Ravintola 305 — Restaurant in Helsinki sub-region

We arrived on time, looking forward to the food, only to be led to a table tucked beside the service counters. No restaurant should consider this an acceptable spot to seat guests, especially when it's the only available option offered. It felt more like a disciplinary corner than part of a dining experience. Being the only people of colour in the room, seated apart from the rest, didn’t feel like a coincidence.

We tried to centre ourselves and focus on the food, which is why we came. But before we’d even opened the menu, we were told it was "self-evident", a strange assumption, and an unwelcoming one at that. The menu is not self-evident. It’s sparsely written, and asking for clarification shouldn’t feel like a burden. When we inquired about the vegetarian tartare, our server said they’d have to fetch the menu to find out. With just 10 or 11 items, shouldn't this be something they already know?

The appetisers arrived quickly: the veg tartare had promise but was overwhelmingly salty; the potato starter featured slightly undercooked potatoes; and the ceviche was passable but uninspired. The delivery of dishes came with staff speaking over the food in a monotone recital of ingredients that made a grocery list sound like poetry by comparison. Everyone serving us looked deeply uninterested, which, sadly, carried through the rest of the evening.

No one changed our tableware between course which is odd, given the careful flavour profiles they're clearly aiming for. Who wants to mix tartare saltiness with the main’s delicacy on the same fork? The plates themselves were dull and forgettable, much like the music and acoustics of the space. Everything around us felt indifferent.

The wait between courses dragged on with no communication. A little heads-up would have helped. Even the used plates lingered far too long on our table. Clearing the table shouldn’t be a luxury.

The mains did improve the mood slightly. Some dishes had a pleasant balance, but again, they were served with tableware too heavy and clunky for the delicacy of the ingredients. It’s hard to enjoy a finely crafted bite with an uncooperative fork.

And then the heat... our corner became unbearably warm, like the restaurant had decided we’d stayed long enough. By the end, all we wanted was to leave.

The cocktails and mocktails were decent. But sadly, that’s the only thing we can speak positively about. We won’t be returning and we certainly won’t be...

305, a newly opened restaurant that emerged on the scene after the summer of 2023, has already established itself as a potential future classic. From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere exudes a smooth and relaxing vibe, complemented by the captivating music and the presence of vibrant individuals.

Led by the ex-Grön chef, Janne Keskenvaara, 305 offers a culinary experience that is nothing short of phenomenal. The food served here showcases the skill and creativity of the chef, resulting in dishes that are both visually stunning and bursting with exquisite flavors. Each bite leaves a lasting impression, and it's evident that the team at 305 is composed of solid professionals who take pride in their craft.

As a devoted cocktail enthusiast, I have found my go-to place at 305. For a martini lover like myself, their pre-batched freezer martini stood out as an exceptional creation that exceeded my expectations. The attention to detail and the artistry in their cocktails is truly commendable.

Not only does 305 excel in the realm of cocktails, but it also boasts a selection of good wines to complement the dining experience. The staff's knowledge and recommendations further enhance the overall enjoyment of the meal.

In summary, 305 is a restaurant that delivers great food, fantastic service, a well-curated wine list, and an array of superb cocktails. With its promising start and the talent behind its creation, it is poised to become a beloved establishment in the culinary scene. As a resident in the vicinity, I am thrilled to have such a remarkable dining destination nearby. Whether you seek an extraordinary meal or a memorable cocktail experience, 305 is undoubtedly...

My wife and I had a wonderful anniversary dinner here. The atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable (I was in a clean T-shirt and shorts), the service was excellent, and the food was tasty, with unique flavors created with locally-sourced seasonal ingredients.

We both had the five course set menu, a side of tartar, some cocktails--pornstar martini and margarita for her, espresso martini and kiwi cocktail for me--and two glasses of wine each (the second glass was comped because our main course was slightly delayed).

The cocktails were good, not anything to write home about, but the food was excellent.

Summer Soup: One of our favorite courses. Peas were crisp, the butter sauce was creamy.

Whitefish: Ponzu slaps your palate then the whitefish mellows it out. Delightful combination.

Potato: Bread was sweet and flavorful, crispy crust, soft middle, loaded with Västerbotten cheese.

Pike Perch: Small crisp radish was a nice texture contrast to tender and perfectly-cooked pike perch.

Strawberry: Served with vanilla ice cream and almond crumble; spruce added a unique flavor, spicing up what might be considered a simple dessert.

Tartar: Wrapped the tartar in the nasturtium leaves and made small burritos. All we left on the plate was a single leaf.

Suggest making a reservation, especially during peak hours.

We're both looking forward to another visit, maybe during the...