Kahvila Rakastan — Restaurant in Helsinki sub-region

Where Nestled in central Helsinki, between the National Museum, Finlandia Hall, Music House, and Hakasalmen huvila, near Mannerheimintie.

What & How (Experience Details) Kahvila Rakastan offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of the city, with a secluded courtyard that features both sunlit and shaded seating. I opted to sit outdoors, enjoying the peaceful, green setting despite being surrounded by major cultural landmarks. The atmosphere was calm yet distinctly urban, making it a pleasant spot for a midday pause.

The lunch menu included a daily green pea soup - fresh and flavourful, although it did not entirely agree with me personally. The accompanying salad was visually delightful and well-balanced, featuring tender long green beans, sweet peas, a zesty dressing, and a surprising touch: a mousse reminiscent of vegan caviar and "crème fraîche" adding textural contrast and a Nordic flair.

What & How (Service Details) Staff were warm and welcoming, creating a relaxed and unhurried environment. The service was efficient yet informal, suiting the laid-back rhythm of the café well. Coffee, available at an additional charge, self-service, unlimited re-fills!

How Much (Price) Prices are somewhat above average, reflecting both the handcrafted presentation and the plant-based emphasis of the menu. While not budget-friendly, the cost feels justified by the quality and thoughtful execution.

My Thoughts Summarised A serene and stylish café tucked away in central Helsinki, Kahvila Rakastan offers a well-composed lunch in a peaceful courtyard setting. While the pricing is on the higher side, the atmosphere, service, and culinary presentation make it a worthwhile experience for those seeking a moment of calm...

Unfortunately, and I really hate to do this, but I really do not understand the other reviews. Super cramped and uncomfortable place for a lunch, I had to maneuver through the long queue with my plates and get my own water out of a huge jar from the fridge using the lunch table. Besides the tables in the other room the place is basically a crowded corridor with a crowded table at its end. I got the lunch menu rather late but it was still offered at 10 euros and consisted of potatoes, two salads and potato soup. The salads were fine, but no bread to eat them with (honestly it was enough carbs already... Protein was nowhere to be found). I added a cinnamon bun since it looked nice and because of all the praises about it, but it was quite simply a bread with some sugar on top of it. No filling, barely any cinnamon. 4.5 euros. What was that? Huge disappointment 😕 One star for being vegan which I always appreciate and for the nice...

We came to the idyllic Rakastan Café to taste their famous cinnamon buns—and they were delicious! The café itself is located in a charming 19th-century annex of Aurora Karamzin’s Hakasalmi Villa, set in a stunning environment (the villa has been a museum since 1912). It’s a true oasis in the midst of the city’s hustle and bustle. Even the busy Mannerheimintie next door seems to fade into the background as you step through the café’s door.

Rakastan is a small, family-run business and quite popular, so be prepared for a cozy—sometimes slightly cramped—atmosphere. During peak hours, tables might not get cleared immediately. Still, it’s always a lovely...