Young hearts

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A neighbourhood spot with real personality

What began as a Japanese restaurant has evolved into something more layered. Young Hearts, on Arkadiankatu in Helsinki's Töölö district, now operates as a dual concept alongside Tokyo55 — bringing together a seasonal à la carte kitchen and a dedicated sushi counter under one roof. The White Guide recognised it at Fine level in 2026, describing it as "a charming neighbourhood spot as exuberant as its name suggests," helmed by chef Patrik Lindström.

Seasonal cooking with an Asian accent

The kitchen's philosophy is straightforward: fresh, seasonal ingredients with an Asian inflection. The menu shifts with the produce available, but the character stays consistent — dishes that are both satisfying and visually considered. The White Guide singled out a plate of roasted carrots, carrot hummus, fried tofu and sunflower seeds brought together with an orange vinaigrette as a highlight, noting that the house-made sourdough focaccia is essential for mopping up the juices.

The current seasonal menu shows the same range of ambition. Starters include a rhubarb ceviche with scallop, honeydew melon and raspberry, and a beef tartare with fermented jalapeño and roasted padrón peppers. Mains run from pikeperch fillet with horseradish sauce and white asparagus to marbled beef fillet with crayfish hollandaise and shiso soy. There is also smoked tofu with aubergine and sesame — a dish that holds its own without compromise.

For dessert, strawberries with lemon verbena honey ice cream and ginger cake, or milk chocolate foam with apricot jam and sesame ice cream.

Tokyo55 and the sushi side

The Tokyo55 partnership adds a serious sushi offering to the experience. Guests can supplement the set menu with an omakase sushi selection, or order from an extensive à la carte list that includes nigiri, sashimi, hosomaki and larger maki rolls — from a classic California to the Sakura with scallop, scampi and chili. Sushi is also available as takeaway.

Wine with a rock 'n' roll edge

The wine list leans toward producers with a point of view. The White Guide highlights a herbal Brutall from Burgenland by Joseph Jefferies and a 100% Gamay Glou from the Rhône — the latter noted for what the guide calls "almost dangerously high drinkability." Wine pairings are available for the set menu at two price points.

Young Hearts is the kind of place where the cooking is taken seriously without the atmosphere becoming stiff — a neighbourhood restaurant in the best sense of the term.