Ekberg Helsinki
The oldest cafe in Finland
So this is a really traditional spot: café Ekberg is the oldest bakery, patisserie and café in Finland, founded in 1852. It's definitely on the fancier side, being one of the few cafés in Helsinki having table service (queuing, that's what normal Finnish café experience is all about!) and usually it's crowded with wealthy old people. But this doesn't mean I couldn't feel welcomed and comfortable in the café: I like enjoying the historical milieu and calm atmosphere.
Me and my sister's personal tradition is to go to Ekberg on our birthday mornings and have the breakfast buffet to celebrate our birthdays. I think it's the best way to start the special day! The breakfast is pretty traditional but good, especially considering the relatively low price for which you can enjoy good porridge with jam, coffee and tea, different juices, good bread and so on. And the best part is the cakes! The breakfast includes several types of Ekberg's delicious cakes and pies.
About this spot
Find your way with 65 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Helsinki
Oljenkorsi
Cozy craft beer fountain
"Oljenkorsi" in Helsinki is a craft beer heaven. Even after moving away from the neighborhood, I keep returning for the authentic local Toukola spirit...
by
Joonas
Kervinen
Vanha Kauppahalli
The old market hall
"Vanha Kauppahalli" Helsinki is definitely one of my favorite market halls! My favorite spot inside is Restaurant Story as it is like the heart of Vanha...
by
Markus
Veikkolainen
Satkar
In the vanguard of Nepalese cuisine
"Satkar" is one of the most conveniently, centrally located Nepalese restaurants in Helsinki. They're a phenomenon you just have to try for yourself!
by
Joonas
Kervinen
Andante
Flowers, coffee and raw treats
"Andante" combines two trends in Helsinki: raw cakes and a cafe-shop mix. It's also a cool flower shop with more than 20 years of history. Quality coffee too
by
Markus
Veikkolainen
Cafe Papu
Neighborhood cafe with Vietnamese touch
"Cafe Papu" is one of my favorite places in Helsinki. The reason? It's one of the few places that serve Vietnamese Bánh mì sandwiches.
by
Markus
Veikkolainen
Pompier Albertinkatu
Flash from the past
"Pompier Albertinkatu" is a very popular Helsinki lunch spot and one of my favorites. It's located in a volunteer fire deparment, which goes way back...
by
Markus
Veikkolainen
Stockmann Herkku
The go-to grocery store
"Stockmann Herkku" in the Helsinki centre is my go-to grocery store to find a great selection of fresh, quality and local products and amazing service!
by
Markus
Veikkolainen
Löyly
World's coolest sauna
"Löyly" in Helsinki has quickly become a worldwide phenomenon. It's a very Finnish spot, but at the same time, not! Sauna accompanied by sunshine!? But...!
by
Markus
Veikkolainen
Pub Sirdie
The old school Kallio classic
"Pub Sirdie" in Helsinki is the only place for me to feel the Kallio spirit in its original form! This pub has a true cult following, and for good reason!
by
Joonas
Kervinen
Hietalahti Market Hall
Eating and shopping
"Hietalahti Market Hall" Helsinki has been coming back to life! Nowadays I go there for grocery shopping and for one of the best places for lunch in town.
by
Markus
Veikkolainen
Leipomo K. E. Avikainen
Traditional bakery
"Leipomo K. E. Avikainen" (est. 1950) is one of the few remaining traditional Helsinki bakeries. They also sell Karelian pies, which makes me happy!
by
Janiina
Knuutinen
Heading to Helsinki?
65 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Helsinki?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 65 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Coffee & tea
Our team loves Helsinki
Get to know our other Spotters from Helsinki
As featured on:
