There are restaurants you visit for the food, and then there are restaurants that become part of your travel memories because of the whole experience. Restaurant Savotta in Helsinki is very much the latter.
Set directly on Senate Square, with views towards the magnificent Helsinki Cathedral, Savotta offers visitors the chance to experience traditional Finnish cuisine in a setting that feels steeped in the country’s history. From the moment we arrived, it felt as though dinner was going to be about more than simply sitting down and ordering a meal.
Housed in the historic Burtzin House, the building dates back to the 18th century and is one of Helsinki’s oldest surviving stone buildings. Commissioned by Mayor Nils Burtz, construction began in 1762, with the building completed around 1770. Originally used for residential and commercial purposes, it later became city property and was associated with police facilities and a prison complex. Today, its purpose is considerably more inviting. Rather than police officers and prisoners, the building now welcomes diners looking to discover the flavours and traditions of Finland.
Location
Restaurant Savotta is wonderfully positioned on Senate Square in central Helsinki, directly overlooking Helsinki Cathedral. For anyone visiting Helsinki for the first time, the location is almost impossible to beat. Senate Square is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, surrounded by elegant Neoclassical buildings and dominated by the brilliant white cathedral rising above the square. We had been exploring Helsinki earlier in the day, so being able to finish our sightseeing with dinner in such an iconic location made it all the more memorable.
Arrival
Savotta is a popular restaurant, particularly with visitors wanting to sample traditional Finnish cuisine, so I would definitely recommend pre-booking. When we arrived, we were greeted at the door and shown to our table and appreciated the warm and personal welcome.
Before we began looking at the menu, a member of the front-of-house team told us about the history of the restaurant and the building. We were then introduced to the menu, which is translated into both English and Swedish, making it very easy for international visitors to navigate the traditional Finnish dishes.
I always enjoy restaurants that take a little time to explain the history of the building as it adds context to the meal and makes you feel more connected to the restaurant.
Ambience
If traditional Finnish style is what you are hoping for, Savotta certainly delivers. The restaurant has a wonderfully rustic, nostalgic atmosphere, with lots of little details that create a distinctly Finnish feel. There were knitted cushion covers, striped table runners and gingham napkins, all contributing to an interior that felt warm, homely and authentic. Rather than being overly formal, the restaurant had a relaxed charm, feeling comfortable and welcoming, but still with a sense of occasion.
Cocktails Before Dinner
There are two set menus, priced at €59 and €79, as well as à la carte choices. While we were perusing the menu and deciding what to order, we settled in with cocktails. I chose the Blueberry Mule, made with vodka, ginger ale and blueberries. It was fruity, refreshing and a lovely introduction to an evening centred around Finnish ingredients. Across the table, my son opted for a Cranberry Spritz, which looked equally tempting. There was something rather fitting about beginning our Finnish dining experience with cocktails featuring berries – ingredients that immediately brought the flavours of the Nordic landscape to mind.
Our Finnish Feast
We decided to go for the €79 set menu, which felt like the best way to experience a wider selection of traditional Finnish flavours. Our meal began with Tastes of Finland, a selection designed to introduce diners to some of the country’s traditional ingredients and flavours. I particularly enjoyed the idea behind this course. When travelling, I much prefer being able to sample a selection of local specialities rather than ordering something familiar simply because I recognise it, and if you are new to Finnish cuisine, a tasting-style starter is a wonderful way to begin.
Throughout the meal, we were looked after by Ronja, who was absolutely lovely. She was warm, attentive and friendly, and added another charming touch to the evening by wearing a traditional Finnish costume with a matching apron.
Roasted Reindeer
For the main course, we had roasted reindeer served with creamy mashed potato. Of course, reindeer is one of the foods that many visitors associate with Finland, so trying it was high on my list when we decided to dine at Savotta. The meat was beautifully prepared and worked wonderfully with the creamy mash. It was a hearty and comforting dish, without feeling excessively heavy.
Finnish-Style French Toast
Dessert was a real treat. We were served Finnish-style French toast with cinnamon and blueberries, topped with whipped cream. This was the sort of dessert that feels wonderfully comforting from the first bite. The cinnamon added warmth whilst the blueberries brought a lovely fruity sweetness. We accompanied our meal with glasses of house wine, which paired nicely with the different courses and after dinner, we ordered pots of tea, lingering over them for a while longer.
Our Verdict
Would I recommend Restaurant Savotta to someone visiting Helsinki? Absolutely. If you are looking for somewhere that combines traditional Finnish cuisine with history, atmosphere and an unbeatable central location, Savotta is well worth adding to your Helsinki itinerary. It is particularly suited to visitors who want to do more than simply eat local food. Here, you get a little glimpse into Finnish culture and history at the same time.
If you are visiting Helsinki, I suggest putting Savotta on your list – but remember to book ahead, as this popular restaurant can get very busy.
Details
Restaurant Savotta, Aleksanterinkatu 22, Helsinki.
We were guests of Restaurant Savotta and all views and opinions are entirely my own.
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