While global culinary rankings often shift like the tide, Finland’s gastronomic scene remains under the steady, iron-clad rule of a single champion. In the 2026 edition of the country’s most prestigious industry vote, Palace proved once again why it is the ‘one star’ that outshines them all – despite, or perhaps because of, its two Michelin stars.

The rankings are published by Viisi Tähteä Media, a cornerstone of the Finnish food scene since the early 2000s. Unlike consumer-led guides, this list is decided by a ‘jury of peers’, an intense vote by 500 hospitality and tourism professionals. It is the list the chefs themselves watch with bated breath.

The result? A reign of absolute stability at the summit. Palace, Finland’s only two-Michelin-starred establishment, has now pulled level with the legendary and long-defunct Chez Dominique (led by Hans Välimäki), which dominated the top spot from 2004 to 2010. Palace is no longer just a restaurant; it is a Finnish institution that currently feels untouchable. Perched on the 10th floor of a modernist masterpiece built for the 1952 Olympics, it was the first restaurant in Finland to receive a Michelin star back in 1987. Under Executive Chef Eero Vottonen, the kitchen delivers a masterclass in Nordic precision, though such excellence comes at a premium: the signature tasting menu is currently priced at €250 per person.

Historically, only a handful of names have managed to break through the dominance of the giants Palace and Chez Dominique: Farang (2011), Olo (2012), and Grön (2018–2019). Note that the vote took a hiatus between 2013 and 2017.

The rest of the 2026 podium followed a familiar, high-quality script: the effortlessly cool and atmospheric BasBas took second place, followed by the nature-focused Michelin-starred Grön in third.

However, the ‘New Nordic’ spirit is thriving far beyond the capital. 30 percent of the top ten now hails from outside Helsinki: Turku’s Kaskis (6th), Tampere’s Kajo (7th), and the lakeside serenity of Rantasalmi’s Solitary (9th). In total, 15 regional restaurants made the list, including Vantaa’s Vintero.

The most dramatic ascent came from Luovuus kukkii Kaaoksesta (Creativity Blooms from Chaos), which catapulted from 28th place last year to 10th. Helsinki also welcomed several fresh faces to the rankings, with Boreal, Shii, Twenty Four Social Club, and Esmes all making their debut appearances. The regional expansion continued with Vaasa’s Fröj also securing a well-deserved spot among the newcomers. Meanwhile, the title of the year’s ultimate ‘dark horse’ went to Kuopio’s Musta Lammas (Black Sheep); proving that after an 18-year hiatus, this particular sheep isn’t so ‘black’ after all, charging straight back into 43rd place.

It is worth noting that while this industry-voted list leans heavily towards high-end, fine-dining “temples,” Time Out’s own rankings of Finland tend to offer a different flavour. Where the professionals vote for prestige, Time Out prioritises soul and value, frequently elevating hidden ethnic gems and the humblest of noodle spots to the top of the pile.

Check Time Out’s picks for Helsinki’s best restaurants and Finland’s best restaurants.

Full list of Finland’s top 50 restaurants

Palace, Helsinki
Bas Bas, Helsinki
Grön, Helsinki
Jason, Helsinki
Kaskis, Turku
Kajo, Tampere
Alexanderplats, Helsinki
Savoy, Helsinki
Solitary, Rantasalmi
Luovuus kukkii kaaoksesta, Helsinki
Vinkkeli, Helsinki
Demo, Helsinki
Olo, Helsinki
Finnjävel Salonki, Helsinki
Bona Fide, Helsinki
Teller, Helsinki
Cafe Savoy, Helsinki
Kuurna, Helsinki
Le Grec, Helsinki
Shii, Helsinki
Nolla, Helsinki
Mami, Turku
Sky Kitchen & View, Rovaniemi
Bistro Bardot, Helsinki
Vår, Porvoo
Nokka, Helsinki
The Grand Bar & Grill, Helsinki
Bisoubisou, Helsinki
Smör, Turku
Sicapelle, Porvoo
Ravintola 305, Helsinki
Muru, Helsinki
Twenty Four Social Club, Helsinki
Kosmos, Helsinki
Wellamo, Helsinki
Fröj, Vaasa
Boreal, Helsinki
Boulevard Bar & Seafood, Helsinki
Le Ankka, Helsinki
Plein, Helsinki
Laivakoira, Helsinki
Apaja, Tampere
Musta Lammas, Kuopio
Gustavo, Turku
Vinossa, Turku
Ravinteli Huber, Tampere
Vintero, Vantaa
Goose Pastabar, Helsinki
The Bull & The Firm, Helsinki
Esmes, Helsinki