The sustainable restaurants in Helsinki are distinguished by their bond with nature – ever present in the green capital surrounded by the Baltic Sea. This relationship is not just about sourcing ingredients locally; it's about an understanding and respect for the environment. Chefs and restaurateurs in an increasing number of Helsinki restaurants are committed to sustainable practices, from foraging wild berries and mushrooms in the forests to sourcing fresh fish from the rivers, lakes and the sea.
Helsinki, despite its relatively small size, stands out with a proportionally high number of Green Star restaurants, among them Grön, Nolla and Natura. Grön, also awarded a Michelin star, is a pioneer in Helsinki serving mostly domestic and foraged produce presented in a fine dining tasting menu. Nolla has gained international acclaim for combining strict zero waste principles with a casual fine dining bistro and an in house micro brewery whereas Natura is dedicated to sourcing their domestic organic ingredients from a radius close to the restaurant. This group of Green Star restaurants can be seen as a testament to the city's,and the country's, dedication to sustainability. Some of these establishments have become hubs of innovation, where traditional Finnish culinary techniques, like fermenting and smoking meet modern sustainability practices, like in house electric composting machines and a zero tolerance of single use food packaging.
