Top 5 Cozy Cafes in Helsinki for Coffee & Korvapuusti Cinnamon Buns

Finland has more coffee drinkers per capita than anywhere else in the world, making a stop at Helsinki’s cafés practically a local requirement. Pair your coffee with a korvapuusti, a Finnish pastry that’s as iconic as it is delicious.

Korvapuusti is a traditional treat similar to a cinnamon bun, made from cardamom-spiced dough swirled with cinnamon, sugar, and butter. Its signature curled shape inspired its name, which roughly translates to “slapped ears.”

When hunting for the perfect korvapuusti, look for buns topped with coarse pearl sugar, a golden-brown surface with natural variation, and layers that pull apart easily to reveal the cinnamon-filled center.

Skip the guesswork and head straight to these must-visit cafés in Helsinki for your next coffee break.

1.Ekberg Café

2.Café Succès

3.Story

4.Café Carusel

5.Café Engel

Bonus: Café Regatta

Helsinki’s oldest café and bakery, Ekberg has been serving handmade, high-quality pastries for over 160 years. Enjoy everything from timeless favorites like korvapuusti to inventive seasonal creations.

Founded in 1957, Café Succès has remained a family-run gem in the same southern Helsinki location. With daily-baked cinnamon buns and freshly roasted coffee beans, the café offers a warm, local experience away from the tourist crowds.

Located in Helsinki’s historic Old Market Hall, Story blends modern, trendy style with classic comforts, serving warm specialty coffees, fresh pastries, and hearty lunch options like creamy salmon soup.

Café Carusel is a family-run seaside café known for its family-friendly atmosphere and focus on local, organic ingredients and sustainable practices. Guests can enjoy freshly prepared treats and coffee indoors or on the terrace, all while taking in the coastal views.

This classic café is popular amongst tourists and students alike. Set on Senate Square with views of Helsinki Cathedral, Café Engel is a convenient and cozy spot for a coffee break while out sightseeing

Café Regatta brings a taste of the Finnish countryside to Helsinki. This iconic seaside cottage serves coffee and pastries amid quirky vintage décor, rustic outdoor seating, and a firepit for grilling sausages and marshmallows.

Savoring coffee and korvapuusti is just the beginning of Finland's appeal. For a full itinerary and insider tips, don’t miss my complete guide to Helsinki for first-time visitors.

Whether you’re after classic pastries, cozy corners, or seaside charm, Helsinki’s cafés offer a taste of local life you won’t want to miss.