Kahvila Rakastan
About This Spot
Stepping into Kahvila Rakastan feels like entering a gentle pause in the city’s rhythm—a warm embrace nestled right on Mannerheimintie. Housed in a charming 19th-century annex of the historic Hakasalmi Villa, this coffee shop offers a space where time softens and the outside world quiets. Whether you're slipping in for a morning coffee or settling down for a slow afternoon treat, the atmosphere is intimate and unhurried, like visiting an old friend’s welcoming home.
The mood here is quietly comforting, blending nostalgic touches with a fresh, mindful approach to food. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingles with baked goods steeped in tradition and creativity. Vegan options share the spotlight alongside heartier, lovingly crafted dishes, inviting everyone to discover something that feels just right. Sitting in the small backyard garden, the city’s bustle dims, leaving only the gentle sky overhead and the soft murmur of conversation.
It's a place where meals and moments flow naturally—savor a tender pastry that calls back to childhood memories, or linger over a cup of coffee that surpasses expectations with subtle richness. Friendly, unpretentious staff add to the welcoming vibe, making it easy to feel at home, even if you’re just passing through Helsinki on a ferry stop or daily commute.
More than a coffee shop, Kahvila Rakastan is a quiet refuge, a local treasure that offers a little slice of calm and connection in the heart of the city.
What’s Available Here
-
Identifies as women-owned
- Outdoor seating
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Delivery
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Lunch
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Coffee
- Quick bite
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Bar on site
- Gender-neutral toilets
- Toilet
- Casual
- Cosy
- Historic
- Quiet
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upmarket
- Family friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safe space
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Dogs allowed
Location & Hours
| Monday | Closed | |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM - 05:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM - 05:00 PM | |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM - 05:00 PM | |
| Friday | Closed | |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM - 05:00 PM | |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM - 05:00 PM |
Guest Reviews
Share Your Experience
Related Listing
Recently Viewed Listing
VIDRIO Shibuya Store
Warren's Hotdogs
Little Larder
Ottava Via
David Mann 10 Jan 2026
Beautiful! From the moment you walk in it’s like a warm hug. We saw this place on line and wanted to try it so it was the first place we went to from the ferry. I had the pie with red ‘caviar’ and my partner had the apple pastry. Both were incredible! Also the coffee was excellent - I am normally very grumpy about coffee everywhere but this was top class. The staff were lovely so welcoming. My only regret - I wish I’d left it a bit later in the day and had a big lunch so I could eat more of their lovely food and enjoy the atmosphere.
Pieni 03 Jan 2026
They have nostalgic childhood desserts and bread for Finnish vegans(as I heard). Homemade looking and they taste good too. It's feels so good to be outside enjoying a cup of drink and just the sky above.
Jade Thevis 01 Jan 2026
Very relaxing and cosy place to eat, we had lunch in the backyard and it was so nice to sit there! The lunch buffet & iced latte were very tasty and so was our pastry to go. The staff was also nice!
Heikki Kegg 11 Dec 2025
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 place to visit.
Priya Chauhan 27 Nov 2025
Top vegan eatery in Helsinki with traditional dishes! Was located in a trailer-like outbuilding but beautiful inside. Lunch salad options were unlimited with purchase of some kerelan pies /piirakka, enjoyed the goulash and lived the vegan caviar. Got one great pastries to go as well. The blueberry cream one was so tasty!
Petri S. Castañeda 22 Oct 2025
Such a sweet little café tucked into the park — warm, homey, and super welcoming. Great coffee, dreamy vibes, and a lovely queer-friendly space where you instantly feel at ease. Everything tastes homemade and thoughtful. A perfect spot to pause, chat, or just breathe.
Sofia 23 Sep 2025
The best cafe there is in Helsinki! All vegan and super delicious. Best in the summertime with the terrace. Only minus is that it is oftentimes very crowded (understandably!) but in my opinion always worth the wait :) There could be even more foldable chairs in the backyard?
Klaudia Synder 22 Sep 2025
This place is pure magic. Everything I tried was absolutely delicious rich, comforting, and beautifully balanced. Whether it’s the creamy oat latte, one of their warm daily dishes, or a fresh pastry, every bite feels thoughtfully made. The atmosphere? Calm and uplifting. You walk in and instantly feel the cozy charm. The staff radiate warmth the kind of genuine friendliness that feels like sunshine in human form. You’re not just served here, you’re welcomed. It’s rare to find a spot where the vibe, food, and service all align so perfectly. Kahvila Rakastan is exactly that a little sanctuary of joy, flavour, and kindness. If you’re in Helsinki, don’t miss it.