Restaurant Pastis
An elegantly laid-back Parisian vibe
When Pastis opened back in 2013 it revolutionized the Finnish lunch routine. Suddenly that efficient 30 minute break turned into a long, leisurely, Parisian affair. Now, many years later, the bistro still encourages its guests to order another glass of wine and linger a bit longer.
Old chansons and waiters in black and white teleport you from cobblestoned Pieni Roobertinkatu street, straight to France. A sherry-redolent, false morel soup with thin slices of pears is a nice way to start things off. That ultimate Niçoise treat, socca – a chickpea flour pancake – is rolled like a tortilla, covered in cheese and brightened with sweet, sauteed onions, spinach and cherry tomatoes, it’s hearty, borderline homecooked and pairs well with Laurent Vogt’s pineapple-fruity Alsacian Pinot Gris.
Go ahead, cancel all afternoon plans, just like everyone else here has already done, and by all means, order that the ambrosial white chocolate mousse with diced mango and roasted almonds. It’s luxurious, laced with champagne and and makes you wish for more.
Published June, 2019.