Vastarannan kiiski
This corner bar in the Töölö district was dog friendly long before such a thing became trendy. Indeed, dogs have received excellent service here for years. Regular customers with their dogs can nearly always be seen here enjoying a drink from the bar’s impressive selection of beers – including special brews for dogs even! Vastarannan kiiski belongs to the Kalaravintolat chain of local restaurants, all of which welcome customers with dogs.
Runeberginkatu 25
Café Regatta
The tiny red wooden cottage next to the Olympic Rowing Stadium by the Hietalahti bay is ideally situated when it comes to walking dogs. The café even sells raw sausages that you can grill over the open fire outdoors. The smell of smoke and sound of old Finnish hit music combine to create an authentic atmosphere. Café Regatta is also famous locally for paying you five cents back for every extra cup of coffee that you drink. Dogs have their own drinking bowl outside, and you can ask for special dog snacks from the counter!
Merikannontie 8
Pontus
Pontus is a new restaurant by celebrity chef Antto Melasniemi that can be found next to the Kom Theatre. The menu offers a delicious selection of food whether you are a vegan or you prefer meat and fish, from vegan lasagne to whole pike-perch. The interior includes a specially designed counter for dogs, where they can enjoy their own bowls and snacks on the house!
Kapteeninkatu 26
Sörkan ruusu
This quality beer restaurant offers plenty of space and room to relax in. Considering its location in the colourful district of Kallio, Sörkan ruusu is suitably quiet, so your dog won’t be disturbed by too much noise. You can even order a drink and snack for your four-legged friend!
Pääskylänrinne 3
Helkatti Cat Café
If you happen to be a cat person rather than a dog person, head for Helkatti, the only cat café in Helsinki. The café is the domain of eight cats who decide who gets to sleep where and when, and with which guests they care to socialise. Quite understandably, dogs are definitely not welcome! It’s worth reserving a table in advance, and there’s a small entrance fee of 5 euros.
Fredrikinkatu 55
Way Bakery
This neighbourhood café, bakery and eatery with juicy wines and delicious drinks by the Karhupuisto park in Kallio has become increasingly popular amongst Helsinkians. Their menu consists of sourdough bread, natural wines, all day breakfast, baked goods and lunch on weekdays. The best part is that you can take your pets along for company.
Agricolankatu 9