HAVIS AMANDA

Unioninkatu, 23; tel.: 09 66 6882; fax: 09 63 1435 Famous, traditional and very good — that’s Havis Amanda, the seafood specialist in Helsinki. One dish we particularly want to mention, which happens to be a personal favourite, is break roe, the famous Nordic pink caviar, available only in Finland and Sweden. The eggs a very small because the fish is small, but in this part of the world it is considered second only to Russian caviar. It is usually served on fried bread or toast with sour cream. A glass of aquavit is a good accompaniment.

CHEZ DOMINIQUE

Rikhardinkatu, 4; tel.: 09 612 7393 There is only room for 36 guests in this intimate restaurant so do make a reservation. It is in the centre of Helsinki near the Esplanadi Park. On the current menu are some tempting dishes. Here are a few to consider: grilled scallops with olive powder or braised lobster with fried duck foie gras and as a main course halibut braised in anchovy butter. There are many good sweet wines to go with your dessert.

ALEXANDER NEVSKI

Pohjoisesplanadi, 17; tel.: 09 63 9610; fax: 09 63 1435 Finlands long association with its giant neighbour Russia is reflected in many Russian dishes being available in Finnish restaurant. Overlooking the harbour, Aleksander Nevski is located in a 19th century former Tsarist noblemans house a good setting for an enjoyable meal in Russian style. A dish we have enjoyed there is Beef Stroganoff and also the more Finnish version, Reindeer Stroganoff.