Bistro Kronan: Discover Loviisa’s culinary gem

Just an hour from Helsinki, Loviisa’s charming streets and rich history quietly captivate visitors. This coastal gem offers more than scenic beauty – it’s home to Bistro Kronan, which serves Nordic flavours with a continental twist.

The southeastern coast of Finland is somewhat of a hidden gem, still waiting to be discovered. Loviisa is just an hour’s drive away from Helsinki, making it the ideal place for a different kind of getaway. With its quaint wooden houses, and colourful history during periods of Russian and Swedish rule, the coastal town deserves all the attention it can get.

Photo: Bistro Kronan

Owner Mia Heijnsbroek-Wirén opened Bistro Kronan four years ago, with the idea of bringing a piece of everyday luxury to Loviisa. Having spent years living in the Netherlands, Heijnsbroek-Wirén wanted to introduce a continental twist to the Nordic restaurant scene. “Loviisa was named after the spouse, Lovisa Ulrika, of the then-ruling Swedish king in the 1700s. Our logo is a tulip with a crown, a nod to the Netherlands and this town’s historical past,” Heijnsbroek-Wirén explains.

Photo: Bistro Kronan

Bistro Kronan serves simple yet delicious bistro fare in the heart of downtown Loviisa. Here, visitors can unwind with a drink or savour dishes from the à la carte menu. In addition, Kronan offers a selection of gift articles such as the Loviisa-collection, which was designed in collaboration with the Swedish lifestyle company Citronelles Agenturer AB. The true piece de resistance is Kronan’s cheese counter, with its selection of Dutch cheeses.

Photo: Café Cabriole

“Kronan is a place where people can come for a culinary experience or simply to wind down with a good glass of wine or a cup of coffee, everyone is welcome here,” Heijnsbroek-Wirén says. In addition to Kronan, she also runs Café & Restaurant Cabriole, situated a 20-minute drive away in Porvoo. Café & Restaurant Cabriole is a true heaven of cakes, best known for its impressive selection, which showcases around 30 cakes daily.

“We believe that each of us needs a little pleasure in everyday life and that it is precisely those little moments that crown and give joy to life,” the owner concludes.

Photo: Bistro Kronan

Bistro Kronan
www.bistrokronan.fi

Facebook: BistroKronan
Instagram: @bistrobutikkronan

Café & Restaurant Cabriole
www.cabriole.fi
Facebook: cafecabriole