Prepare to feast

Take the freshest seasonal produce; combine with some of the finest Nordic flavours; add leading contemporary cooking techniques and whip in some creative finesse; throw in thousands of Finnish foodies and hungry visitors and you have the ingredients for the world’s biggest food carnival.  Join the crowds celebrating all things delicious on 16 August as Restaurant Day takes over Helsinki.   

The food scene in Finland is continuing to gain popularity as chefs are recognised for their inspiring menus and innovative events.  Chefs are combining creativity and sustainability to construct top quality menus that showcase fine dining and fresh locally sourced produce while unique gastronomical events like Restaurant Day further cement the city’s flourishing culinary reputation.

Established in Finland in 2011 and now held in 71 countries across the globe, Restaurant Day allows anyone to set up a stall, restaurant or bar throughout the city.  Last year saw nearly 3,000 pop-ups participate as the public opened their kitchens for a day.  Restaurants take to the streets to experiment with their most creative dishes and children are inspired to become the next generation of pioneering chefs. 

Food fills every corner as this outdoor banquet takes over Finland’s capital. Visitors sample contemporary cuisine developed using fresh and seasonal produce in the most unexpected places.  Enjoy a five-star dining experience al fresco in the Kaisaniemi Park, or dessert from the back of a bicycle.  Visitors and locals embrace the long summer days and come together to celebrate all things delicious in this delectable dining experience. 

“Helsinki is delighted to bring together established chefs and budding amateurs from across Finland for Restaurant Day,” said Eva Kiviranta, Communications Coordinator, Visit Finland.  “We are looking forward to welcoming visitors and locals to this world renowned gastronomic event.”

Restaurant Day further adds to Helsinki’s growing reputation as a unique and innovative destination for food lovers.  This award-winning festival sees experienced professionals and burgeoning amateurs conspire to inspire visitors with their spectacular signature dishes as they continue to secure the capital’s flourishing culinary prestige.

How: Rooms at GLO Hotel Art, Helsinki start from €157 per person based on two sharing.  Finnair flights leave London Heathrow five times a day and Manchester twice a day for Helsinki with fares starting from £191. (www.finnair.com / 0208 0 010101).