Join me, @iinabites, on a gluten-free café and snack bar tour in Helsinki. As a gluten-sensitive individual, I've been following a gluten-free diet for nine years. Helsinki offers great gluten-free options, including breakfasts, cakes, burgers, and stuffed baguettes. Check out my list for all my recommendations!
1. Relove, 3 cafes in Helsinki + Helsinki-Vantaa Airport cafe
The cafe offers a variety of gluten-free options for All Day Breakfast and lunch, including vegan dishes. Their vitrine products include smoothies, bowls, cakes, and pastries, all of which are gluten-free. A popular choice is the avocado bread made from Finnish gluten-free bread. The Marant All Day Breakfast set, featuring a delicious omelet and gluten-free granola with almond milk, is highly recommended. You can find this at Stockmann's cafe in Helsinki.
2. Joe & the Juice, Stockmann & Kluuvi
Popular restaurant specializing in trendy smoothies and sandwiches, offering a wide variety of options. They cater to different dietary needs, with gluten-free bread available. Sandwiches are cooked on a griddle using baking paper for gluten-free options. Options include vegetable, fish, meat, and vegan fillings. Favorite fillings are Spicy Tuna and Avocado. Great for breakfast, snacks, or a quick meal, as sandwiches are large and filling.
3. Rolling cheese, Töölö & Punavuori
Rolling Cheese in Helsinki is a cheese shop where you can enjoy quality cheeses, meat platters, wines, and antipasti at customer seating. The staff will select cheeses that match your drink choice and offer gluten-free options, including crackers. They also serve delicious sardines and non-alcoholic apple cider. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, making it a great place to indulge in a cheese experience.
4. La Torrefazione, several cafes in Helsinki
A cozy cafe chain in Helsinki offers a variety of options for breakfast, snacks, and meals, including gluten-free chia puddings, smoothies, and filled ciabattas. They also offer gluten-free ciabattas made to order, salads, and risotto. Specialty coffees, matcha lattes, and gluten-free oat drinks are available. Lunch options include salads and ciabattas, with a different salad menu available outside of lunch hours.
5. St. George, Yrjönkatu 13, 00120
St. George's Hotel in Helsinki offers a beautiful and delicious breakfast experience. Guests must reserve a table in advance and inform about any dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free. The restaurant has a charming interior and serves gluten-free options like bread, pastries, pancakes, and omelets. The breakfast buffet includes high-quality ingredients like smoked salmon, potato salad, and fresh fruit, with warm options like bacon and sausages. Most options are gluten-free except for pastries, which are on a separate table. Overall, the breakfast at St. George's Hotel is a delightful and satisfying experience.
6. Kakuttaa, Kuubankatu 3, 00220
Kakuttaa is a gluten-free bakery-cafe in Helsinki, located near the West Terminal in Jätkäsaari. They bake everything in-house and offer a variety of sweet pastries like waffles, cakes, and savory pies. The cafe is 100% gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions looking for delicious treats.
7. Friends & Burgers, several restaurants in Helsinki
The restaurant in Helsinki offers some of the best gluten-free hamburgers with homemade buns. They cater to various dietary needs, including vegetarians, and offer many gluten-free options. Their French fries and Chicken Fingers are also gluten-free.
8. McDonalds, several restaurants in Helsinki
McDonald's in Finland offers gluten-free hamburgers and French fries fried in vegetable oil in separate deep-frying pans. Vegan and vegetarian options are available with gluten-free labeling. Extra sauce can be added to keep the burger moist at no extra charge. Other breaded products are cooked separately.
9. Morton konttiravintola, Ruoholahtenranta 8, 00180
The adorable container restaurant, made from old shipping containers, features a rooftop terrace for summer dining. Guests can enjoy gluten-free breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, including pancakes, burgers, salads, desserts, and snacks. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a recommended spot for all meals.
10. 3 kaverin jäätelö, grocery stores
To satisfy your ice cream craving, check out 3 Friends ice creams at your local grocery store. They are gluten-free and offer flavors like pistachio, caramel & sea salt, and licorice & raspberry. Available in many grocery stores, including lactose-free and vegan options, you can indulge in these delicious treats guilt-free.
11. Keliapuoti, Hakaniemi Market Hall
Visit Keliapuoti in Helsinki for a wide range of gluten-free products, including fresh breads, pastas, pastries, and more. Enjoy delicious baked goods like pies, Karelian pies, cake slices, and cinnamon buns. Special items like Finnish Christmas stars are available too. Keliapuoti is the only boutique in Helsinki offering exclusively gluten-free products, making it a paradise for those with gluten sensitivities.
12. Lapland Hotel, Bulevardi 28, 00120
Guests at Lapland Hotel can enjoy a wonderful buffet breakfast inclusive of gluten-free options. Breakfast includes a variety of dishes such as porridge, sausages, eggs, omelets, smoothies, yogurt, and more, all served in the hotel restaurant. To ensure availability, it is recommended to reserve a table in advance. With a pleasant atmosphere and delicious offerings, the hotel's breakfast is definitely worth experiencing.
I genuinely hope you will find this comprehensive listing full of inspiration and tips for eating out in Helsinki. Enjoy wonderful taste experiences!