Helsinki - Dining, Pubs and etc.?

[PiB]

Any suggestions on what I should do whilst in Helsinki? I'm staying at Hotel Kamp and will be in that area.

I'd like suggestions on great food that's at casual dining spots that don't require reservations. Also related food and or beer garden spots near the town center would be nice.

Anything I should go out of my way to do? I'm taking a look at a karting center here: http://www.kic.fi

Anything I should avoid?

Thanks!

[zax]

When are you visiting? Midsummer coming up just in case you arrive and wonder where the hell everybody went

[PoleDriver]

Couple of good Irish bars. For a meal/drink with a difference ask for the 'Tractor bar' and a brilliant Mongolian BBQ.
Can't remember the name but there's a really nice restaurant on a small islet (across a short bridge) not far from the main station.

No real shortage of drinking establishments really!

[PiB]

Excellent. I will be there in July. There's always the odd rule of law that might catch a foreigner out - grocery/corner stores aren't allowed to sell beer over a certain % ? Fewer the people the better. May as well check out some of the gentlemen's clubs too. I'm there for a wedding.

[TwigtheWonderkid]

Down at the port there are market stalls selling a range of stuff including local food. Had a fabulous fish soup there on a cold October day.

[PiB]

PiB said:

There's always the odd rule of law that might catch a foreigner out - grocery/corner stores aren't allowed to sell beer over a certain % ?

Sorry - I mean under a certain %.

Thanks for the info Twig. Fish soup is key to restoring oneself after a bit of a night out.

I gotta do the karting thing. Coming from the USA all our indoor karting is slow and requires lots of forms to be filled out and Im hoping in Finland it's just "Arrive and Drive".