Boreal Restaurant

Boreal is a contemporary restaurant in Helsinki’s Design District, inspired by the nature and seasons of Finland. Opened this autumn, the restaurant is considered by the local gastronomic critics to be the runner-up for The Michelin Guide. As gastro enthusiasts, restaurant’s team explores organic agriculture, wild foraging and game from responsible sources. The menu changes four times a year, following the rhythm of Finnish nature from the first signs of spring to the deep stillness of winter.

While designing this place we have been balancing between the peculiarities that define the image of the Baltic region and its kinship with other cultures. Nomadic openness is expressed in the use of materials which are global and recognizable to many: it is the subtle detailing that makes timber, ceramics and weaving truly unique. Casual geometry and practical solutions are our nod to Finnish organic and user-friendly design.

The interior can also boast an array of pieces by Scandinavian artists — Jaakko Mattila, Sasha Huber, Janna Syvänoja, Carlo Raymann, Yukari Hotta — as well as some of unexpected décor additions collected around the world, including Brazilian ex-voto.

Design: Treivas
Design Team: Olga Treivas, Elena Kornilova, Arina Chervyakova, Polina Nenasheva, Ekaterina Danilyuk, Vera Matova, Alyona Kovalenko, Ulyana Maysova
Photography: Sofia Kulianu