Helsinki Airport: a paradise for lovers of good food

Finavia has significantly developed the food and beverage offering at Helsinki Airport in recent years. Passengers are now served by nearly 50 restaurants and cafés, which include summer terraces, rare specialties, and award-winning services.

 

"Food is a particularly hot topic this summer as Helsinki hosts the announcement ceremony for the Nordic Michelin stars. Dining has also become a big part of the travel experience for an increasing number of air travellers. We have significantly developed the restaurant offerings at Helsinki Airport in recent years, nearly doubling the number of restaurants at the airport since 2019," says Nora Immonen, VP, Commercial Business at Helsinki Airport for Finavia.

 

The airport's departures and arrivals halls, which are open to all, now feature a total of 12 restaurants, cafes, and bars. Among these is the Food Hall area, which won the 2023 Airport Food Hall of the Year award and offers flavours from five different cuisines. The Food Hall serves not only passengers but also residents and employees around the airport: food can be ordered for home delivery, and Finavia offers free parking at the airport when buying lunch.

 

 

Dozens of restaurants and cafés serve passengers at the departure gate area, after security control. The newest additions, opened in early 2024, include the artisan pizzeria Italian Kitchen Terracotta, Bubbles Seafood & Wine with a fine selection of champagne and wine, the Scandinavian cuisine restaurant Nordic Kitchen, and a burger restaurant Naughty Burger developed by a Finnish Top Chef winner.

 

During the summer, Helsinki Airport's three outdoor terraces provide the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sunshine. In addition to the Runway Bar terrace in the arrivals hall, two terraces will open in the departure gate area: Toastery Café & Bar will open a completely new summer terrace, and the popular terrace at Gate 29's Espresso House will also be available for passengers.

 

"Over a million passengers pass through Helsinki Airport every month, and we want to offer all of them a first-class customer experience. The airport has about 30,000 square meters of rentable commercial space, and we continuously develop our food and beverage selection according to trends and passengers' wishes. Especially the range of hot food has diversified as part of the airport's historical development programme. In the past year alone, we have opened 17 new restaurants and cafés at the airport, with more to come," Immonen continues.

 

 

Finavia has also invested in the airport's breakfast offerings. Restaurants open early in the morning for travellers who can enjoy, for example, porridge left to simmer overnight from Tori Kitchen & Café or hot breakfast dishes from Nordic Kitchen. For quicker snacks, there are takeaway options available at R-kiosks and WHSmith.

 

Many may not know that Helsinki Airport also has its very own bakery. Every morning, the bakery produces fresh cinnamon rolls, muffins, breads, and other items that end up on the tables at Kaffet Bakery Cafés and the Pala Pizza Bar restaurant.

 

The offerings in the area after passport control, the non-Schengen area, will also improve for the summer with the opening of Street Food Club, offering delicious street food, and a new Nordic Kitchen. Asian food lovers are served by Ajisen Ramen, which is the global restaurant chain's first Northern European location. The area also features one of the airport's specialties: the Fizza pizza vending machine, which prepares oven fresh, easy-to-carry pizza in just three minutes, 24 hours a day.

 

"The airport's diverse restaurant offerings have something for everyone, so passengers now have an excellent reason to arrive at the airport early to enjoy the holiday atmosphere and great food," Immonen recommends.

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