If you’re visiting Helsinki with the kids and suddenly find yourselves getting hungry, here are some top tips for restaurants that are suitable also with young children.
Restaurant Pompier Espa
Pompier Espa serves simple cuisine made from the very best ingredients in keeping with the French philosophy. The restaurant is known for its excellent service, and children are treated as honoured guests. The couple who run the restaurant have many children themselves. “When the kids are having a good time, you can see it in their parents,” they say. High chairs are naturally available.
Eteläesplanadi 8, Kaartinkaupunki
The Cock
The Cock is a local bistro that welcomes even large families and has plenty of space on two floors. You often see multiple generations dining together and enjoying each other’s company. The menu includes something for everyone, and the youngest visitors can take a look at their own menu. You can also try another local restaurant belonging to the same group: Madonna. Both of the restaurants have high chairs and are easily accessible with strollers.
Fabianinkatu 17, Kaartinkaupunki
Krog Roba
Krog Roba is a casual dining restaurant housed in a former police station in connection with Hotel Lilla Roberts. Krog Roba offers the best of Nordic cuisine, but with a strong Helsinki attitude. Kids get their own menu, which has been approved by a very demanding jury of young people, as well as colouring pencils. In summertime, there is also a nicely protected courtyard where the kids can run around. High chairs are available too.
Pieni Roobertinkatu 3, Kaartinkaupunki
Bistro Garden by Olo
Garden by Olo is the “back pocket” of Michelin-starred restaurant Olo – a casual bistro that serves Scandinavian flavours with an Asian touch in a child-friendly environment. The garden-like milieu in the covered and heated courtyard creates a very special atmosphere. The entrance is accessible, making it easy to drop by with a stroller and hang out with friends. High chairs are also available.
Helenankatu 2, Kruununhaka
Levain
Levain’s uncomplicated bakery-restaurants in the Punavuori and Töölö districts serve breakfast, lunch and dinner that you can eat in or take away. The restaurants’ bakeries specialise in sourdough bread baked in a genuine stone sole oven. The delicious breads and other treats have won the hearts of many local families, and it’s easy to pay a visit also with your young ones. The menu features many family favourites, and the relaxing atmosphere guarantees a fun meal for everyone. Both restaurants have highchairs and are easily accessible with strollers.
Pursimiehenkatu 29-31, Merikortteli
Runeberginkatu 29, Töölö
Restaurant Elite
Elite has been a popular gathering place for actors, musicians, authors, dancers and other artists since it first opened in 1932 – and these days for kids too! Art by its patrons hang on the walls, and in summertime there is a lovely terrace. Children are treated with respect, and they get their own kids’ menu with smaller portions from the regular à la carte menu – and it’s updated just as regularly too. The restaurant even has a special library for children, who also get pencils and pictures to colour. High chairs are also available.
Eteläinen Hesperiankatu 22, Töölö
To ensure a pleasant family dining experience, parents are encouraged to tell staff what they need. Each family has its own preferences. The service experience involves interaction between customers and staff, and both parties play an equally important role. That’s why it’s important that parents can express their wishes openly.
Perheet Safkaa (Finnish for “Families Eat”) is a family-friendly restaurant event concept that offers lots of useful tips on its website.