Restaurant of the Month, Finland
Seaside restaurant offering seafood and super views, and soon a floating terrace The restaurant Meripaviljonki – meaning sea pavilion – has anchored itself in the hearts of seafood lovers and anyone enjoying the top location, surrounded by the sea and the city. With its unique architecture and seaside location, the restaurant is quickly growing into somewhat of a landmark in Helsinki. Now it is opening a new terrace, which will float on the water – just like the restaurant itself. By Mari Koskinen | Photos: Restaurant Meripaviljonki
In four years, the Meripaviljonki restaurant, located in Hakaniemi in the centre of Helsinki, has established itself as one of the go-to restaurants in the city. It was designed by Simo Freese, and his innovative design allows the restaurant to be fully afloat, yet keeps it stable and easily accessible along a wide walkway. Meripaviljonki’s facade is made of glass from floor to ceiling, offering panoramic views of the cityscape and the sea from each table. “Our restaurant is an excel116 | Issue 124 | May 2019
lent example of Finnish know-how, and a real piece of architectural art. We have managed to carve ourselves a spot as part of the trendy and exciting cosmopolitan Helsinki, and we are very proud of what we have achieved,” says restaurant manager Jani Korpihete. Meripaviljonki’s acclaimed menu, by head chef Janne Stenström, offers fish, shellfish and lobster from their very own tank, and also a good selection of vegetarian and meat dishes. The restaurant
is deeply rooted in water, and the menu boasts the very best quality in seafood dishes and seasonal ingredients. “Our dishes are inspired by pure and authentic Finnish and Nordic flavours. We are one of the few restaurants in Helsinki that serves fresh lobster. All our seafood is fresh, and we use local ingredients whenever possible. We believe a first-class service, delicious food and carefully-selected wines in a unique milieu contribute to the ultimate recipe for our success,” Korpihete states. On Sundays, the restaurant draws in the crowds with its renowned brunch, where the wide selection of dishes varies according to the season. “Currently, we are serving asparagus and prawn brunch every Sunday until 16 June. The only exception to this is on 12 May, when we