Hi, I’m Zukky.
There’s one Finnish restaurant I always visit whenever I’m in Helsinki. It’s called Restaurant Zetor. It’s a famous spot, often listed in guidebooks, which opened on Finland’s Independence Day in 1991.
While dining in Finland isn’t cheap, Zetor isn’t outrageously expensive either, and it’s quite affordable for a Finnish restaurant located in the heart of Helsinki.
Most importantly, the food is delicious!
I’ve taken my parents and friends there, and everyone has given it high marks.
Another reason I love it is its interior, which is designed to look like a Finnish countryside farmhouse from the 1960s. It’s so casual and relaxing; you can truly enjoy your meal without feeling stiff or formal.
A Casual Vibe Where You Can Just Relax
Inside, a real tractor sits prominently in the middle of the room. In fact, the restaurant is named “Zetor” after the Czech tractor manufacturer. While Valtra is the well-known Finnish tractor brand, and John Deere (USA) or New Holland (USA) are global leaders, Zetor opted for the Czech brand—a perfect choice to capture that niche, rustic Northern European charm. (In Japan during the same era, maybe they’d showcase a Ford tractor?) Brilliant!
Putting aside my inner gearhead for a moment… The rural-themed interior means there’s absolutely no need for formal attire. Even someone as fashion-unconscious as me can walk in and enjoy the food without any tension. With all the décor packed inside, it has the same laid-back, chaotic charm as a place like Bikkuri Donkey [Note: A Japanese family restaurant chain known for its unique, cluttered decor, suggesting extreme casualness]. Price is not so casual as in Japan 😉
The staff uniforms also feature rural designs, like checkered shirts and overalls（Zetor designed casual T-shirts also）. Other guests are dressed casually, relaxing and enjoying their food. This kind of authentic Finnish simplicity is what makes this place so great.
Why I Love the Food at Zetor: Authentic Finnish Flavors
Zetor’s menu focuses on traditional Finnish home cooking. The flavors are simple and rustic, truly capturing the essence of Finnish cuisine—it’s not meant to be fancy or gourmet.
Zetor’s popular dishes are likely Finnish and Nordic classics like meatballs (Lihaa) and salmon soup (Lohikeitto). They also serve reindeer meat, so if you haven’t tried it before, it’s a good place to start. The food is served in enamel pots and plain tableware, giving it a cozy, homemade feel.
My personal favorites that I order every time are the Fried Vendace(Säät Vaihtuu – Muikut Ne Yhä Vielä Pysyy: €26.6) and the Karelian Stew (Karjala Takaisin: €24.8). I genuinely believe all their food is good; I haven’t had a bad dish there yet.
Of course, the Karelian Stew is my top recommendation. And you can enjoy it for a mere ¥4,378 (as of Nov 2025)! W-wait, that’s expensive!! (ﾟ∀ﾟﾉ)ﾉ
B-but… I-it’s affordable by Helsinki standards… !
For more details, please check the official Zetor website menu.
Access and Essential Information
The location is unbeatable: just a 5-minute walk from Helsinki Central Station. You can also make reservations through their website. Since the restaurant fills up quickly, reservations are highly recommended.
| Name | Restaurant Zetor |
| Address | Mannerheimintie 3-5 00100 Helsinki, Finland |
| Phone | +358 10 7664450 |
| Opening Hours | Mon – Thu 15:00 – 23:30 Fri 13:00 – 04:30 Sat 12:00 – 04:30 Sun 13:00 – 23:30 （Check website for precise times） |
| Access | 5-minute walk from Helsinki Central Station |
| Links | ・Official Website |
That’s all for now! Heippa!!
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