One thing that has continuously been delighting me whenever I’ve made my way across the centre of Helsinki to the Central Railway Station, is the excellence of the flower plantations of La Famiglia Restaurant. Just look at all the gorgeous colour combinations, heights and textures!
This whole rant may sound a bit silly, but seriously, as a highly visual person (and as someone who has been working in gardening) I argue that details such as flowers are a key ingredient to the successfulness of a business. Who would want to enter into a restaurant with last-years plants dried out in the spring sun? It kinda gives you the first impression of how good your staff is willing to serve your appetite and thirst.
After I approached La Famiglia about my admiration for their flower pots, the restaurant kindly enough offered me to stay for a fresh cup of coffee! Unfortunately for me, I had to enjoy my coffee black (as my soul…) since they didn’t have any plant milk in their selection. However, I checked the menu and they actually do have a couple of vegan options in their list.
There is nothing like a fresh cup of joe – even on a hot early summer day!
The famous Finnish clothing brand Marimekko is located in the other corner. I believe I guided a friendly American couple to the same store the other day when I was walking home from university.
The restaurant is located on the opposite side of Stockmann Helsinki where street musicians often come to play for a small tip in the jar! If you get lucky (and often times even in the winter you do), you may enjoy a delicious drink and/or meal in the terrace area and enjoy excellent music being played right next to you for free! Although I’d suggest giving a small donation to the artist, anyway…
For a local in a hurry, an employee on a coffee break or a tourist spending a lovely summer day in Helsinki, I’d highly advise you to try our the terrace of La Famiglia Helsinki!
Yours,
Miah
Mysterious Yellow 