Finland holds the title for the highest per capita coffee consumption in the world, with the average Finn drinking nearly four cups a day. Therefore, visiting cafés in Finland is a must because this is one of the countries that knows how to serve coffee best.

It was proven from my own personal experience. Since moving to Finland, my love for cafés has grown even more, and with it, my coffee exploration in Helsinki has expanded. This curiosity kicked into high gear when Helsinki Coffee Week introduced a fun challenge: customers could collect stamps from participating cafés, and one lucky winner would receive over 100 cups of coffee. Simultaneously, that gave me an extra push to explore new spots. And through that experience, I discovered a few cafés that perfectly match my taste.

Every now and then, I hear tourists who didn’t quite enjoy their coffee experience in Helsinki. I get it that everyone has their own preferences, and Finnish coffee culture can lean a little differently from what they’re used to. But after finding which cafe their impressions came from, I can’t help but feel a little sorry that their first taste of “Finnish coffee” came from the wrong place.

I’ve been there myself (I will not mention the name of the cafe). Once, my curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to visit that café that kept popping up in every travel vlog and “must-try” list for tourists. The cafe looked charming enough, but the coffee? Not so much. I walked out feeling a bit scammed by the hype.

So, this post is for those who want a more genuine taste of the city, places that locals truly love. If you’d rather explore on your own, Finland also releases annual rankings of the country’s best coffee votes by industry professionals, many of which are found right here in Helsinki.

And, here is the list of my personal favorites:

Andante

A café with a distinctive interior, Andante blends Finnish charm with an eclectic mix of design elements. Marimekko patterns, which is a true Finnish icon, are woven into their concept, from mugs and wall decorations to lampshades. The space itself is a mix of carefully curated secondhand furniture, with mismatched chairs, tables, and decorations that create a cozy yet unique atmosphere.

But of course, the real highlight is the coffee. They serve an exceptionally smooth cup, with a mild and well-balanced flavor profile that lingers pleasantly. The moment it touches your tongue, you’ll notice the velvety sensation, making each sip an experience. And if you appreciate aesthetics, their beautifully crafted latte art adds an extra touch of delight.

To complete the café experience, Andante offers a top-tier selection of desserts. Their regular lineup includes classics like Basque cheesecake, matcha tiramisu, and caramel brownies. Matcha tiramisu is my favorite, btw. But what truly sets them apart is their rotating weekend specials. Sometimes featuring creative treats like Yuzu Swan.

Finland has a strong tradition of seasonal desserts, and Andante embraces this with its own innovative twist. Take Laskiaispulla, for example, a seasonal pastry made of a soft, cardamom-spiced wheat bun filled with almond paste and whipped cream, then dusted with powdered sugar. While the classic version is widely available in local cafes and supermarkets, Andante experiments with unique variations throughout the week. One week, you might find options like Black Sesame Miso Pulla or Hojicha Pulla, while another brings a Valentine’s special: Rose and Lychee Semla.

Whether you try their regular desserts or a seasonal special, everything is made with care and creativity that no matter what you choose, they are out of this world. If you ever visit Helsinki, stopping by Andante is a great way to experience local flavors with a modern, fusion-style twist.

By the way, most of my pictures in the book review are taken in Andante.

Sävy Kahvila

Just a short walk from Sörnäinen Metro Station, Sävy Kahvila is always lively whenever I visit. It’s a popular spot, often crowded, and getting a seat by the window feels like a special treat. If you’re lucky enough to get one, you’ll find yourself surrounded by interesting books. Many books are about coffee, but there are others from different genres too. One Saturday, I had a great time there, enjoying my coffee and reading a book by James Hoffman. It was a perfect way to spend the day.

I didn’t have high expectations on my first visit. But Sävy surprised me in the best way possible. Their coffee was delicious from the very first sip. They deserve to be the ranked as the best cafe in Finland for 2025. In fact, I discovered my new favorite coffee beans here: the El Puente beans from Good Life Roastery, which have since become my favorite.

You can read about my first visit to Sävy Kahvila here.

18 Grams

This is one of the newest cafés to open in Helsinki (and directly get ranked as the fourth in best cafes in Finland, so you should know how good this cafe is), tucked away in a quiet neighborhood and styled with a minimalist, vinyl-inspired interior, complete with a carefully curated playlist that sets just the right mood. It’s a refreshing addition to the city’s growing café scene.

On my first visit, I ordered a cortado and a cappuccino. The cappuccino was good: creamy, balanced, and comforting. It was the cortado that completely won me over. Smooth and velvety, yet rich with a strong coffee kick, it lingered in the best way. Probably the best cortado I’ve had in the city so far (that suits my preferences).

Before heading there, I did a quick scroll through Google Maps reviews and noticed how often their carrot cake was mentioned. Fyi, I’m not usually a fan of carrot cake, it’s rarely my first pick, but my curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to try it anyway here. I’m so glad I did. The sweetness was just right, not overwhelming. The creamy layer on top (cream cheese, I assume) added a slightly savory contrast that balanced the cake beautifully. And the sprinkle of peanut crumble brought a rich, nutty crunch that made each bite even more satisfying. It might be the best carrot cake I’ve ever tasted.

Rams Roasters

Located not far from Eira beach, this cozy little café is a laptop-free haven. The indoor space is fairly compact but once terrace season rolls around, it truly comes alive. Tables spill onto the pavement, soaking up every drop of Helsinki sunshine, making it a wonderful spot to enjoy your coffee under open skies.

Their coffee is excellent and they also sell high-quality beans if you’d like to bring a bit of that magic home. But what truly makes this café unforgettable is their cinnamon bun. Soft and golden, with just the right touch of caramelized sugar on the edges, it’s indulgent without being overly sweet. You can taste the cinnamon, yet the flavor is wonderfully balanced. As someone who usually shies away from strong cinnamon spice, I was surprised by how perfect this one was. Just enough warmth, just enough depth. This bun hits all the right notes.I think it might be the best cinnamon bun I’ve ever had and that’s saying something, considering I used to live in Sweden, where cinnamon buns are practically a national treasure.

From the café (or from the terrace if you’re lucky to catch a sunny day), you can catch a glimpse of the sea at the end of the street. It’s just a short walk away from Eira beach, where locals love to sunbathe when the weather allows (though maybe not in the dead of winter). Rams Roasters is a perfect stop for a takeaway coffee and pastry before a beach picnic, or simply a peaceful place to sit, savor something sweet, and then stroll along the shoreline. A satisfying café moment, followed by a seaside walk, what more could you ask for?

Kaffa Roastery

Kaffa’s beans are a staple in many Helsinki cafés and even some local supermarkets, but nothing compares to enjoying a cup brewed by their own baristas. The experience feels more personal. So, if you’re in Helsinki, make the trip! Sit back, sip, and enjoy coffee at its finest!

Unlike many central cafés, Kaffa is a little off the beaten path. You won’t just stumble upon it while wandering around the city. You’ll need to take a tram to get there. But trust me, the trip is worth it.

The cafe was recently renovated to be a really wider and bigger space than before. It become much more comfy to spend time in the cafe while take a tasty sip of their coffee.

If you don’t have time to make a dedicated trip to their café, you can buy their beans at supermarkets all over Helsinki, although some are only sold in their café.

Fyi, their website lists details on the latest roast, including the start time, roasting duration, the roasters at work, and even the batch weight.

Cafetoria

Not far from Helsinki’s most famous landmarks, the Temppeliaukio Church, Cafetoria is a must-visit for coffee lovers. They serve an excellent cup of coffee as well as a diverse selection of coffee beans that perfect for souvenirs, gifts, or simply treating yourself to high-quality coffee at home.

If you find yourself hungry after visiting Temppeliaukio Church, this is the perfect spot to warm up with a delicious sandwich. The interior, painted in green, minty tones, with a touch of soft pink, has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that wraps you in warmth, both inside and out.

Last year, I came across their unique Advent Calendar, and it impressed me. Unlike the traditional ones you open daily before Christmas, this was an after Advent Calendar, designed to be enjoyed after Christmas, leading up to the New Year. Inside the box were seven different coffee beans, one for each day, letting you savor a new flavor with every cup. Imagine stepping into the new year with a different coffee experience each morning. Each one distinct, leaving a lasting impression with every sip. It was such a pleasure to discover, and it reaffirmed what I already knew: no matter which beans you choose at Cafetoria, you won’t be disappointed.

Café Noir

Located right in the middle of a touristy area and surrounded by shiny branded boutiques and that “everything here must be expensive” energy, Café Noir looks like the kind of cafe that would punish your wallet. If you know the neighborhood, you might assume the same: pricey coffee, pretty location, underwhelming taste.

But that’s exactly why I’m writing this cafe as part of coffee spots that you have to check, because Café Noir surprised me in the best way.

First, the prices. I checked the menu fully prepared to sigh and accept defeat… and then realized they’re actually really reasonable, genuinely affordable for the area. That immediately made me suspicious in a different direction, because if it’s not expensive, then maybe the coffee is going to be… fine. Drinkable. Forgettable.

Except it wasn’t.

The coffee was really good. It makes you slow down after the first sip because you weren’t expecting it.

The only thing to note is the seating situation. Inside is pretty tiny: just four chairs, plus a small row of seats outside. So yes, if you’re hoping to sit there and have a long chat or with a laptop for hours, this probably isn’t that kind of café.

But I wouldn’t even call it a real downside, because right across the street is Esplanadi Park with its big, green, and full of benches. You can grab your coffee and immediately turn it into a little park moment, or even picnic during the spring-autumn-summer, instead.

And one more thing, if you’re a health enthusiast or gym-goer: they offer protein coffee, which is such a great option if you’re trying to hit your daily protein without adding yet another shake to your life.

Heritage Café

Heritage Café stands out with its unique concept: a café and an art gallery. Step inside, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by artwork, making your visit a blend of coffee and creativity.

Conveniently located near Kamppi, one of Helsinki’s central shopping hubs and a major transport station, it’s a popular stop for travelers. I often see people rolling in with suitcases, likely taking a break before catching a bus or metro. Luckily, the café is spacious enough to accommodate both visitors and their luggage without feeling cramped.

Beyond the atmosphere, Heritage Café also offers a great selection of bread, sandwiches, and desserts. They are definitely worth trying if you’re in the area.

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Each of these cafés brings something special to the table, whether it’s a unique interior, expertly brewed coffee, or a cozy atmosphere that makes you want to stay a little longer.

So grab a cup, bring a friend or a good book, soak in the atmosphere, and savor the moment. Because great coffee is best enjoyed with the perfect ambiance.