Encanto Art Cafe — Restaurant in Helsinki sub-region

Tofu Skewers, Watermelon & the Perfect Pulla

Encanto Art Café in Helsinki is a charmingly offbeat spot that blends creativity with conscious dining. I visited for lunch on a sunny afternoon, a welcome shift after a spell of rain, and took a seat outside with a colleague. Despite the lunchtime peak, the brief wait was entirely reasonable and well worth it.

I ordered the salad with tofu skewers, which arrived attractively plated. The salad was fresh and generously portioned, with an unexpected but delightful addition of watermelon slices. The tofu skewers were grilled to perfection - nicely seasoned and satisfying - and the dressing, dotted with black sesame seeds, brought a subtle depth to the dish. It left me comfortably full without being heavy.

With the meal came a complimentary coffee, which I enjoyed alongside a pulla (purchased separately) taken to go. Their pulla never disappoints - soft, delicately spiced, and consistently excellent. It’s one of those rare items that could easily justify a journey across town.

Encanto offers a warm (in the human sense) and unmistakably personal environment. Its artistic flair and independent spirit make it a refreshing alternative to the more formulaic chain cafés around Helsinki. The overall experience balances nourishing food with an atmosphere that feels both welcoming and expressive.

Pros: well-balanced salad with excellent tofu skewers, Outstanding, consistently delicious pulla, Independent, artsy ambience with personal touches Cons: Limited outdoor seating can at...

Perfect atmosphere for a coffee shop and the nicest staff you can hope for. We visited on a sunny day but seeing how cozy the place was I’m certain it’s a great spot for winter time. We ordered ice lattes and a cinnamon bun which were both so good they were finished before we could take a photo. I took one of the tray on the counter - they were some of the best I’ve ever had. Underneath the counter is the dog wall which made me like the place even more....

The cafe is lovely and the food was nice, but we had to wait far too long to get it. There was only one staff member both taking the orders and making the food, with the result that people were waiting for a long time in the queue, and then diners were waiting a long time for the food. I didn’t want to give one star and skew the reviews for what may have been a one-off staff shortage, but it was probably a one-star experience...