Harju8 Helsinki
Social eating with a good feeling
I'm not sure how many years Harju8 has been around Harjutori Square, but they have been able to establish it as one of the places carrying the modern Kallio vibe. While others come and go, Harju8 seems to be here to stay. No surprise because their concept of laid-back and casual social eating just keeps on flourishing beautifully year after year.
Usually packed with people, this should not scare you unless you come at the highest peak on the weekend. No reservations (and you even place your orders at the counter), but often you can get a table within a reasonable time by asking the staff and enjoying a drink while waiting. The bar is actually all that, including excellent natural wines on their list as well.
Harju8 serves both smaller portions (4-12€ each) to be shared but also main dishes with fish of the day (25€), which is one of my personal favourites! You will find vegetarian pasta, Nordic herring, tofu skagen, roasted sweet potato and a versatile selection in the compact menu. Or you can order some olives, almonds or fries if you are not that hungry.
If you are looking for quiet intimacy, Harju8 is not for you. This place is full of social life and Kallio spirit, and I think it's probably the best place to enjoy that with excellent food! In the summertime, they occasionally organize jam sessions outside on the terrace. And oh yes, they even sell flowers every day!
About this spot
Find your way with 65 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Helsinki
Stadin Panimo
Passionate craft beer tasting
"Stadin Panimo" in rugged Suvilahti in Helsinki is one of the best places to enjoy good craft beer locally. Their selection is the biggest I've ever seen!
by
Joonas
Kervinen
Bar Molotow
Cozy Kallio living room
"Bar Molotow" in Kallio, Helsinki, is one of my personal favorites. It's cozy as well as social, and I really like their beer choice & retro rock spirit.
by
Joonas
Kervinen
Lentävä Lehmä
All about the cheese!
"Lentävä Lehmä" (or Flying Cow) is my number #1 place in Helsinki for getting amazing cheese. Nothing is overpriced here and everything is organic!
by
Joonas
Kervinen
Pasila
Conduct your own urban art walk
"Pasila" is going to be one of Helsinki's most alternative districts in the coming years! Home to plenty of street art, it's no just dull grey buildings...
by
Joonas
Kervinen
Korjaamo
The diverse culture factory in Töölö
"Korjaamo" in Helsinki's Töölö is the area's most important highlight; it offers neraly all kinds of cultural events & I usually go for a live music show.
by
Joonas
Kervinen
Käpylä
Laid-back bohemian neighbourhood
"Käpylä" and the kioskk cafe Käpylän Lippakioski in Helsinki make my day! This garden neighborhood is perfect to walk around in and I love the events...
by
Joonas
Kervinen
Linnanpiha Terrace
Peaceful terrace with an edge
"Linnanpiha Terrace" Helsinki is in the yard of a former Katajanokka prison. Now it's a restaurant where I like to enjoy a burger and play 'mölkky' or...
by
Markus
Veikkolainen
Kotiharjun Sauna
Authentic & social public sauna
"Kotiharjun Sauna" is a legendary yet perfectly ordinary sauna in Helsinki. Bring your beers with you, like a local, and enjoy socializing like a Finn!
by
Joonas
Kervinen
Oljenkorsi
Cozy craft beer fountain
"Oljenkorsi" in Helsinki is a craft beer heaven. Even after moving away from the neighborhood, I keep returning for the authentic local Toukola spirit...
by
Joonas
Kervinen
Cafe Papu
Neighborhood cafe with Vietnamese touch
"Cafe Papu" is one of my favorite places in Helsinki. The reason? It's one of the few places that serve Vietnamese Bánh mì sandwiches.
by
Markus
Veikkolainen
Vanha Kauppahalli
The old market hall
"Vanha Kauppahalli" Helsinki is definitely one of my favorite market halls! My favorite spot inside is Restaurant Story as it is like the heart of Vanha...
by
Markus
Veikkolainen
Stockmann Herkku
The go-to grocery store
"Stockmann Herkku" in the Helsinki centre is my go-to grocery store to find a great selection of fresh, quality and local products and amazing service!
by
Markus
Veikkolainen
Heading to Helsinki?
65 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Helsinki?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 65 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Bars
Our team loves Helsinki
Get to know our other Spotters from Helsinki
As featured on:
