What an amazing way to say good-bye to Helsinki, Finland. I could've gone to a much more affordable eatery around town, but wanted to treat myself with one of the best restaurants that's been around Helsinki, Savotta. It's been a staple for years, serving classic Finnish food. If you come with a large party, you can make a reservation online, which they recommend as the place is very popular. I happened to be there the night of school graduation, so there were a ton of families out celebrating; however, no one wanted to sit outside on the back deck, which was perfect for me. The space isn't the largest, so can get crowded and stuffy, but the back patio has a nice ambiance and is much cooler for the summer nights. The menu features all the favorite Finnish foods, including salmon soup, which was what I planned on getting. However, they had an anniversary special menu, featuring three courses for a set price, which was the best option. I wanted to try reindeer before leaving Finland, which was the main dish, and for my appetizer, I had a plate/board of different Finnish meats and sides from around the region. The dessert was a French toast, which was different than what we have in the U.S. for breakfast. I first started with a cocktail, the original long drink, which was invented during when Helsinki hosted the Olympics in the summer, which provided a refreshing drink for the visitors and is a Finnish classic today. It's grapefruit with gin over ice, which was indeed, refreshing. It was fitting for a sunny day. The food though was outta this world. Truly, I really enjoyed everything I tried, especially with some of the items being consumed for the first time. Who knew mushroom salad could be so delicious? The reindeer steak over potatoes with lingonberry was the best thing I ate here though! If you come to Savotta, this is a must order. In addition to the delicious food, the service was outstanding with friendly staff despite how busy they were. Located near the Senate Square in Helsinki, it's THE place to eat at in town. Wonderful! read more

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Immersive, Warm, and Wonderfully Authentic...a spectacular experience at Savotta! We brought a large party of 12, and the restaurant accommodated us exceptionally well, paying careful attention to all of our dietary restrictions--from the beautifully prepared fish and vibrant vegetarian dishes to the perfect vegan strawberry dessert. The ambiance is a stunning nod to traditional Finnish heritage, with cozy, nostalgic decor, rustic wooden accents, and tables overlooking the beautiful Senate Square. Dinner felt incredibly immersive, down to the classic patterned dishware and the nice, well-curated wine list that paired perfectly with the menu. My only minor recommendation for fellow diners would be to keep the salt and pepper handy if you like a little extra flavor to your dish, but the bites were incredibly comforting. What truly sets this place apart is the wonderful staff. Their genuine warmth made the entire evening feel like being gathered in grandma's kitchen for a comforting family dinner. #enjoygoodpeople read more

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Wonderful traditional Finnish meal and experience overlooking Senate Square... Fabulous!

We stopped in here for a quick lunch while on a walking tour of Helsinki. The location is great with nice views of the Helsinki Cathedral. The feel of the restaurant is traditional Finnish with lots of local specialties on the menu. We opted for the salmon soup lunch with a glass of wine. The service was quick and friendly and the food was delicious. Would definitely recommend. read more

Savotta - Salmon soup - Scandinavian Near Me - Helsinki, 18

For our last night in Helsinki, we wanted to go authentic and this restaurant had been recommended to us. I would call it perfection for that kind of Finland experience. We had reservations, which were essential for the night we were there. First I have to talk about the location and ambiance. It is directly across the street from the cathedral at Senate Square and our table was at the front window. So, it is an extraordinary location. The inside feels like an old home and the servers were all middle aged to elderly women who could have easily lived there, prepared the food and been to central casting for Finland experience. The tables were casually appointed. In other words perfection. Our meals were also excellent. We began with drinks and an order of the special breads. We each had a favorite from the selection. Among the favorite foods we selected were the outstanding Perch (Kuhaa), bean balls (Harkapapupullat) the carrot starter (naattiporkkanaa) and the tomato tarts (kirsikkatomaattipiiras). All was like being invited to someone's family dinner. We did have two deserts which were nice and a few glasses of wine. We all just loved this place. read more

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The vibes of the place were very traditional and fun, and one of the servers was an absolute delight. They made us laugh and smile throughout our time there, making the experience even better. The food was very different for us, and we thoroughly enjoyed it (for the most part). We started with the Supreme Savotta appetizer, and we found almost everything on this platter not only edible but delicious. The bear salami was at the top of our list, and it was a unique and flavorful experience. We also tried the bear tidbit, but unfortunately, it wasn't something we would order again. It had a very particular flavor that wasn't for us, but other tables around us seemed to devour it. The reindeer steak was the highlight of the meal and was a 10/10. It was tender, delicious, and just perfect. We highly recommend it. For dessert, we had the Finnish Trifle, which was light and delicious, perfectly balanced between sweet and tart. Overall, I couldn't recommend Restaurant Savotta enough. The traditional vibes of the place, along with the exceptional service, made for a wonderful dining experience. The food was unique and flavorful, and the reindeer steak was a must-try. If you're ever in Helsinki, be sure to check out this restaurant. read more

Traditional Finnish restaurant. Wonderful atmosphere. Delicious food with multiple options. Great moctails. Excellent service. read more

We had an exceptional dining experience at Ravintola Savotta, where supreme elegance meets a beautifully rustic atmosphere that immediately sets a memorable tone. The service was top-notch, attentive, polished, and welcoming, complemented perfectly by equally outstanding dishes that showcased both quality and character. We thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience on Midsummer Eve 2026, making it a truly special and memorable occasion. read more

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Absolutely fantastic food! Make a reservation because everyone wants to eat here. It's a tiny little building and everything tastes like it's freshly made from grandma's kitchen. The service was really slow and disorganized but it didn't overshadow the food. My husband and I split the small portion of bear, because why not?? It was so tender and delicious in an awesome stew sauce. I had the reindeer stew with a lingonberry stew and my husband had the moose burger- both were fantastic and a good portion size. While it is a bit pricey, it is worth every penny! read more

Savotta - Appetizer portion of bear! - Scandinavian Near Me - Helsinki, 18

I ate a freaking bear! Well, not like a whole bear, and I didn't hunt it or anything. The only thing I hunt is the Most Dangerous Game ^_____^ Anyway, the food here was super good! I'm always a little concerned when you start getting way north up there, because it seems like the spices never made it that far and therefore the flavour is going to be lacking! But alas, twas not the case here! Everything was fantastic and the sampler was exactly what we were looking for to try a little bit of everything of that Nordic cuisine. The service was fantastic and the views were astounding! Would definitely come back if I ever came back. Which is likely, cuz this place was fun :D Anyway, pack yer bags'n buy a ticket, cuz this is where you're going next! read more

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This is a must if you go to Helsinki! It's a very cute cottage looking restaurant with lovely service and delicious food. If you get to sit by the window, you have a view to the Helsinki cathedral. It's a pretty popular spot so you would want to make a reservation. We had the salmon soup to start with which was just delicious with big pieces of salmon in it. Then we shared the rainbow trout that was cooked to perfection. For dessert we got the berry pie and that was very good too. As a drink, we had glogi and that was all we needed on a cold night. Highly highly recommend! read more

We were concerned that this would be a tourist trap, but it is not. The food is fresh, well prepared, services is extremely friendly. It certainly is not cheap, but hey, you are in downtown Helsinki. Highly recommend. read more

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Sabotage is a lovely traditional Scandinavian restaurant where the helpful staff dress in traditional outfits. The fish was perfectly cooked savory and tender. The dessert was delish. The location is ideal, directly across from the Helsinki cathedral and a short walk from the ferry. This is a great place to have dinner when visiting Helsinki! read more

Savotta - Strawberry crumble with whip cream - Scandinavian Near Me - Helsinki, 18

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Came here on a recommendation and I enjoyed every bite of my time here. The appetizer was a surprise, because I didn't know what to expect. It was delicious though, and I found myself wanting more after finishing it. It was so good. The contrasts played well with each other, both texture and flavor. For the main, we had the arctic char. The fish itself was cooked nicely, with the fish melting in the mouth and the skin providing a good contrast. I really enjoyed the taste of the fish as well, similar to salmon for those wondering, but here at Savotta, a bit lighter feeling. Hard to explain. The dessert we got pana cotta. It was a nice way to end the night's meal. The staff was gracious enough, but very Finnish. If you know what that means, you know. Straightforward and direct. I'd be back to try the other goods on the menu. The interior was very nice with Finnish elements throughout. read more

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Date of visit: 8/27/2024 One of the recommended restaurants by the Tourist Information Center and the hotel where I am staying. Didn't disappoint! - I ordered Iso Kalakeitto (salmon soup): one of traditional Finnish dishes that you have to try when you're in Finland. Delish! It comes with Ruisleipä (Rye Bread) that unfortunately I didn't like. - hubby ordered Karjalanpaisti (Karelian Hot Pot) which is a stew of mixed meats (beef, pork & iirc moose). Tasted great but one of the meat, hubby thought it was the beef, was tough. - we shared Finnish French toast for dessert. Pretty good, but very sweet! - bilberry mocktail: yum! Besides the rude male server that unfortunately was assigned to our table for the evening, it was a great dinner! read more

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The good: amazing selection of authentic Finnish cuisine and delicious food. Make a reservation. The bad: it took them 30 minutes to bring me a menu and take my order after being seated for my reservation. I was a solo dinner who was seated in a very busy room of a party of at least 18 guests that were served all at the same time but the smaller table next to me had way more attentive service than I received. I was super bummed, this was my first meal in Finland and I felt forgotten about for most of the meal. read more

This place is a delightful authentic little gem. Yes it is pricey, but so is all of Helsinki. The food was good and the service great. If you want to try authentic food from the region...this is a great option! read more

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The Savotta restaurant serves Finland nineteen hundred era food. The service was good and the atmosphere was charming. It was beautiful to look out the windows and see the square. read more

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An amazing rustic Finnish restaurant that serves traditional food. The menu offers either a set option with pre-selected starter, main, and dessert or you are welcome to pick your own dish. The menu is quite varied, offering meat, fish, and veggie dishes. Bear and deer meat are among delicacies offered. The staff are happy to help, and explain you each dish they bring. The restaurant can get quite busy so I would advise to make a reservation! read more

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Exceptional service. They are SOOOO busy and yet they go so far out of their way to make sure you feel welcome and when your food is served they take the time to let you know everything about what is on your plate. And they're playful, which means the world to me. Tell Tommi you like his hat. See what he says. read more

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Reindeer steak, Atlantic Char: both are fantastically good. Reindeer liver as a starter is also phenomenal. Tommi was great as a server. Loved it!! Try the cloudberry liquor/wine!! read more

Savotta - Scandinavian Near Me - Helsinki, 18

Offering traditional Finnish food in a cozy atmosphere. Food are sourced from a small batch of local and region farmers to ensure quality as Finnish food is cooked simple as the ingredients should shine. Reservations are a must and we asked for a table by the window to have a view of the square and cathedral. Everything we ordered was delicious (except the dessert. Wrong choice as we should of had the cake. The portion was also small) and service was outstanding. Tourists and locals alike packed this place. Was here in the spring and we ordered Fish Soup (a must in Findland); Supreme Savotta which offered an assortment of meat from land and sea; Stew Beef; Roast of Reindeer; Pot Pie Stew Bear; and Pancakes with Strawberry Mousse and Raw Chocolate. read more

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Amazing atmosphere, food and service! We totally enjoyed and will be back! Love that they have many gluten free options!

HOMELY DECOR, NICE SERVICE & UBER DELICIOUS FOOD! We were visiting Helsinki and the Scandic staff directed us to this place for traditional Finnish food. As we walked in the restaurant , the place had a very homey feel. Chick mix and match decor and dim lights, classic italian music playing in background. The server wasn't very friendly cheerful but nonetheless very serious about her job. We were seated at the window with the view of the cathedral. We were served with a complimentary plate of boar meat and some chutney. We ordered gnocchi with coffee cream, Reindeer, fish fillet and braised lamb and the waitress helped us with the wine pairings for all. All the dishes were very well plated and the flavors were wonderful. The food is somewhat pricey but the taste is well worth the price! read more

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Very nice atmosphere and service. If you want to try the traditional Finnish cuisine definitely should visit Savotta.

Yes yes yes, everything people say about this place is true. If you're in Helsinki and wondering where to go to experience an authentic meal as well as ambience, this is it. Located right across the Catherdal we got a spot overlooking the church and plaza. The servers were dressed in traditional attire and the whole restaurant as a family home type appeal. We tried all the main dishes on the menu but my favourite was the stew (the one is the bowl everyone is talking about), paired with a glass of red wine, it was delicious! For dessert, I tried their cake, I forget the name now but it almost had a bread pudding-like consistency and was perfect. I highly recommend this place for not just the meal but also the ambience and experience as a whole. read more

My family of four capped off our visit to Helsinki with a fantastic Finnish feast at Savotta! The restaurant decor is charming and assuming. The food is incredible. We started with the Supreme Savotta sampler for the appetizer; we enjoyed every single thing on that plate! In fact, my nine-year old would have kicked the plate if I'd permitted him. For dinner, we all ordered different things and enjoyed (and shared) them all: my husband got the lamb from wooden Sära bowl, my twelve-year old got the topside roast of reindeer fawn; my nine-year old got the glow fried salmon; and I got the pike perch fillet with rye bread crust. We will be dreaming about this meal and the charm of the place for a long time. PS: reservations are easily made by emailing the restaurant in advance. (Same day reservations by phone only I believe.) ; read more

I opted to go for a three course meal at hotspot Restaurant Savotta located in Senate Square, just across the street from the Helsinki Cathedral. I started wither the Finnish sampler platter called the Supreme Savotta which was the assortment of the best Finnish appetizers from land and water, according to the menu, including green salad with wine garden cheese, mushroom mousse, Patti toe lamb pate, bear salami, reindeer tongue (the only one I didn't touch), karelian pie, traditional pastry, picked herring, tar tar dill mayonnaise, and beet rooted flavored salted salmon with cranberry. For the main course I had something which made me quite nervous - the Juniper marinated rump of reindeer fawn with organic carrots fried in spruce syrup served with smoked swede purée and sea buckthorn salt but it was incredible - a cross between veal and a really tender and flavorful filet mignon. The dessert for me was the only disappointment and only because I don't like licorice, those around me were essentially licking the bowl. Due to its close proximity to the Helsinki Cathedral I headed across the street after dinner as the sun was starting to set (post 10pm in July) and got some great shots. read more

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Food was very good and view of the cathedral fantastic. You want a true Finn food experience? This is the place - I recommend reindeer and the Karelian stew. (please do not have red currant raw cake, it was terrible. I've warned you) Going there I knew it's going to be pricey, so I can not hold it against them. But I must deduct a star for slow service. The servers were pleasant but food came very slowly. For example after finishing our entrees we probably waited 15 minutes to have the plates picked up and another 15 minutes to get desserts. The dinner took over 2 hours and we're pretty fast eaters. At times the wait times were aggravating but at the same time we didn't want to complain to the waiters. read more

Really traditional! Best fish soup I've ever tasted. Cosy place, warm atmosphere. Loved the style and how they serve food. read more

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Had dinner in this wonderful cellar last night. The appetizer platter was a great intro to Finnish cuisine. I had the reindeer as a main. Their beer was excellent, and the red wine not bad. Service was friendly and very competent if a bit slow. The place was packed, and we were a party of 10, so this may not be unusual under those conditions. A thoroughly good time. read more

Savotta - Table flowers at Savotta. - Scandinavian Near Me - Helsinki, 18

For the taste of Finland Savotta is the place to go. The food was hearty and the decor what I imagined a Finnish cottage would look like with antiques. The view out onto the square was very nice with the cathedral standing out in white. read more

A small but authentic Finnish restaurant. Full house at 8pm. Lucky that someone was just leaving so we could be seated. Definitely recommend reservations for dinner. Food was really tasty. We had the lamb in a wooden bowl. From the wooden Särä bowl-ten-hour braised foreloin of Sea-Lapland's lamb, root vegetables, garlic and potatoes in tasty braising stock. I was disappointed to watch as a single gentleman was seated at the height of service. He waited 15 minutes before getting up and leaving because nobody came to service him. Which points to the weakness here. There was no one bussing tables. The wait staff was doing double duty. To make it worse there did not appear to be anyone dedicated to our table as we had 4 different woman attend our table. read more

Savotta - Scandinavian Near Me - Helsinki, 18

Staff were friendly and very helpful. Food was excellent and plentiful. Highly recommended.

A fine selection of Finnish specialties. Our server was very helpful and pointed out several traditional dishes. We tried the bear, reindeer, and the Scandinavian sampler starter. Fantastic! read more

Savotta offers truly delicious Lappi food in an underground dining room. It feels a bit like an Epcot installation, with the silly outfits and the kitsch, but they didn't seem to be joking. Their wine selection features an organic white from Italy, which paired very well with my entree of small mushroom and onion pancakes (not sweet pancakes, such as we know in the U.S.A.). The mixed vegetables on the side reminded me of that dread canned thing known as Veg-All, but only in appearance. The vegetables tasted quite fresh and they were a bit firm to the bite. There is bear on the menu here! My man ordered it, and our server explained that, although listed as steak, the bear was in fact ground and mixed with beef to add some fat. It was served with a slab of pork belly and a small fried egg on top. The sides were pickled greens of some type and a mushroom gratin. My man said it was fine, but he should have got the reindeer. Savotta is not a destination for anyone who has difficulty navigating stairs or tight spaces, but for everyone else visiting Helsinki who wants some localish flavor, it's a good choice. read more

Savotta - The bear "steak." - Scandinavian Near Me - Helsinki, 18

Had lunch at a restaurant called Savotta on Senate Square that specialises in traditional Finnish cuisine. The friendly waitress put me at a window table with a view of the Lutheran Cathedral. I skulled a cranberry and lemonade then ordered something called the Log Floater's Sparkling Cocktail - sparkling wine with Finnish raspberry liqueur. The waitress was back with the latter straight away, along with an amuse bouche of sour cream infused with herbs topped with a sliver of smoked vendace in a little coracle shaped cracker. Very tasty. I followed the waitresses suggestions for entree and main; a traditional Finnish salmon soup and roasted reindeer rump served with potato puree, scorched parsnip and cranberry sauce. The soup came in a little wooden bowl with a handle and was a delicious, buttery broth loaded with chunks of salmon and potato. Normally I add pepper to everything, but this is one of the few dishes I've had that was perfectly spiced as is. I'm not a huge fan of salmon, but I could eat this all day. Delicious. It came with a basket of mixed breads and soft butter. Oh, and if you're wondering what the handle on the bowl is for, my theory is it allows you to get those last few drops of soup that you can't quite get onto the spoon. I've never had reindeer before and I wasn't sure what to expect. Something gamey presumably, but apart from that, no preconceptions. It reminded me a little of venison which is not surprising in hind sight (no pun intended). The meat was very rare and tender with a lovely subtle flavour, not gamey at all. Never been a big fan of parsnips, but these were interesting - quite sweet. The potato was gorgeous; smooth and buttery. Lovely meal and great service. My only regret? I didn't have enough room to try the bear salami. That's right. They make salami out of bears here. Gotta love the Finns... read more

went here on Christmas eve this year. The food was excellent - they serve traditional Finnish food. the service was excellent, we were served by this very friendly server whose initial is "J". I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to try the local food in Finland. read more

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Great location, on the Senate square, behind Esplanadi, but in a courtyard, so surprisingly quiet. It does look like a tourist trap with the old wood decor and the traditional Finnish costumes for the waiters and waitresses, but the patrons are actually mostly Finnish, not tourists. The food is solid and they have a good selection of beers. I had a Finnish hard cider and it was good (rather light and dry). We had the "long line catch", which is an assortment of fish-related appetizers, plus a beet kareli pastry. Everything was nice. My salmon soup (creamy soup with very little dill, lots of chunks of salmon, few chunks of potatoes) was OK; served with two nice breads and butter. Their soups come in 2 sizes, and the large one happens to be generous. So unless you plan on making this your entire meal, the smaller size might be enough. My wife's salmon "roll" (which is just a slice of cooked salmon) and artichoke puree was good. Maybe not consistent with the rustic theme in the decor and tableware (the menu binders are wooden planks, the appetizers were served on a rock, etc) as the dish presentation was actually refined and delicate. I had a nice blueberry pie with some sort of blueberry jam on the side and a scoop of white chocolate ice-cream. It was delicious but the pie was tiny. Literally two bites. So for Eu 11.20, I thought that was pushing it. Overall, better than most other places I've tried in four days. read more

This was my first visit to Finland and I couldn't have been luckier to dine here. My friend who is Finnish and lives in Helsinki suggested it. I wanted to try Finnish food and there is no better place. It was so authentic, cozy, quaint and authentic. The food, especially the reindeer, was amazing!! Everything right down to the china was spectacular. The waiter was dressed like someone from 100 years ago. I will post pics because a picture is worth 1000 words and no words can describe how awesome this restaurant is. If you visit Helsinki and don't eat here, you are doing yourself a disservice. This restaurant will be one of my favorite memories of my life!! read more

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