News & events
May Day, Mother’s Day, crab season, Christmas lunches, Father’s Day, Christmas dinners, truffles – the whole year is full of fun special lunches and dinners! Our restaurants offer a range of special menus to suit different celebrations. We also organise our own, annual events and special theme weeks. Take a look at our wide range of events and book your table well in advance!
The best restaurant summer in Helsinki!
The best restaurant dishes of the summer, lovely wines, sunny terraces, cold drinks, sparkling laughter, good vibes… Our restaurants in Helsinki are the best places to enjoy the summer. Take your pick!
Summer opening hours
We invite you to enjoy the summer at our restaurants: Brasa, Bistro Ego, Emo, Forza, Olo, Scolare and Särkänlinna. All our restaurants except Bistro Ego are open throughout the summer (the Bistro Ego staff are on holiday in July). Welcome!
Terraces in the heart of Helsinki
You can find our largest terraces in the courtyard of Restaurant Brasa, right next to Senate Square on Aleksanterinkatu. Of Brasa’s terraces, Burtz is open throughout the summer. It’s the perfect place for spending a summer evening and enjoying delicacies cooked over an open fire. Bock can booked for private events such as the happiest birthday parties of the summer! On both terraces, the Blanda cocktail bar serves the most popular drinks of the summer.
The terrace in front of Restaurant Emo on Kasarmikatu is ideal for popping in for a bite to eat or a drink. The terrace in the courtyard of Emo can be booked for private events such as an urban barbecue party.
Bistro Ego has a cosy small terrace on Korkeavuorenkatu, where you can enjoy French-Japanese dishes, drinks and the urban summer atmosphere of Korkeavuorenkatu.
On the shared terrace of Ristorante Scolare and Enoteca Banco Vini on the corner of Kasarmi Square (Kasarmitori), you can enjoy excellent wines and an authentic classic of Florentine street cuisine: schiacciata bread. It’s a unique experience: you can’t get schiacciata anywhere else in Finland.
You should also experience our Baobao restaurant at the Super Terrace on Kasarmi Square. Bao buns will satisfy your appetite, and you will enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the square.
If you want to spend a summer evening in an authentic castle courtyard, take the ferry to the island of Särkkä, the picturesque location of our 100-year-old Särkänlinna summer restaurant. The lush castle courtyard has the most beautiful sea view in Helsinki.
Restaurant summer on an island
Our 100-year-old Särkänlinna summer restaurant serves an à la carte menu from mid-May until the late summer (from 5 pm to midnight on Tuesday through Saturday; at other times by appointment). Located right in front of Kaivopuisto Park, our island restaurant is also a popular venue for special events. Book a table, take the ferry from the Ursula pier, and come and enjoy wonderful summer evenings on a magnificent fortress island in Helsinki!
Crayfish party in Helsinki
The crayfish season starts in Särkänlinna on 22 July 2025. Don’t miss our crayfish parties – book a table in good time!
Follow our restaurants’ social media channels for more about summer happenings.
Pintxo Festival in Helsinki – August 26–30, 2025
As summer winds down, make your way to downtown Helsinki for the Pintxo Festival! Our restaurants Emo, Brasa, Bistro Ego and Ristorante Scolare are joining the fun, serving up delicious pintxos – small bites inspired by the Basque Country – for just €3,60 each.
Over five evenings, participating restaurants will compete for the title of Pintxo Champion, and both the public and a panel of professional judges will get to vote for their favorites. Voters even have a chance to win travel vouchers from the Spanish Tourist Office!
Come enjoy these tasty bites and soak up the joyful festival vibe with us in Helsinki city center from August 26 to 30, daily from 4 PM to 9 PM!
Chef’s Dinner: Wild Game at Valkoinen Sali – October 4, 2025
Our top chefs are teaming up once again on October 4 for a one-of-a-kind Chef’s Dinner evening – this time with a delicious autumn theme: wild game! It’s going to be an unforgettable night built around a multi-course tasting menu full of seasonal flavors.
The dinner will take place at Valkoinen Sali, stunning venue on Aleksanterinkatu in the heart of Helsinki. With its one-of-a-kind atmosphere and unbeatable location, this will be the food event to mark in your fall calendar.
The chefs:
Miika Keskitalo Bistro Ego
Vladimir Semenov Brasa
Jouni Toivanen Emo
Mikko Pakola Olo
Jaana Hätönen Ristorante Scolare
Lari Helenius Olo Creative Catering
Pekka Terävä Olo Collection
Guest Chef: Antti Vahtera
Save the date now – we’ll share more details as soon as the menu is ready. Reservations open soon!
Father’s Day Lunch in Helsinki – November 10, 2025
Surprise your dad, granddad or bonus dad this Father’s Day – and bring him to enjoy a truly great meal with us!
Whether he’s a fan of open-fire grilled fish or meats, creamy Italian risottos or Nordic delicacies, we’ve got something for him. Emo, Brasa and Ristorante Scolare will all offer special Father’s Day lunch options. And don’t forget our award-winning Italian restaurant Forza – proudly serving the best pizza in Finland, fresh from the oven for Dad!
Menus and lunch hours will be updated here soon – stay tuned!
Book Your Christmas Party in Helsinki – Early Bird Wins!
Don’t wait until the last minute – book your Christmas party now! We’re kicking off the holiday season early, because the best venues always go fast.
Looking to celebrate with a small group or throw a big end-of-year bash? We have cozy and stylish spaces for gatherings of all sizes. Explore our venues and make your reservation today!
Festive Christmas Lunches Start Late November
Our Christmas season wouldn’t be complete without festive lunches – and they’ll be served across all our restaurants starting in late November. More details will be available in October!
Ring in the New Year with Us!
The grand finale to the festive season? New Year’s Eve, of course! Gather your friends, enjoy amazing food, and celebrate in the heart of Helsinki. All our restaurants are located in the best spots downtown – perfect for a long evening out, or a quick stop before or after other celebrations. Book your table early and secure the best seats (and plates) in the city.
Gift card – The Tastiest Gift of the Season
Need a gift idea that always hits the mark? Our gift cards are a dream come true for food lovers – and can be used at any of our restaurants!
All Olo Collection restaurants are located in central Helsinki – our passion is to make life taste better.
