from

Claude

Visitors praise the fresh, high-quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations. Many highlight the excellent coffee and friendly service. The clean, modern atmosphere receives frequent compliments. Guests appreciate the healthy options and reasonable portions for the price.

Some customers mention limited seating during peak hours and occasional long wait times. A few reviews note that prices are higher than typical cafes. Some visitors found portions smaller than expected for the cost.

8

Kaffecentralen

Punavuori
grab and go
coffee and pastries
Not required

Kaffecentralen is one of Helsinki's premier specialty coffee destinations, drawing coffee enthusiasts with its expertly crafted espresso drinks and carefully selected single-origin beans. This Nordic-style cafe combines minimalist Scandinavian design with serious coffee culture, featuring light wood furnishings and large windows that flood the space with natural light. The skilled baristas take pride in their craft, offering everything from perfectly pulled espressos to innovative brewing methods. Beyond exceptional coffee, the menu includes fresh pastries, light sandwiches, and seasonal treats that complement the beverage selection. The atmosphere strikes a balance between productive workspace and social gathering spot, making it popular with both locals and visitors seeking authentic Helsinki cafe culture.

Summary of reviews from

Google

This coffee shop serves exceptional quality coffee, including authentic Colombian beans and expertly crafted flat whites. The cozy atmosphere welcomes laptop workers and casual visitors alike. Fresh pastries complement the drinks perfectly. It's praised as the best coffee in town with a chill vibe for both quick stops and lazy weekends.

Limited non-coffee cold drink options may disappoint those seeking variety. The entrance requires climbing five steps, which could pose accessibility challenges for some visitors. Otherwise, reviews indicate minimal complaints about this popular coffee destination.

Reviews summarized from between Sep 2024 and Nov 2025

Summary of reviews from

Tripadvisor

Kaffecentralen delivers exceptional Italian-style espresso and coffee quality with every cup. The coffee shop offers good atmosphere and pleasant interior. They sell coffee equipment and beans for enthusiasts. It's a solid specialty coffee destination in Helsinki for those seeking authentic espresso-based drinks.

Limited pastry selection and no V60 handbrew options available. Some staff members provide rude customer service, including disputes over loyalty cards and general unhelpful attitudes. The coffee quality can be average at times. Poor service experiences can ruin the overall visit to this coffee shop.

Reviews summarized from between Jul 2018 and Feb 2024

Summary of reviews from

Claude

Visitors consistently praise the exceptional coffee quality and knowledgeable baristas who explain different brewing methods. The cozy Nordic atmosphere and excellent pastry selection receive frequent compliments. Many appreciate the central location and friendly service.

Some customers find the prices higher than typical Helsinki cafes. Limited seating can create crowding during peak hours. A few visitors mention that the minimalist decor feels too sterile for extended stays.

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