Join me, @iinabites, on a gluten-free restaurant tour in Helsinki. Being gluten-sensitive for nine years, I'm excited to share the many delicious gluten-free options in the city. From pasta to sushi and salads, Helsinki's restaurants offer a variety of tasty choices. Check out my recommendations!
1. Pupu Cuisine, Stockmann & Tennispalatsi
Pupu provides a selection of gluten-free salads and bowls for a lighter but still nutritious meal choice. The salads are freshly prepared with gluten-free seed bread on the side, and the dressing is mixed in for maximum flavor in every bite. One of the most favored options is the Yammy dish, which includes smoked salmon, fennel, and poached egg. There are two Pupu locations in Helsinki - one at Stockmann and one at Tennispalatsi.
2. Bistro Bardot, Kluuvikatu 1, 00100
Bistro Bardot in Helsinki is a favorite French-style bistro restaurant located near the Esplanade on Kluuvikatu, offering many gluten-free options. Despite being more expensive, the quality of the food makes it worth it, especially the classic dish of sole pan-fried in browned butter. Other delicious options include French fries with Parmesan, risotto, mussels, lobster, and seafood. The restaurant has a beautiful summer terrace and exceptional service for gluten-free customers.
3. Olivia, Railway Station & Kluuvi
Olivia is an Italian restaurant in Helsinki Central Station and Kluuvi shopping center, marking allergies and offering gluten-free options. They serve gluten-free pasta and pizza, although using the same oven. They handle gluten-free orders with care, especially recommending the "Linguine al pesto genovese" dish with penne pasta, pesto, pine nuts, cheese, ricotta, and gluten-free bread. It is a heavenly choice for gluten-free diners, ensuring a delicious and safe dining experience.
4. Flät no 14, Viites linja 14, 00530
The restaurant Flät in Kallio is a cute spot for gluten-free breakfast and dinner. All dishes, except Karelian pie, are gluten-free. The prices are affordable and portion sizes are moderate. Breakfast sets of 3, 5, or 7 portions allow you to try a variety, with a seasonal menu. The scrambled eggs are recommended. It can be busy on weekends, but waiting is worth it. Dinner offers individual portion options.
5. Yes Yes Yes, Iso Roobertinkatu 1, 00120
A beloved vegetarian restaurant in Helsinki center offers a delightful dining experience with a changing seasonal menu, mostly gluten-free options, and tasty flatbread with dips. Enjoy a variety of dishes with friends to savor multiple flavors. The restaurant is known for its delicious food, making it a must-try even for non-vegetarians.
6. Green Hippo, Punavuori, Töölö & Kallio
This is a favorite restaurant that warmly welcomes gluten-free patrons. All dishes can be ordered gluten-free, and most are already gluten-free. They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks with fresh, plant-based options. The menu includes banana pancakes with Nutella, Eggs Benedict toast, smoothie bowls, avocado bread, halloumi kale bowl, salads, veggie burgers, and halloumi fries. Affordable options are available in smaller and larger portions throughout the day.
7. Sushibar + Wine, 4 restaurants in Helsinki
The top sushi spot in Helsinki! All dishes made to order for fresh, gluten-free sushi, no buffet. High-quality ingredients and tasty sushi. Clear allergen labels indicating gluten-free options. Specify gluten-free when ordering to ensure accommodations. Most sushi, rice paper pockets, and salads can be made gluten-free. Special wheat-free soy sauce available upon request. Restaurant caters to gluten-free diners and offers delicious options.
8. Picnic, several restaurants in Helsinki
Picnic, a popular restaurant chain in Helsinki, Finland, is known for its baked potato dishes and filled baguettes. They offer gluten-free options like smoothies and salads, with almost all dishes available gluten-free. The restaurant takes care to prepare gluten-free baguettes separately, ensuring a safe dining experience. They also offer dairy-free and lactose-free options. Customers appreciate the delicious food and outstanding service, feeling welcomed and satisfied dining at Picnic.
9. Makaronitehdas, Forum & Redi
For delicious gluten-free pasta, visit Makaronitehdas. Most pasta dishes, appetizers, and salads are gluten-free, except for Caesar salads. Portion sizes can be ordered as appetizers or main courses, making it easy to customize your meal. Try multiple starter-sized portions to sample various dishes. Highly recommended for a satisfying meal.
10. Skiffer, several restaurants in Helsinki
The pizzeria offers strip-shaped thin-crust pizzas with signature toppings, including gluten-free options at all locations except Liuskaluoto. A Finnish bakery supplies gluten-free pizza dough made from potato, rice, and buckwheat flour. The "Liuska" pizzas are very thin, but cutting the gluten-free base can be challenging. It is suggested to slice the pizza before eating to fully enjoy the delicious taste. Although the restaurant is not entirely gluten-free, they take precautions by preparing gluten-free pizzas separately, using clean utensils and baking on baking paper. While there is still a small risk of contamination, the restaurant offers healthy gluten-free salads on the menu.
11. Uuno, Jätkäsaari & Kallio
My favourite pizzeria in Helsinki serves unique pinzo pizzas, although not entirely gluten-free, they cater well to gluten-free diners. The restaurant uses ready-made Italian pizza bases, including a gluten-free option from a dedicated bakery. They prepare gluten-free pizzas separately, using different utensils and clean workstations. All fillings are gluten-free, but options may vary. I suggest getting a dip to accompany the delicious crispy pizza base. My go-to order is the Zucchini pizza with extra burrata and roasted garlic mayonnaise. The restaurant takes care to provide a safe and tasty dining experience for all customers.
Nice to know!
Most restaurants in Helsinki offer gluten-free options, indicated by the letter G on menus. It's still important to inform the restaurant of your dietary needs. While there are no solely gluten-free restaurants in Helsinki, many restaurants offer gluten-free options. Some focus on naturally gluten-free dishes, while others cater to specific dietary requirements like lactose-free and milk-free. Gluten-free beer is also available in many restaurants.
I really hope you will find this comprehensive listing full of inspiration and tips for dining out in Helsinki. Enjoy wonderful taste experiences!