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Helsinki is dotted with cozy yet decidedly modern-looking venues offering reindeer, herring, and pike accompanied by delicious Finnish mushrooms or wild-berry sauces. Don't be turned off by spare menu descriptions such as "reindeer with lingonberry sauce and chanterelles,"—it's a classic example of the Finnish tendency toward un
Helsinki is dotted with cozy yet decidedly modern-looking venues offering reindeer, herring, and pike accompanied by delicious Finnish mushrooms or wild-berry sauces. Don't be turned off by spare menu descriptions such as "reindeer with lingonberry sauce and chanterelle
Helsinki is dotted with cozy yet decidedly modern-looking venues offering reindeer, herring, and pike accompanied by del
Helsinki is dotted with cozy yet decidedly modern-looking venues offering reindeer, herring, and pike accompanied by delicious Finnish mushrooms or wild-berry sauces. Don't be turned off by spare menu descriptions such as "reindeer with lingonberry sauce and chanterelles,"—it's a classic example of the Finnish tendency toward understatement, and the skill will be evident in the taste. You'll find everything from Mexican to Nepalese (quite popular with locals) in the city, though not at every price point. Expect European-size entrées, excellent location, and service at a steep price. A strong café culture makes it easy to find a tasty, reasonably priced lunch.
This hotel restaurant has a magnificent view of the South Harbour. Chef Eero Vottonen has steered it to Michelin-star status with a sumptuous seven-part menu that covers almost every conceivable fresh Nordic ingredient, from crispy rye sourdough bread and smoked trout roe to Norwegian king crab and scallops with asparagus. There's a shorter Menu Palace version as well as a delicious lunch.
Named for the architect Carl Ludvig Engel, this café on Senate Square serves traditional lunch fare, and it's also open for breakfast. Portions are hearty—you can fill up on a huge bowl of the tomato basil soup or the cold smoked salmon sandwich; for a lighter snack, try a savory karjalanpiirakka or one of the smaller open-faced cold-cut sandwiches. Locals stop in for coffee, wine, and desserts, which include seasonal treats such as lingonberry cheesecake, fruit tarts, and an excellent Sacher torte. The outdoor KesäKino summer cinema is held in the courtyard, which is also the venue for recitals and other events.
Aleksanterinkatu 26, Helsinki, Uusimaa, 00170, Finland
Look for a giant propeller and anchor to find the main door of Nokka in the redbrick buildings near the Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral in Katanajanokka, overlooking the marina. This innovative restaurant specializes in seasonal fare with fresh Finnish ingredients provided by smallholdings across the country and the forests of Lapland. The rather limited but excellent a la carte menu might include pan-fried fish, lamb, mushrooms, and local cheeses, while vegetarians are well catered to in the four-course Menu Green.
Sitting at the mouth of Helsinki's South Harbour, this restaurant, which specializes in but doesn't exclusively offer seafood, sits on Klippan island in a magnificent wooden pavilion. There's hardly a seat in the whole restaurant that doesn't offer a stunning view: from the Empire-era buildings to the north to the massive sea fortress of Suomenlinna to the south, with yachts and cruise ships floating by. This is a favorite venue for the often boisterous August crayfish parties. Glazed duck breast makes a sumptuous main course, as does roasted sea whitefish, finished off with a blueberry tartlet dessert. A selection of local Finnish cheeses is a great way to finish your meal, perhaps with a glass of schnapps. There are also four fixed menus available, including one for vegetarians. The ferry to the island leaves from the southern end of the Olympia Terminal.
Right beside city hall and a handy place to take a break from shopping in Market Square, this building retains marble columns and deep wood panels that harken back to the days when it was a bank rather than an elegant restaurant, fitted as it is today with very plush and luxurious furniture. Toast Skagen, a Nordic classic, is a good bet—it's shrimp, mayo, and chives on toasted bread, topped with a generous dollop of whitefish roe. Pan-fried Baltic herring is another classic. A full five-course chef's menu costs €65, while the price of a more compact three-course Scandinavian menu is €45. Salutorget has adopted with gusto the very British concept of afternoon tea, served Monday to Saturday from 2 to 6 pm.
Pohjoisesplanadi 15, Helsinki, Uusimaa, 00100, Finland
Savotta means "lumber camp," and the hearty food those lumberjacks would want is reflected on the menu here. Located on Senate Square, directly across from the Lutheran Cathedral, the 250-year-old building is adorned with knickknacks from a bygone era. The food is traditional Finnish food at its best—no effete New Nordic nonsense here—and meat dishes (including wild game) predominate. Elk and reindeer make an appearance, though there are plenty of fish and vegetarian options. The "Provision Master's Menu" comes with a starter for two consisting of goat cheese, pâté-like reindeer rillettes, pickled chanterelles, smoked pike, arctic char, smoked salmon roe, and a host of other delicious delicacies. The most popular main course is reindeer round-top roast and smoked potatoes. Pair it all with the strong unfiltered traditional beer called sahti. Dessert is a house-made ice cream flavored with licorice. The cheerful staff are informative when it comes to questions about this very Finnish cuisine.
Aleksanterinkatu 22, Helsinki, Uusimaa, 00170, Finland
Given that its airy dining room was designed by Alvar Aalto and overlooks the Esplanade, it's no surprise that the Savoy is a popular spot for business lunches or occasion dining. This was Finnish statesman Marshal Carl Gustaf Mannerheim's favorite restaurant (in the late 1800s); he is rumored to have introduced the vorschmack (minced lamb and anchovies) recipe here. Savoy's menu usually includes reindeer fillet and a changing menu of inventive fresh fish dishes, such as juniper-smoked lavaret with chanterelles and grilled Mangalitza pork.
Eteläesplanadi 14, Helsinki, Uusimaa, 00130, Finland
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