While global culinary rankings often shift like the tide, Finland\u2019s gastronomic scene remains under the steady, iron-clad rule of a single champion. In the 2026 edition of the country\u2019s most prestigious industry vote, Palace proved once again why it is the \u2018one star\u2019 that outshines them all \u2013\u00a0despite, or perhaps because of, its two Michelin stars.<\/p>\n
The rankings are published by Viisi T\u00e4hte\u00e4 Media, a cornerstone of the Finnish food scene since the early 2000s. Unlike consumer-led guides, this list is decided by a \u2018jury of peers\u2019, an intense vote by 500 hospitality and tourism professionals. It is the list the chefs themselves watch with bated breath.<\/p>\n
The result? A reign of absolute stability at the summit. Palace, Finland\u2019s only two-Michelin-starred establishment, has now pulled level with the legendary and long-defunct Chez Dominique (led by Hans V\u00e4lim\u00e4ki), 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.\u00a0Perched 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 \u20ac250 per person.<\/p>\n
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 Gr\u00f6n (2018\u20132019). Note that the vote took a hiatus between 2013 and 2017.<\/p>\n
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 Gr\u00f6n in third.<\/p>\n
However, the \u2018New Nordic\u2019 spirit is thriving far beyond the capital. 30 percent of the top ten now hails from outside Helsinki: Turku\u2019s Kaskis (6th), Tampere\u2019s Kajo (7th), and the lakeside serenity of Rantasalmi\u2019s Solitary (9th). In total, 15 regional restaurants made the list, including Vantaa\u2019s Vintero.<\/p>\n
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 Fr\u00f6j also securing a well-deserved spot among the newcomers. Meanwhile, the title of the year\u2019s ultimate ‘dark horse’ went to Kuopio\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
It is worth noting that while this industry-voted list leans heavily towards high-end, fine-dining “temples,” Time Out\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Check Time Out\u2019s picks for Helsinki\u2019s best restaurants<\/a> and Finland\u2019s best restaurants<\/a>.<\/p>\n Full list of Finland’s top 50 restaurants
\n
\n Palace, Helsinki
\n Bas Bas, Helsinki
\n Gr\u00f6n, Helsinki
\n Jason, Helsinki
\n Kaskis, Turku
\n Kajo, Tampere
\n Alexanderplats, Helsinki
\n Savoy, Helsinki
\n Solitary, Rantasalmi
\n Luovuus kukkii kaaoksesta, Helsinki
\n Vinkkeli, Helsinki
\n Demo, Helsinki
\n Olo, Helsinki
\n Finnj\u00e4vel Salonki, Helsinki
\n Bona Fide, Helsinki
\n Teller, Helsinki
\n Cafe Savoy, Helsinki
\n Kuurna, Helsinki
\n Le Grec, Helsinki
\n Shii, Helsinki
\n Nolla, Helsinki
\n Mami, Turku
\n Sky Kitchen & View, Rovaniemi
\n Bistro Bardot, Helsinki
\n V\u00e5r, Porvoo
\n Nokka, Helsinki
\n The Grand Bar & Grill, Helsinki
\n Bisoubisou, Helsinki
\n Sm\u00f6r, Turku
\n Sicapelle, Porvoo
\n Ravintola 305, Helsinki
\n Muru, Helsinki
\n Twenty Four Social Club, Helsinki
\n Kosmos, Helsinki
\n Wellamo, Helsinki
\n Fr\u00f6j, Vaasa
\n Boreal, Helsinki
\n Boulevard Bar & Seafood, Helsinki
\n Le Ankka, Helsinki
\n Plein, Helsinki
\n Laivakoira, Helsinki
\n Apaja, Tampere
\n Musta Lammas, Kuopio
\n Gustavo, Turku
\n Vinossa, Turku
\n Ravinteli Huber, Tampere
\n Vintero, Vantaa
\n Goose Pastabar, Helsinki
\n The Bull & The Firm, Helsinki
\n Esmes, Helsinki
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