🗞 The Secret Post | Week 36

Cafés, shokudos, and pizza spots close to my heart — the ones that prove Helsinki still knows how to live well.

Helsinki, Monday, September 1st — For some reason, Copenhagen made me understand Helsinki better — it became crystal clear how this city is designed to get us out of the urban landscape, while other cities are built so people can stay there, live there. Our forests, saunas, and mökit pull us into nature, not into the city.

This thought came back to me after going to Farouge on Friday — the food was good, service impeccable, the belly dancer gorgeous, and the space itself big, beautiful, full of people. So lively! A contrast with my experience at Farang — another large and beautiful restaurant, but instead of buzzing, it felt empty, and everything I ordered was out of stock. Just one visit, sure, but I left a little sad, wondering: can Helsinki really sustain a place like that? Sure, there are plenty of factors, but it still shows what Helsinki can handle — how we live here, how livable the city feels, and what kind of fun it can (or can’t) keep alive.

So today I’m bringing you a list of places close to my heart — the ones I quietly pray will keep thriving, because they make Helsinki a better place to be.

Maybe you’ll notice my recommendations are a little biased toward my own convenience — I can’t help it, so I’m being honest. I’m not a professional foodie (though living in São Paulo and having a close friend who’s a food researcher shaped my taste quite a bit). I’d call myself a well-trained amateur: curious, open-minded, and highly food-oriented. I love eating delicious food. Not a gourmet, but never say no to tiny fancy dishes.

Cafelito—Vinolito

This cute Spanish is currently my favorite place in Helsinki for casual meetings. It’s very well located at the beginning of Hämeentie, between Hakaniemi and Sörnäinen.

During the day, Cafelito serves all-day breakfast, perfect coffee, and delicious pies and pastries — try their Basque or Santiago pie. From 17:00, they become Vinolito, and you can get the same great service for wine, delicious tapas, and tortillas. I’ve been there a couple of times, and felt so welcomed, got a good wine recommendation, and everything I ate was delicious. Remember loving the mushrooms, and the Tortilla de Queso was really good.

Vinolito became the new home of our writer’s club, and we hope one day they’ll make a dish after us.

Shinobi—Shokudo & Izakaya

When we moved from Punavuori to Arabia, we both regretted and felt relieved because of Shinobi — we’re happy it’s not so close, so we don’t feel tempted to go there every week, and we regret not being nearby anymore. I went there many times for the Shokudo menu (59€) — everything is a delight.

Speaking of shokudos (casual Japanese eateries), Saburo was my weekday comfort spot back in Punavuori. That tiny place managed to hug me every time I walked out the door. I could name more Japanese favorites, but I’ll wrap it up with my go-to for sushi: Sushibar + Wine.

Missing the ex

My favorite Italian restaurant used to be Il Bucatino, but sadly, it closed after 12 years. Now, Osteria del Mancini has taken over the same spot — also Italian, but with a totally different vibe. I want to give it another chance, ‘cause my first visit only made me think about the ex (I still dream about that vitello tonnato).

I’m open to Italian recommendations — for now, my favorite is Madonna, though I know I need to finally make it to Osteria dei Gusti.

As for pizza, don’t even ask me to choose: Via Tribunali, Putte’s, and Pronto all share the top spot in my heart.

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CATCH UP

ART PARTY — We had a painting workshop at Roba Buona with Jana. A delicious moment to relax with brushes and colors, a glass of wine, and delicious Italian antipasti. We had summer vibes in mind, but Helsinki decided it’s Autumn already! That’s why we had a cozy and decorated room with candles and flowers.

🌙 We’re Entering Eclipse Season (Again!)

Change is in the air — buckle up!

On September 7, a lunar eclipse opens the portal, and by September 21, a solar eclipse will light up the skies.

Think of eclipses as the universe’s reset button. You know when your device isn’t working right, and you hit restart? That’s exactly what eclipses do in specific areas of life — bringing sudden shifts, revelations, and opportunities to realign your path.

✨ This time, Poema and I created a complete Eclipse Survival Kit — designed to prepare, ground, and empower you through this cosmic shake-up.

🆘 Eclipse Survival Kit

Workshop (This Saturday, Sept 6): Learn how to calculate your own eclipse houses with the guidance of an experienced astrologer (Poema!) and the support of women on the same wavelength. Only two spots left!

Yin Yoga (Sept 26): A nurturing session to help you embrace eclipse energy and activate what you need for the next six months (yes, eclipses ripple out that far). Think of it as body magic meeting cosmic alignment — well, it’s sold out already.

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xoxo
🪐 Tássia