Café Engel

If you come to Helsinki and have no idea where to go, then I would happily suggest Café Engel ! Close to the Cathedral, it's a lovely little place, with delicious food - and I have gone multiple times with friends. I would also heartily recommend their salmon soup, my personal fave !

I had reindeer meat and mashed potatoes with sparkling water. It was fresh but for first try it has different taste especially red berries. As a desert I had blueberry cake it was so delicious.

Lives up to the hype! Warm and attentive service, delicious food and a wonderful view of Senate Square - what more could you want! We came here twice during our short time in Helsinki.

Cafe Engel is right in the heart of Helsinki, which we visited on the morning of September 7th, 2025, for drinks and the famous Finnish salmon soup. We found a spot outside with a great view of the square and the monument to Tsar Alexander II. It’s self-service, so expect to wait a bit in the queue, but overall it was a nice experience. Recommended.

My gosh, what a beautiful place! Café Engel truly embodies the magnificence of European charm, offering not only a cozy retreat but a stunning view of the plaza and a prime central location in Helsinki’s Old City. The interior is gorgeous, full of character and elegance—definitely the kind of spot you’ll want to visit during the off-peak seasons or times to really soak in the peaceful atmosphere. We were thrilled to discover they offer gluten-free options. The hot chocolate was an absolute highlight—made with almond milk and special requests, it was perfectly balanced, not too sweet, and oh-so-delicious. The cake we tried was equally delightful, and while some of the other offerings were a little gluten-heavy for us personally, we still enjoyed everything for what it was. What really made our experience stand out, though, was the wonderful server who took our order and accommodated our special request. She was a very centered, balanced, and welcoming individual—originally from mixed heritage, as we learned—and her warmth truly added a personal touch to our visit. In a city where people are generally friendly but can sometimes seem a bit reserved, she was one of the most genuinely warm people we encountered in Helsinki. Café Engel feels like the perfect spot for both travelers and locals alike. It’s clear the staff are professional and care deeply about providing an excellent experience. Overall, a fantastic visit, and I’d highly recommend it for anyone in the area.