Opened in November 2015 by the dynamic duo of Nicolas Thieulon and Kalle Kiukainen, Baskeri & Basso Bistro (or just BasBas, as the locals call it) has been a game-changer in the Helsinki dining scene since its inception. BasBas Kulma, the acclaimed bistro’s younger sibling, offers a more approachable experience for those who find the original too elusive (it’s notoriously difficult to secure a table). Nestled in the same building as its big brother, BasBas Kulma is essentially a bistro, too, but with a bar counter where walk-ins can order small plates and choose from a dozen or so wines available by the glass, priced from about €11 to €16.

Consisting of a cosy, rustic restaurant (BasBas Kulma) and a separate, intimate courtyard bistro (BasBas bistro), BasBas is the place to go for a warm atmosphere, delicious artisan wines and, of course, tasty food. BasBas Kulma focuses on hearty delicacies crafted from pure ingredients flamed in the open fire of their charcoal grill. Drawing inspiration from Paris, San Francisco and the Italian countryside, at BasBas bistro, guests are seated next to a lively open kitchen that creates raw-based dishes, kept extremely simple but deeply flavoursome.

As of this moment, in October 2021, BasBas is the second-best restaurant in Finland just next to some of the best Michelin-star restaurants in Helsinki which tells a lot about what this restaurant serves to its customers. Flaming hot sizzling charcoal-grilled meats, pumping with flavors, and grounded with great service – BasBas and its sister restaurant Baskeri & Basso have become Helsinki’s favorite hangout place where you can get amazing food with great selections of wines. Located at: Tehtaankatu 27-29

There is a saying in Helsinki: “Ice melts in the spring, the government always betrays, but BasBas never disappoints.” The heart of the restaurant is the feeling – warm, lovely, loving, smiling, and weightless. Everything they do shows a love for the art of hospitality, and the result is a reflection of its creators. A trailblazer for Finnish bistro culture.

Short for Baskeri & Basso, this bistro-style hotspot is the kind of place where Helsinki’s food lovers, artists, and off-duty chefs go to eat and be seen. The vibe is relaxed but the food is sharp: rustic, French-inspired, and served with plenty of natural wine. Downstairs, the Staff Wine Bar keeps things even more casual and walk-in-friendly.

Telakkakadun kulma, Tehtaankatu 27-29, 00150 Helsinki, Finland. Restaurant BasBas Kulma is a lively wine bar that serves small dishes and primarily natural wines, welcoming both reservations and walk-ins. The menu features a range of dishes, from charcuterie and cheese to salmon crudo, beef tartare, fried whitefish, and grilled pork belly.

BasBas & Staff is the vinous sidekick of a popular local restaurant Baskeri & Basso Bistro. BasBas is a cozy wine bar with a moody laid-back atmosphere where you can order a glass of wine at ease. Given a chance the staff at BasBas is not afraid to tell you exactly what they think of your favorite wine, friendly banter is a staple here.

It was the little sister restaurant to Baskeri Basso, BasBas Kulma, that stole our hearts in Helsinki. This was, hands down, our favorite casual restaurant in town. It’s slightly easier to get a reservation here compared to the OG restaurant, since the venue is a little bigger and the bar seats are kept for walk-ins.

A warehouse-style venue with modern bistro food, BasBas is also home to the best wine bar in town, with a hip clientele and small plates to share; think avocado and fennel on toast. The main menu is strong on classic French dishes made with quality ingredients. Great service is also part of its success.

Basbas Kulma is a wine bar and bistro, known for its relaxed and cosy ambiance. The venue blends simple, enchanting flavours with an exciting array of artisanal wines. The architecture and interior design of Basbas Kulma create a warm and unassuming bistro atmosphere.

Great restaurants for solo travelers: Ravintola Kuurna ($$$), Ravintola Grön ($$$), Ravintola Wellamo ($$), BasBas Kulma ($$), Brasa (steakhouse), Viisi Penniä (gastropub), Fat Ramen ($$), Restaurant Georgian Vibe ($$), Georgian Kitchen ($$), Young Hearts.

Austrian Wine List of the Year Finland, presented by Austrian Wine 2024. The younger sibling of BasBas, situated downstairs, is another very trendy place to eat out in Helsinki. The wine offering is extensive, leaning on playful and quirky choices.

BasBas is a rather young restaurant that merges trendy creative dishes with bohemian atmosphere and vintage design. The place is open four days a week, and reservations should be made ahead. They also just opened a wine bar downstairs.

A lively diner where meat, seafood, and vegetables sizzle on the charcoal grill. Enjoy freshly baked bread, simple starters, indulgent desserts, and a carefully curated wine list from classic to bold.

Basbas & Kulma is an American-style bistro with a comprehensive wine list and a huge charcoal grill where most of its meats, seafood and vegetables are cooked and served as small plates to share.

BasBas Kulma — this bistro-cum-drinking den is one of the hardest places to book in town. Go for legendary pasta dishes and out-of-this-world skin contact wine.

For dinner the crazy-popular BasBas is a Helsinki must do (if only managed to book a table!) and Pastor surely has the best cocktails and ceviche in town!

There have been only a few places I've said "wow!" only for specific dishes and only occasionally (Demo, BasBas, Harju8, Fisken på Disken, Wino).