Wellamo

Atmospheric restaurant Wellamo charms with its warm vibe, excellent food and top-class drinks.

Restaurant Wellamo in Katajanokka is widely praised for its atmosphere, and it really is every bit as atmospheric as people say. On an icy winter evening, the inviting lights glowing through the windows amid a snowstorm conjure up the image of a warm refuge where you can take shelter from the biting sea wind. And that’s exactly what Wellamo is. While an inviting terrace appears in front of the restaurant in summer, winter is all about retreating indoors. Behind a thick velvet curtain lies a candlelit dining room where you feel like wrapping yourself in a blanket and settling in for the rest of the evening, simply enjoying the restaurant’s ambience.

Instead of curling up, though, at Wellamo you focus on the food, and of course the atmosphere too. We ordered a table full of dishes to share, and the stars of the dinner turned out to be the pike-perch brioche and a dish combining potatoes, reindeer and roe.

No part of the restaurant experience is handled carelessly

While the food is, quite simply, excellent, no part of the overall restaurant experience is treated carelessly. The setting, as well as the wine and the cocktail and mocktail offering, is top class, not to mention the exceptionally warm service. The restaurant feels made for romantic evenings, but it also worked brilliantly for a family dinner with small children. Our one- and four-year-olds were happy throughout the meal, and we were seated near the front door, giving them space to move around without getting under other diners’ feet. The staff’s immediate friendliness towards the children was, at times, genuinely touching.

Restaurant Wellamo has long traditions in Katajanokka and operated as an artists’ restaurant for more than 45 years, until a change of ownership and style in 2020. Dani Hänninen took charge of the kitchen, and instead of rotating art exhibitions and music setting the mood, the focus shifted purely to the food. It paid off, as Wellamo is now one of Helsinki’s best restaurants, while still retaining an approachable feel and an uncomplicated attitude.

Wellamo’s passionfruit mocktail is one of the best in the city and an excellent way to start the evening. The wine list is curated by the restaurant’s sommelier, Otto Rothberg.

Vibe: An exceptionally warm atmosphere that makes Wellamo feel more like a refuge than a fine-dining restaurant.

Food: Surprising, beautiful, delicious and seasonal dishes that are never so over the top that you couldn’t just pop in for a single plate.

Drink: A great cocktail and mocktail list, alongside a good selection of carefully chosen wines.

Time Out tip: You don’t always need to make a reservation, as the restaurant has counter seats reserved for walk-in guests.

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