🇫🇮 A brunch Bistro Bardot with a strong atmosphere

🌟 Bistro Bardot Brunch Review: Stunning Vibes, Safe French Flavors in Helsinki Booked Sunday brunch at Bistro Bardot for the aesthetics—and wow, the three-sided mirrored walls? Instant mood booster! Way chicer than Kappeli, though tourists still flock to the latter for "Finnish" fare. Here’s the real tea on this French-inspired spot: 🏨 Ambiance: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall Think art deco meets Parisian bistro: gold accents, velvet banquettes, and those floor-to-ceiling mirrors that make the space feel infinite. Perfect for ~aesthetic~ Instagram shots without the Kappeli tourist crush. 🍴 The Food: Pretty on Plate, Safe on Palate Beef Tartare ⭐️⭐️⭐️: Decent, but Budapest’s Hoppá! (Michelin-recommended) still owns this dish. Lacked the punchy mustard I crave. Lobster Bisque ⭐️⭐️: Rich color, but whoa salt overload. Needed a baguette to mellow it out. Entrecôte with Smoked Marrow ⭐️⭐️⭐️: Ordered medium, arrived closer to well-done. The smoked marrow butter was a cool twist, though—like umami butter on steroids. Substituted Cod ⭐️⭐️⭐️: Original cod was out; replaced with a tangy-salty fish + caramelized olives. An acquired taste, but points for creativity. Lobster Pasta ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: Leena’s pick—creamy, generous lobster chunks. Kid-approved, adult-worthy. Desserts: Crème Brûlée ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: Perfect crack, but maraschino cherries? Skip ’em. Chocolate Mousse ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: Layers of dark chocolate, raspberry, and espresso—best bite of the meal. 💰 Price Tag: Brunch with a Side of Luxury €55/person for 3-course brunch (appetizer, main, dessert). Add drinks + kid’s pasta, total came to ~€200 for 3. In Nordic terms, not bad! Cheaper than Kappeli’s prix fixe, plus the ambiance is chef’s kiss for celebrations. 📝 Final Take: Style Over Substance (But Still Worth It) Go for the birthday brunch, anniversary, or "just because" splurge. The food won’t blow your mind, but the setting + service (attentive without being pushy) make it a solid choice. Pro tip: Next time, skipping the set menu for their savory pancakes—saw neighbors order ’em, looked chef’s kiss. #HelsinkiBrunch #FrenchCuisineFinland #InstagrammableRestaurants #BistroBardot