Helsinki's culinary scene with Eero Vottonen

The restaurant Palace offers stunning views from the tenth floor overlooking the Helsinki city center and the sea. The restaurant is exquisite as it holds two Michelin stars, more than any other restaurant in Finland. Palace made its mark in Finnish culinary history by earning Finland’s first Michelin star in 1987.

Today, Palace is under the reign of chef Eero Vottonen, who represented Finland in the Bocuse d’Or season 2016-2017. He finished sixth in the Lyon finals, but the result did not satisfy the ambitious chef.

“Third place would have been achievable, but the pressure was a bit too much, I guess.”

The Chef of Chefs, Vottonen was selected as Finland’s Chef of the Year in 2017 and 2019. In the early 2020s, he served as a judge for the Bocuse d’Or and as the president of the team Finland. Now, he focuses on developing the Palace restaurant, a task that provides him enough.

“We work with top-quality Finnish ingredients, but I keep my mind open for new ideas. Finnish cuisine plays a significant role, but if something from the other side of the world seems appealing, I’m willing to try it. The main thing is to ensure the customer a thoroughly enjoyable experience.”

The best thing about Helsinki is the village-like relaxed atmosphere.

Cool classics

Having lived in Helsinki for two decades, Vottonen has witnessed the city’s transformation into a lively culinary hub. The best thing is the relaxed, village-like atmosphere and equality which is evident everywhere - even in the grocery store queue. In recent years, Helsinki has seen the rise of casual bistros, but for Vottonen, the allure of classics is strong.

“I’m an ‘old soul’ who values the old-school vibe, what Elite, Kosmos, and Sea Horse restaurants offer. These establishments have a cool atmosphere, and food which doesn’t cost a fortune.”

The local grills became familiar in the past, but today Vottonen prefers taking a taxi straight home from the bar.

“I’m originally from Tampere, where the traditional street food is mustamakkara with lingonberry sauce at a local grill. Times change but if someone skillfully prepares sausage with fried potatoes and a delicious sauce, I’m ready to queue for a midnight snack.”

A day in Helsinki by Chef Vottonen

Breakfast

Vottonen favors a leisurely coffee, for example, at Hakaniemi Market Hall (Hämeentie 1) square, accompanied by a well-made meat pie with proper fillings and a carefully steamed crust.

Lunch

The favorite spot for a leisurely lunch is Elite (Eteläinen Hesperiankatu 22) known for hosting writers and actors.

“Just some herring, fried liver, or onion steak, and that’s it. Savoy (Eteläesplanadi 14), with decades of experience, knows how to make the perfect vorschmack by Marshal Mannerheim.”

Dinner

The small fine-dining restaurant Grön (Albertinkatu 36), specializing in wild ingredients, is always a reliable choice. When the goal is to have fun in good company, the Italian restaurants are good for that, such as the newcomer Ristorante Scolare (Fabianinkatu 19).

For a drink

Quality is more important than quantity when it comes to drinks. Start a fun night at Hotel Kämp (Pohjoisesplanadi 29) bar where historic setting meets top-quality.

With family

Vottonen wants his children to be open-minded eaters exploring different food cultures. Therefore, you might find Vottonen family in a shopping mall like Tripla (Fredikanterassi 1) in Pasila, enjoying ethnic food.

“Their restaurant world has good options, especially when it comes to noodles and ramen which appeal to the youngest members of the family.”