During the pandemic, restaurant closures became a fact of life. But in Finland, one restaurant beat the odds to not only open and survive but thrive during the crisis. Apaja in Tampere, is that place.

Opened by chef Juuso Ahvenainen and his business partner Tuomas Norri in a quiet, historic building in the city centre, the restaurant was born from Ahvenainen’s vision of a place where people could come together to enjoy good food and good company in a relaxed setting. “The ingredients used would be grown, hunted, or fished from local areas to show how amazing they can be,” says Ahvenainen.

Apaja: Relishing good food and fine wine in cosy Tampere

Apaja: Relishing good food and fine wine in cosy Tampere

With a farm-to-table approach, Apaja’s concept is a highly seasonal, sustainable fine-dining experience, taking inspiration from Finnish nature. Eight different 8-course menus are created throughout the year. Each one showcases the atmosphere and seasonal produce of the moment. The Pimeä Aika or winter ‘dark time’ menu, for example, includes dishes such as Jerusalem artichoke with pear and sorrel, venison with rowan and red cabbage, completed with a rosehip, raspberry and pistachio sweet. “We began by changing the menu every week, but gradually found our way to the current pattern,” says Ahvenainen. “This creates a nice rhythm to the year and has allowed us to develop a high level of food and service that has been positively recognised by many publications in the region.”

Apaja: Relishing good food and fine wine in cosy Tampere

Apaja: Relishing good food and fine wine in cosy Tampere

Guests come for memorable meals in beautiful surroundings, celebrating dates and special occasions in the restaurant’s cosy, romantic atmosphere. Loved by locals and quietly discovered by international food travellers, it remains one of the city’s true hidden gems. Ahvenainen says; “We’d love to welcome more guests from outside of Finland, so that they can also enjoy what Apaja has to offer.”

Apaja: Relishing good food and fine wine in cosy Tampere

Web: www.apajaravintola.fi
Instagram: @apaja_restaurant

Read the feature on issuu