This is one of my absolute favorites in Helsinki. A genuine Finnish place with genuine customers and occasional Japanese tourists with Lonely Planets : Good food, HUGE portions and a selection of some true local classics.
If you want to taste something that people in Helsinki have been eating a looong time with pleasure, go this restaurant and ask for "Silakat ja muussi". And delicious! It is herring from baltic sea with mashed potatoes. Nothing fancy but really wholesome and really tasty. Lunch or dinner with friends or for business Sea Horse delivers. It is not a classic, it is definitely The Classic.
Just a walking distance from the city center in the very beautiful part of the beautiful city on Helsinki one can find not so hidden gem of Sea Horse or Sikala pig sty as the locals call it.
There is nothing pig styish about this very traditional yet relaxed restaurant, is it just the localized version of the English original name. Although, it is rumoured that some characters have been served under the table, since they've been too drink to sit properly Well, the stories are plenty, so are the choices for a no meat no poultry eating yours truly.
The Baltic herring never fails, comes at least in two forms, vegetarian cabbage rolls are a real treat and I still remember the bigger than your plate Wiener Schnitzel from my carnivore yesteryears The service always a delight, the atmosphere always so unique no background music needed in this place Hearty food in any case and definitely worth a visit.
