Finnish restaurants were awarded two new stars at the MICHELIN Guide Nordic Countries Ceremony 2024, held in Helsinki. This brings the total number of Finnish star restaurants to nine, with six located in the capital.
Top chefs from across the Nordic region gathered in Helsinki for the prestigious event. Alongside the MICHELIN Stars, the ceremony also highlighted MICHELIN Green Stars for sustainable gastronomy and various special awards for industry excellence.
The ROOM by Kozeen Shiwan in Helsinki gained its first star only five months after opening. Chef and owner Kozeen Shiwan tells his life story through a creative menu described as “unique and theatrical.” Tapio in Ruka also received its first star, praised for high-level dining with natural flavors and exceptional ingredients.
Restaurant Nokka in Helsinki earned a Green Star for its commitment to sustainability. The MICHELIN Guide commended Nokka for explaining the origins of its local, seasonal produce.
The MICHELIN Guide Nordic Countries 2024 includes 85 star restaurants and 36 Green Star recipients. Finland now boasts nine star restaurants, with six in Helsinki. Notably, Restaurant Palace holds two stars, while Finnjävel Salonki, Demo, Grön, Olo, and The ROOM by Kozeen Shiwan each have one.
Two new Helsinki restaurants, 305 and plein, received the Bib Gourmand award for great quality, great value cooking. Restaurant 305 was praised for “rustic, unfussy cooking,” while restaurant plein impressed with its homely feel and skilled cooking.
The ceremony, a first in Helsinki, attracted international guests, including over 120 Nordic chefs and more than 60 journalists and influencers. Held at the historic Savoy Theatre, the event was followed by a cocktail dinner at Helsinki City Hall, showcasing Finnish and Nordic cuisine.
The dinner featured a 12-course menu with local ingredients, such as pan-fried scallops, pike perch from Vuosaari, and choux filled with oxalis lime curd. An open show kitchen allowed guests to see local chefs in action, led by Eero Vottonen from Helsinki’s Palace Restaurant.
Eero Vottonen expressed pride in showcasing Helsinki’s culinary excellence at the event. “It is a huge opportunity for Helsinki and our fantastic restaurants and industry people,” he said.
The ceremony was organized by the MICHELIN Guide Nordic Countries, the City of Helsinki, Visit Finland, and sponsors like Fazer, The Helsinki Distilling Company, Kespro, and Valio Aimo.
