Wine, jazz and frozen yoghurt – these are the terraces to visit in Helsinki this summer

The terrace season in Helsinki has kicked off, and the city once again feels a bit lighter. This summer, the range of terraces spreading across Helsinki’s market squares and courtyards, around historical kiosks and by the sea genuinely has something to offer for everyone: wine, gourmet delicacies, frozen yoghurt… what would you like? 

Torikorttelit and Esplanadi

The atmospheric terrace of El Fant Café & Bar, which is adorned with lavender-coloured parasols, is situated behind the café in a sheltered courtyard of the Torikorttelit area. Tucked away amongst the stone buildings on Katariinankatu, this courtyard is like a little breather from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, and the perfect place to stop for coffee or another drink or to listen to music on a summer evening. El Fant also hosts jazz evenings featuring a changing line-up of artists. You can find up-to-date information on these events via the café’s own channels.

The joint terrace of Torikorttelit, which is now a classic, will once again spread out along the edge of Senate Square this year. The historical setting, the view of the cathedral, and the open, spacious atmosphere of the market square make the terrace one of the most spectacular summer spots in Helsinki. Taking part in the joint terrace are the restaurants in the Torikorttelit area, whose menus include pizza, sweet and savoury café delicacies, coffee, cinnamon rolls, gelato and refreshing drinks, among other things. The terrace is just as well-suited for enjoying drinks after work as it is for spending a leisurely day during the weekend, when you can take a moment to play at being a tourist in your own city. 

This summer, Manta Square is adorned with new terraces that fit well into the seaside cityscape. 

The Havis Amanda statue, also known as Manta, is joined on the square by Café Manta, which offers coffee, sandwiches, cinnamon rolls, cakes, sparkling wine and other drinks. The terrace is the perfect spot for taking a quick break between Helsinki Market Square and Esplanadi. You can stop by for morning coffee, an afternoon treat or a drink before your evening walk.

At the pink Fråbär kiosk, which is cute enough to eat, you can buy frozen yoghurt that is made from Finnish berries and sweetened with honey. This refreshing treat is perfect for taking with you on a walk, but it is best enjoyed amidst the seaside atmosphere of the market square, surrounded by the sounds of the fountain and the summery city centre.

Muru, a restaurant and wine bar, has opened a charming summer kiosk called Kesä-Muru in the verdant Esplanadi Park. The kiosk is open from morning till evening, seven days a week, and its product selection is a relaxed combination of products from a café, a wine bar and a restaurant. The kiosk offers a variety of savoury snacks and a carefully curated drinks menu – from wines to cocktails – in true Muru style. Kesä-Muru is the perfect spot to stop at in the heart of Esplanadi, whether for a quick cup of coffee or a longer, leisurely break at the edge of the park. 

Hietalahti

This summer, Boon Nam is bringing a touch of Bangkok’s warmth to Hietalahti Market Square. Operating at Hotel St. George, this modern Thai restaurant is well-known for its nuanced flavours that offer a perfect balance of sourness, heat, saltiness and sweetness. On the summer terrace at Hietalahti Market Square, the atmosphere lightens up to fit the spirit of summer, and there is a selection of savoury snacks, drinks and cocktails available, inspired by the world of Boon Nam. 

Hakaniemi and Kallio

This summer, the terrace of Hakaniemi Market Hall is hosting the ETKO Brewing summer terrace, which combines the hustle and bustle of the market place, beers from small breweries and a relaxed evening programme. During the day, you can buy food from Restaurant Thai Papaya and take your meal on the terrace, and in the evening the venue invites you to stay and enjoy high-quality beers and music. ETKO, which originally started out in the Herttoniemi industrial area, describes itself as a local urban brewery whose beers emphasise craftsmanship and an approachable, enjoyable taste.

The Alkuviini terrace, which proved to be hugely popular last summer, is breathing new life into the kiosk located at the edge of Hakaniemi Market Square. The colourful furniture, the hustle and bustle of the market square and a glass of carefully selected wine make this one of the most laid-back urban oases of the summer. Alkuviini, which specialises in wine imports, is well-versed in a wide range of wines, speciality coffees and ways to create a relaxed atmosphere. At weekends, the terrace hosts a changing line-up of popular DJs.

This summer, there is a new meeting place called Harjun Mori operating at the old Harju mortuary at Dallapé Park. The culturally and historically valuable mortuary building is being given a new lease of life as a summer cultural oasis, combining the Mori Market, live music, events, a café and a wine bar. The curated market serves as a platform for entrepreneurs in the creative industry, who can use the market to test their products and services directly with the public. You can come to Mori for a Pilates class, speed dating or art evenings.

Teurastamo

The summer terrace of Tislaamo Distillery Bar & Restaurant at Teurastamo, a former abattoir building, combines the area’s rugged atmosphere, a cocktail culture and a vibrant programme of urban events and activities. Tislaamo Distillery Bar builds its cocktails around its own distillates, while the restaurant kitchen offers both small bar dishes and options for those with a bigger appetite. The historical two-storey building also houses the distillery’s visitor centre, which adds its own artisanal touch to the place.

B-Side is a small bar with a big heart and a cosy terrace. On the terrace, bathed in the evening sun, you can enjoy drinks such as B-Side’s own single-hop pale ale, created in collaboration with the brewery Olarin Panimo. 

The El Patio pop-up, which operates in the premises of Helsinki Coffee Roastery’s Coffee Bar in the evenings, offers a selection of Spanish wines and Mediterranean delicacies, ranging from empanadas to olives. 

Jädelino valmistaa herkullisia artesaanijäätelöitä rakkaudella ja intohimolla. Suussa sulavan jätskiannoksen kylkeen tilaat herkulliset juomat erikoiskahveista aperol spritziin.

Jädelino makes delicious artisan ice creams with love and passion. To go with your mouth-watering serving of ice cream, you can order from a range of delicious drinks, from speciality coffees to the Aperol Spritz.