This is a very bizarre restaurant - in some ways very Finnish, but somewhat cringeworthy to a local like me.

The decor resembles a Finnish countryside bar from the olden days and so does the clientele (this is the cringe bit).

You can have your drink under a massive plastic cow's udders or even sitting in an old Zetor tractor. However, this is only the bar.

The restaurant, on the other hand, is in a different class altogether. The food is very Finnish and very tasty - the menu is available online.

I took two British friends here and at least they seemed to love it - as a funky experience more than a would-be favourite bar, but anyway.

Zetor Restaurant
Kaivopiha, Mannerheimintie 3-5, 00100 Helsinki
Phone: +358 9 666 966
Fax: +358 9 624 781
E-mail: zetor@sok.fi
www.ravintolazetor.fi/eng

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

This is a combined bar, cafe/deli, restaurant and club with an excellent location on the Esplanade. The punters can sometimes be a bit bland (office girls and suits on the prowl) but the food is good and the Kellobaari at the back is pretty cool.

Teatteri, Pohjoisesplanadi, Helsinki;
www.royalravintolat.com/teatteri/index_eng.asp

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

This casual place has a brilliant location right on the Esplanade. Downstairs is a self-service cafe; upstairs, the comfortable library bar and a restaurant serving Scandinavian/Continental food.

Strindberg
Pohjoisesplanadi, Helsinki
www.royalravintolat.com/strindberg/index_eng.asp

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Raku Ya is a great little Japanese restaurant located on the sea front a stone's throw from the main market. Classic Finnish design sensibilties afford this place an authentic Japanese feel and the marriage of fresh Finnish fish with Japanese presentation is as good as any Japanese restaurant you will find in London.

I tried grilled eel, scallop sashimi and beef tataki and all were excellent. There is a decent wine and sake list as well as the usual selection of Japanese beers. Service was good and all staff speak English.

There are several private booths, an upstairs "party room" and a further 20 or so covers. While not cheap, a bill for 2 came in good value at €60.

Address: Eteläranta 14, 00130 Helsinki
Tel: 00358 (0)9 675 449
E-mail: rakuya@kolumbus.fi
www.ravintolaopas.net/rakuya

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends