Asparagus Lunch at the Kappeli in Helsinki

On my last day in Helsinki I went to Kappeli for my early lunch. The Kappeli Restaurant, Bar & Cafe is an institution in Helsinki that goes back to 1867. Everyone in the city knows about this lovely and elegant spot at the Esplanadi Park, dubbed as the summer living room of the city.

A must visit when in Helsinki if you are to ask me.

Kappeli is located at the end of the Park near the Harbour and the Kauppatori Market Square.

Kappeli Restaurant at the Esplanadi Park
Website: Kappeli Ravintola

When I first saw the Kappeli on my first day in the city, I fell in love with it. I loved the architecture, the ambiance and just everything about it. They have an outdoor terrace and several indoor dining areas, all beautifully and tastefully designed. I promised myself that I will come back here for brunch. I did, on my last day as my farewell treat.

This is a great place to go for a simple snack even, to meet friends over a cup of coffee or tea, or hangout perhaps outside with a glass of wine or cider whilst enjoying the day and doing some people watching.

Spring is asparagus season in Europe and asparagus are dearly loved in Northern Europe. In the Netherlands, we have farms opening up their gates for the asaparagus season, as well as farmerâ€™s markets overflowing with white and green varieties of this fresh produce. Two weeks before the trip to Helsinki, Finland, I was in Salzburg, Austria where I saw lots of asaparagus at the Grunmarkt (Green Market).

Obviously, the Kappeli had a menu card specially devoted to this healthy and savory vegetable. When the waitress handed over the 2 menu cards: the Regular card and Season card with the asparagus theme, I knew right away what to order for brunch. Itâ€™s just a matter of choosing which aspagarus I want and the style of cooking and presentation.

The interior of the Kappeli, on one of the wing side, the wing where I had brunch.

I ordered both types of asparagus, blanched and slightly grilled green and white on a bed of leafy green salad and topped with Serrano ham and parmesan cheese, and decorated with a little bit of balsamico dressing.

And a glass of chardonnay of course! I must say that I loved this meal. 4.2 stars out of 5 in my book.

This is the other wing of the Kappeli. As you can see they are serving snacks all day.

This is the middle section of the Kappeli. The interior design is elegant and appealing to the senses.

The outdoor terrace of course where you can hang out when its good weather. You have a view here of the Esplanadi Park and the posh street: Pohjoisesplanadi.

When you see this place, I am sure you cannot help but just smile and feel very much welcome. Because itâ€™s a happy place, just like the cafe I visited nearby Sibelius Park where I had one of my breakfasts with a water view, the Cafe Regatta.

Donâ€™t miss it!

Travel Period: May 2013
Destination: Helsinki, Finland

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