Episode 10: Kuurna (bistro-food at an amazing venue)

10th place to visit was Kuurna, in the Kruunuhaka district of Helsinki. This restaurant has been here for a good while, but has recently been given new life by the couple taking over: Laura and Tom Hansen. 

Together dining out this evening with me was Petteri Heino from Intel whom I’ve gotten to know through a joint project where we were researching how AI is being used by Finnish companies. Petteri’s approach for doing business development is merited from his history of working with a number of large American IT companies, which definitely alongside his perspective on the future of technology, made for an interesting table conversation.  

This fine bistro has great character thanks to the food, but also due to the venue. Beautiful archs in the ceiling makes for romantic atmosphere, but it certainly makes for a great place to go deep in complicated business topics. The menu itself changes every 2 weeks, so no wonder they have a loyal base of customers. I actually got my first recommendation to go to Kuurna from a person who had been there more than 10 times. After the dinner, I can see why.   

We got to pick between 3 starters, 3 main courses and 3 desserts. I did whitefish tartar, Salmon and coffee bean-raspberry goodness. Every single dish was flawless, as we’ve come to expect at any top 50 restaurant. What was striking was the way the food was presented - so beautiful while tasty.  

I’d recommend this for either business lunch/dinner or romantic getaway with a flawless bistro food served in a great setting. 

You’ll also hear a quick comment from Laura Hanse, one of the co-owners of Kuurna.