Meripaviljonki

Seaside restaurant offering seafood and super views,and soon a floating terrace

The restaurant Meripaviljonki – meaning sea pavilion – has anchored itself in the hearts of seafood lovers and anyone enjoying the top location, surrounded by the sea and the city. With its unique architecture and seaside location, the restaurant is quickly growing into somewhat of a landmark in Helsinki. Now it is opening a new terrace, which will float on the water – just like the restaurant itself.

In four years, the Meripaviljonki restaurant, located in Hakaniemi in the centre of Helsinki, has established itself as one of the go-to restaurants in the city. It was designed by Simo Freese, and his innovative design allows the restaurant to be fully afloat, yet keeps it stable and easily accessible along a wide walkway.

Meripaviljonki’s facade is made of glass from floor to ceiling, offering panoramic views of the cityscape and the sea from each table. “Our restaurant is an excellent example of Finnish know-how, and a real piece of architectural art. We have managed to carve ourselves a spot as part of the trendy and exciting cosmopolitan Helsinki, and we are very proud of what we have achieved,” says restaurant manager Jani Korpihete.

Meripaviljonki’s acclaimed menu, by head chef Janne Stenström, offers fish, shellfish and lobster from their very own tank, and also a good selection of vegetarian and meat dishes. The restaurant is deeply rooted in water, and the menu boasts the very best quality in seafood dishes and seasonal ingredients. “Our dishes are inspired by pure and authentic Finnish and Nordic flavours. We are one of the few restaurants in Helsinki that serves fresh lobster. All our seafood is fresh, and we use local ingredients whenever possible. We believe a first-class service, delicious food and carefully-selected wines in a unique milieu contribute to the ultimate recipe for our success,” Korpihete states.

On Sundays, the restaurant draws in the crowds with its renowned brunch, where the wide selection of dishes varies according to the season. “Currently, we are serving asparagus and prawn brunch every Sunday until 16 June. The only exception to this is on 12 May, when we celebrate Mother’s Day and offer an extended brunch menu for this special occasion,” says Korpihete. The restaurant can also be booked for private events, like weddings, birthday parties or corporate events for up to 200 guests.

Opening of the terrace

The upcoming opening of the terrace is yet another achievement, and a remarkable milestone for the restaurant. “It was already quite an event when the 200-square-metre terrace structure was towed here by water; the local newspapers were streaming it live on their newsfeeds,” explains Korpihete. Since then, the terrace has been connected to the restaurant and is undergoing the final touches before opening by the end of May.

The new floating terrace opens in May.

Listening to the birdsong and water lapping against the side, guests will really get the feeling of being afloat, and the glass railing lets them take in the view fully. “Guests can enjoy our refreshing summer drinks and cocktails, and the full á la carte menu is available at the terrace too. I recommend, for example, local flavours like white fish and rhubarb and lightly smoked Finnish trout with currant beurre blanc. They, like many other options too, create the perfect meal at the terrace, accompanied by our quality wines,” Korpihete explains.

Midsummer is quite an event in Finland, and Meripaviljonki, with its new terrace, will offer the perfect spot to celebrate this highlight of the season. “We will be open every day during the Midsummer weekend, and the terrace will stay open all day, if the weather permits,” promises Korpihete. Guests can reach the restaurant also by boat, as the restaurant offers its own boat dock. It can also be easily accessed by foot, car or local transport.

By opening the terrace, Meripaviljonki will become a truly unique venue that will certainly attract both locals and tourists. “The exceptional milieu combining both indoor and outdoor spaces, paired with our high-quality dishes and drinks, means a meal at Meripaviljonki will always be an unforgettable and enjoyable experience,” Korpihete concludes.

Web: meripaviljonki.fi

Facebook: Ravintola Meripaviljonki