Helsinki, Finland
Restaurant Savoy is an institution in the finnish restaurant world. Savoy was opened in 1937 and since 2019 it has been ran by Chef Patron Helena Puolakka. Late last year, a newcomer Café Savoy was opened in the same building at street level and is Puolakka’s creation.
The restaurant (or café, don’t get confused by the name) might not look that inviting looking from the outside, but once you enter, it is a completely different story. The warm light with stylish but cozy interior makes the place very pleasant and large open kitchen adds some charm to it.
They have classic à la carte menu and prix fixe menu (65€, wines 57€). We chose the prix fixe, which consists of four dishes. For starter, there is a vegetarian, fish and meat option. For starter I chose the meat, which was in this case sweetbread. It was prepared as crispy pané, served with apple & envide salad and finished with pepper mayo. Really nice dish with clear and simple tastes. I might have been more bold with seasoning the sauce, but overall very enjoyable start.
Next dish was highlight of the evening, gnocchi with truffle velouté. The sauce is one of french cuisine’s mother sauces (like bechamél, hollandaise, etc.). In this case it was prepared to perfection. To finish dish some parmesan was in top to make it one of those dishes that you remember after years and years.
For the main, you will have again three choices. I went with duck confit. The leg had nice crispy skin and was served with braised cabbage and port wine sauce. Simple, yet elegant and tasty, bravo.
As not being too much of dessert person, I usually select cheese plate as dessert if there is such option. There was, so easy choice for me. I got a taste of rum savarin also and I could say that it would not have been a bad choice.
Service is easy-going and friendly, being very professional at the same time. I can’t wait to visit Café Savoy again.
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