Best Specialty Coffee in Helsinki
Country: Finland (14 cafés)
Updated February 2026
Helsinki is a city where coffee is a daily essential, often enjoyed as a light roast filter brew. You can find quality options across the city at spots like 18 Grams, Helsingin Kahvipaahtimo, Cafetoria Café & Shop, Rams Roasters, and Enchanté Café. These locations reflect a local preference for careful sourcing and expert preparation.
Many locals treat coffee breaks as a standard part of their day, regardless of the season. You will notice that several specialty cafes in the city also serve natural wines or craft beers in the evening, making them versatile spaces to visit at different times of the day.
Cafés
Of 14 cafés, 10 serve filter coffee and 9 have outdoor seating.
Top rated 18 Grams
Livornonkatu 6, 00220 Helsinki, Finland
18 Grams is a Helsinki coffee shop that pairs specialty brews with a curated vinyl collection. The menu features rotating beans from Finnish roasters like Populus and Siemasu. Visitors often mention the welcoming staff and the relaxed atmosphere, which is suitable for reading or working. The space is dog-friendly and offers both espresso and filter coffee options.
Cafetoria Café & Shop
Runeberginkatu 31, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
Cafetoria is a coffee roastery located in Helsinki. Visitors often mention the friendly staff and the cozy, comfortable atmosphere. You can order various coffee drinks, including V60 and espresso, alongside pastries like pistachio croissants. The shop also sells their own roasted beans and coffee equipment.
Enchanté Café
Eerikinkatu 9, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
Enchanté Café is located on Eerikinkatu in central Helsinki. Visitors frequently mention the friendly service and the warm, welcoming atmosphere. The menu features a variety of coffee drinks alongside a selection of French pastries. Regulars often recommend the croissants, which are served warm. The space is dog-friendly and provides outdoor seating for guests.
Helsingin Kahvipaahtimo
Päijänteentie 29, 00510 Helsinki, Finland
Helsingin Kahvipaahtimo operates three sites across the city, including a roastery and a cafe in the Teurastamo district. The original Vallila location is a small space furnished with secondhand pieces. Visitors often praise the relaxing atmosphere and the quality of the batch brew and espresso. You can choose from a range of seasonal single origins or their medium roast filter blend. The cafe fills up quickly, so finding a seat can sometimes be a challenge.
Lykke
Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 21a, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
Lykke is a colorful coffee shop in Etu-Töölö serving beans roasted in Kuopio. The menu features espresso drinks, filter coffee, and vegan-friendly cookies. Visitors often mention the friendly staff and the cozy, compact atmosphere. The space can fill up quickly, but the shop offers outdoor seating and is laptop-friendly. You can also receive a discount on takeaway drinks if you bring your own cup.
Rams Roasters
Neitsytpolku 10, 00140 Helsinki, Finland
Rams Roasters is a small cafe located on Neitsytpolku in the Ullanlinna neighbourhood. The shop serves espresso and filter coffee from a rotating selection of specialty roasters. Visitors often praise the homemade pastries, particularly the cinnamon buns which frequently sell out. This is a laptop-free space designed for a short pause rather than extended work. Outdoor seating is available for those looking to enjoy their coffee in the southern part of the city.
Kaffa Roastery
Pursimiehenkatu 29A, 00150 Helsinki, Finland
Kaffa Roastery is a spacious cafe in Punavuori located inside an industrial building. You can watch the roasting process through a glass wall while enjoying espresso or hand brews. The menu offers options ranging from light to dark roasts and includes vegan food items like sandwiches and pastries. Visitors often mention the staff is professional and helpful when selecting beans to take home. In the evening, the space transitions to offer a selection of natural wines.
Kaffecentralen
Fredrikinkatu 59, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
Kaffecentralen is a coffee store located in Helsinki. They offer a wide selection of beans, brewing equipment, and accessories for home use. Visitors often praise the flat white and the variety of coffee options available. The space has limited seating, but it remains a popular spot to sit and enjoy a drink. You can also find small snacks like spinach pastries and cookies to accompany your coffee.
Kahvila Sävy
Aleksis Kiven katu 12, 00500 Helsinki, Finland
Kahvila Sävy is a cozy cafe located in the Kallio neighborhood of Helsinki. The shop serves coffee primarily from the local roastery Good Life Coffee. Visitors often praise the quality of the espresso and filter coffee, while also noting the friendly and knowledgeable staff. The menu includes various pastries, sandwiches, and vegan options. The space is laptop-friendly and features outdoor seating during the summer months.
Outrun Cafe
Asemapäällikönkatu 3, 00520 Helsinki, Finland
Outrun Cafe is a small, colorful space located in the Pasila neighborhood of Helsinki. You can find it by heading above the K-Market. Visitors often mention the staff is friendly and welcoming. The menu includes espresso, filter coffee, and various vegan options. There is also outdoor seating available for guests.
Andante
Fredrikinkatu 20, 00120 Helsinki, Finland
Andante is a specialty coffee shop located on Fredrikinkatu in the Punavuori district. The interior features Marimekko accents and a cozy, eclectic atmosphere. They serve a wide range of hand brews using beans from roasters like Drop, Standout Coffee, La Cabra, and Samples. Visitors often praise the knowledgeable staff and the selection of pastries, including buttermilk biscuits and cinnamon rolls. The cafe also offers outdoor seating, vegan options, and is dog-friendly.
El Fant
Katariinankatu 3, 00170 Helsinki, Finland
El Fant is a cafe located within the Helsinki City Museum. It serves espresso and filter coffee alongside a variety of brunch and lunch options. Visitors often mention the quality of the coffee and the selection of cakes and pastries. The space is laptop-friendly and provides outdoor seating for guests. It can get busy during peak hours, so you may need to wait for a table.
Fratello La Torrefazione
Yliopistonkatu 6, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
Fratello La Torrefazione is a second floor cafe located on Yliopistonkatu near the central train station. Visitors often mention the cozy atmosphere and the view overlooking Aleksanterinkatu. The menu includes options like levain bread, cinnamon rolls, and various breakfast items. Regulars appreciate the friendly service and the option for coffee refills. Keep an eye out for the entrance, as the door is easy to miss from the street.
Johan & Nyström
Kanavaranta 7C-D, 00160 Helsinki, Finland
Johan & Nyström is a specialty coffee shop located in the Katajanokka district of Helsinki. The cafe offers both espresso and filter coffee, with visitors frequently praising the quality of their brews. You can choose to sit inside or enjoy the outdoor seating, which is also dog-friendly. Regulars often recommend the cardamom and cinnamon buns to pair with your drink.
Frequently asked questions
What is the typical coffee style in Helsinki?
The local preference leans toward light roast filter coffee. You will find many cafes focusing on pour-over methods and batch brews that highlight the specific characteristics of the beans.
Are there cafes that stay open on Sundays?
Yes, some locations like Rams Roasters are known to be open on Sundays. It is always a good idea to check the specific hours for a cafe before you head out, as schedules can vary.
Where can I find a quiet place to work or read?
Many cafes, such as Kahvila Sävy or 18 Grams, offer a relaxed atmosphere that feels like a living room. These spots are often suitable for spending time with a book or working quietly.
Do cafes in Helsinki serve food?
Many specialty cafes offer light snacks, such as cinnamon buns or other pastries. Some locations, like El Fant, also provide more substantial options like soups, salads, and sandwiches.
Can I buy beans to take home?
Most specialty roasters and cafes in our directory, including Cafetoria Café & Shop and Kaffa Roastery, sell bags of beans. You can often find a variety of single-origin options and seasonal blends.
Are there cafes that transition into evening venues?
Yes, it is common for some specialty cafes to serve natural wines or craft beers once the evening arrives. Kaffa Roastery is one example of a place where you can switch from coffee to wine.