In Espoo, you can find a lunch option for every taste, from takeout to fine dining and buffet to everyday luxury served at the table. There are plenty of places, and everyone can find their favorite based on the food, location, and situation - we tested five different ones.
Welcome to the taste tour!
Photo: Pihla Metsälä
GLO Grill Kitchen
GLO Grill Kitchen is located in the Leppävaara district on the street level of GLO Hotel Sello and welcomes all lunch diners, from families with children to business groups. You can also bring your pet along. A versatile lunch buffet is available from Monday to Thursday, which always has a vegetarian and gluten-free option. Fridays are burger lovers; when a Burger Buffet is served, everyone can assemble their burger with their favorite toppings. The hamburger is also available in gluten-free and vegetarian versions. In addition to warm food, the lunch includes salads and fresh bread made by GLO Grill Kitchen daily and a bun or pastry of the day with coffee and tea. The food is prepared from domestic ingredients and raw materials. The location next to the Shopping Center Sello and Leppävaara train station is easy to reach from many directions. The restaurant is accessible.
Lunchtime: Mondays-Fridays between 11:00-13:30
Price: 13,50€ (seniors 12,50€; Children 1€ per age till 13 year old; available Lunch pass with each 10th lunch free of charge)
Address: Leppävaarankatu 1, Leppävaara district
Bistro O Mat Tapiola
Bistro O mat Tapiola is located in the Food Garden on the 3rd floor of the Shopping Center Ainoa (Tapiola district) and serves food in a modern style using traditional preparation methods of Nordic and French cuisine, with a preference for local ingredients. The restaurant has table service. At lunchtime, there is soup every day, as well as a fish, meat, and vegetable option, and a portion from the A la Carte menu that changes weekly. Vegetarian food can also be made vegan if desired. Dishes include a rich salad table and homemade artisan bread. Prices vary depending on the dish. Sometimes, it's also wonderful to go with the long formula at lunch, and then you should definitely try the three-course lunch menu, which is crowned by a heavenly dessert. Dessert can also be bought separately. Shopping Center Ainoa and Bistro O mat can be easily reached by metro to Tapiola metro station, and Ainoa's parking garage has plenty of parking spaces. Food Garden's atmosphere is calm, even though Ainoa's services and shops are next door. The restaurant is accessible, and pets are welcome.
Lunchtime: Mondays-Fridays between 11:00-14:30
Price: Prices vary depending on the dish 13,50€-29€, three-course menu 36€
Address: Länsituuli 5, Shopping Center Ainoa - Food Garden, Tapiola district
Note: Bistro O Mat has another location in the neighboring municipality of Kirkkonummi - Bistro O Mat Kirkkonummi.
Restaurant Fat Lizard
Restaurant Fat Lizard, which always has a great relaxed atmosphere, can be found in Otaniemi district, the heart of science, art, innovation, and technology, right across from the Aalto University metro station. In the restaurant's own words, the food is hearty, lush, and tasty, made from quality ingredients and seasonal products. At lunch, or "Fat lunch," there are three different main course options served on a plate, and the authentic wood-fired pizza oven makes melt-in-your-mouth pizzas even at lunchtime. The portions include a rich salad and soup buffet and, of course, coffee and tea with candy treats for dessert. A special mention goes to the self-made focaccia. The pizzas are also available gluten-free and in vegetarian options. You can already tell from the name - Fat Lizard beers from Espoo are served at the restaurant. A table reservation for lunch is possible for larger groups. The restaurant is accessible.
Lunchtime: Mondays-Fridays between 11:00-15:00
Price: Soup lunch 13,50€; Main lunch menu 16,80€; Pizza 15-21€
Address: Tietotie 1, Otaniemi district
Restaurant G.O.A.T.
Another excellent choice for lunch in the Tapiola district is connected to the Shopping Center Ainoa - Restaurant G.O.A.T, which combines three different restaurant concepts - Skiffer, Seksico Taco, and Dub Burger. It is a great option when travelling with a group because there's definitely something for everyone. Children have their own play corner, and you can bring your pet along. At lunch, there are two different weekly changing Skiffer's famous strips, two salads, a Dub Burger with french fries, a side salad, or 3 tacos, which can be chosen from five different options. All lunches include soup, which is always vegan, and the burger is also available in a vegetarian and vegan version. In addition, the tacos have vegetarian options, and it is possible to get a gluten-free lunch. The restaurant also has its own microbrewery beers. In addition to the full-scale services of the Ainoa Shopping Center, which are available on the same street, you can admire the Tapiola Ice Garden next door in the winter and, for example, visit the Tapiola Central Pool in the summer. The restaurant is accessible.
Lunchtime: Mondays-Fridays between 11:00-15:00
Price: 13,90€
Address: Länsituuli 12, Shopping Center Ainoa - 2nd floor, Tapiola district
Restaurant Villa Lilla
A charming 1910s villa in the Leppävaara district invites you to Restaurant Villa Lilla to enjoy lunch with all your senses. The colorful history of the Villa is continued by a trio of restaurateurs whose work can also be found in classic restaurants in the center of Helsinki. The passion of Villa Lilla's hosts is for good food and wonderful wines. Therefore, wine recommendations are available for every menu. Here, we recommend stopping and enjoying lunch according to the long formula - the lunch consists of three skillfully prepared dishes that change weekly. The dishes are made from seasonal ingredients, and the main course can always be changed to a flamed pepper steak at the table. Lunch portions are also available from the a la carte menu, and there are always meat, fish, and vegetable options. The menu is designed to be gluten-free, all special diets are considered, and a completely vegan lunch is possible. In summer, there is also a lovely terrace. Villa Lilla is within walking distance of Leppävaara train station, and the best parking space is in Shopping Center Sello's parking garage. There are 4 parking spaces right in front of the restaurant and more in the nearby Nikkarinkuja street. The old building is not entirely barrier-free, but helping hands, e.g., with a wheelchair, can always be found.
Lunchtime: Mondays-Fridays between 11:00-15:00
Price: three-course menu 32€ (you can choose only a part of the menu if you wish, which also affects the price)
Address: Laturinkuja 10, Leppävaara district
Hero Image: Pihla Metsälä
