One of the best things about travel is getting to try new cuisines, whether sampling the food of the nation you’re in, or experiencing the trailblazing chefs from that destination that bring in influences from all around the globe. If you’re heading to Helsinki, one restaurant that needs to be on your list is LaBra. A cosy neighbourhood restaurant on Eerikinkatu it’s easy to get to yet feels like a truly special hidden gem that you won’t be able to stop talking about long after the trip has ended. Led by Head Chef Serpil Yilmaz, LaBra offers a Mediterranean and Nordic flavour fusion, focusing on seasonal ingredients and bold flavours. Keep reading our LaBra Helsinki restaurant review to find out more about our experience.
LaBra Restaurant Helsinki – First Impressions
I visit LaBra mid-March and the weather is fairly cold in a way that’s not quite unpleasant to walk around in, but heading inside is a welcome reprieve. It’s a short ten minute walk from where I’m staying at the Radisson Red Helsinki and the restaurant casts a warm glow to puddle out onto the pavement. It’s beautifully inviting without being over the top and sets the tone for the evening ahead.
I push open the door and am immediately greeted with the scents of freshly baked bread intermingled with other herbs and spices. I can hear the sizzle of steak, the chopping of vegetables and thanks to the open kitchen, I can watch the action as I make my way to my table.
It’s a beautiful decorated space here, very Scandinavian with simple decoration designed to bring the outside in. Walls are a light beige, the floor tiled and delicate flowers adorn each table. We order a glass of Cava each while we peruse the menu. Priced at 5.50€ a glass, all day every day it’s more than reasonable.
The Menu at Labra Restaurant Helsinki
The menu is crafted with seasonal ingredients and changes regularly to reflect the time of year. You can choose separate dishes, or opt for their set menu which we found a great way to taste some of the best chef options! The menu started with a Pide bread and a trio of dips. The bread is a soft and fluffy flatbread topped with za’atar spice mix and a drizzle of olive oil. The dips of Labneh with red butter and green pepper jam, Creamy hummus and Grilled eggplant with bell pepper, tomatoes, garlic and olive oil are all utterly divine. They’re beautifully flavoured and the portion sizes are more than generous. When paired with the hot, fluffy bread fresh from the oven, I announce if I only had to eat one meal for the rest of my life, this might just be it.
The starter is Tulum cheese with beetroot, pomegranate seeds and orange. It’s a delicious combination that’s salty and sweet, tangy and fresh. Each element compliments each other perfectly in a way that doesn’t only taste beautiful, but looks it too.
We take a short break between the next courses to sip a glass of wine and just soak up the atmosphere. It’s a Friday evening and the low hum of chatter, sounds of the cooking in the kitchen and the background music make for the perfect atmosphere for an evening out.
For mains, I have the grilled beef tenderloin which is technically not on the set menu, but I was keen to try it so they kindly swapped it in for me. Cooked to perfection and topped with fresh herbs, garlic and olive oil it’s teeming with flavour and I’m more than pleased with my choice. My Mum has the set menu Harissa spiced cauliflower and says she never knew you could make cauliflower so incredibly tasty. Accompanied by beluga lentils and mint yoghurt, with a salad on the side, it’s light yet filling and packs a punch in terms of taste.
The meal is rounded off with a supangle pudding which is a popular Turkish chocolate pudding layered over a cake base and decorated with flowers. The ideal blend of sweet yet rich, it’s the perfect way to finish a fantastic meal at LaBra restaurant Helsinki.
The Staff
The staff here are another example of not just Helsinki’s fantastic hospitality, but the restaurant’s overall feel. They couldn’t be kinder, nor more keen to talk to us, tell us about the menu and speak about our day. Our server is warm yet not overbearing and it’s interesting to hear more about the restaurant and food they serve.
Our Thoughts
LaBra restaurant Helsinki is so much more than a place to eat, it’s a place where you feel instantly welcomed, where the vibe is as brilliant as the flavours and you know you’re going to get a meal that you won’t forget. It offers dishes you might not usually try and offers enough options that there’s something for everyone, but you still know care and precision goes into each and every plate. When looking for a top restaurant in Helsinki, look no further than LaBra.
https://www.ravintolalabra.fi
Eerikinkatu 32, 00180 Helsinki, Finland
FAQs
LaBra restaurant is located at Eerikinkatu 32 in central Helsinki, making it an easy stop for both locals and visitors exploring the city. The restaurant sits in a lively neighbourhood close to shops, bars, and cultural attractions, making it a great place to enjoy dinner or weekend brunch after a day in the city.
LaBra restaurant in Helsinki serves a Mediterranean-inspired menu with Nordic influences. The dishes focus on seasonal ingredients, bold flavours, and shareable plates, often incorporating Middle Eastern and Turkish elements alongside modern European cooking techniques.
Yes, LaBra is known for offering popular brunch experiences in Helsinki, particularly on weekends and during special events. You can expect flavourful dishes inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, served in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
LaBra is led by Head Chef Serpil Yilmaz, whose cooking blends Mediterranean traditions with Nordic ingredients. The menu reflects her creative approach to flavour combinations and seasonal cooking.
Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend dinners and brunch, as LaBra is a popular neighbourhood restaurant in Helsinki. Booking in advance ensures you can secure a table during busy times.
LaBra typically operates Monday to Saturday, with dinner service during the week and special brunch events on select weekends. It’s best to check the restaurant’s website or booking system for the most up-to-date opening hours.
