Viinibaari Apotek / Wine Bar Apotek — Restaurant in Helsinki sub-region

We were the only customers there for at least 1 hour and 20 minutes. There are no complaints about the food, but to our surprise we couldn't socialize with each other across the table because of the ruckus in the restaurant, we couldn't hear each other across the table. I went to ask for the music to be turned down, which was done right away, but the staff immediately made up for the sound reduction by socializing with their own friends and making a lot of fracas. They behaved as if they were in their own living room and can behave as they like, hue and cry and shout as much as they want. What happened to customer service, where the customer is taken into account? Neither of us, the customers, have particularly quiet voices, but you can't demand that we have to start shouting so that the members of the party at the same table can hear each other. When we left, we were welcomed again in the future, and in that situation, I could only turn around and give verbal feedback about the behaviour of the customer service staff: “You made a terrible noise, and we will definitely not be back. As far as we know, this is not your personal living room where you can do and act however you want. The whole space is a customer service situation. “ The “lady in brown with cap” started to dispute and argue with us, and she explained to her acquaintances at the bar that laughing was forbidden, but this statement was meant for us. Owner: Really, is this what you want from your restaurant? Strange staff behaviour, your staff doesn´t know how to accept customer feedback, you encourage debate...

We came here yesterday for dinner, were seated at a table and not given menus. After we used the restroom and waited another few minutes we asked for menus and were told to wait.

After about 10 minutes after we had arrived another waitress came and said the kitchen had just closed a few minutes before. We kindly pointed out that we had been there before that and not asked when we arrived if we would like to eat. She then accused us of over exaggerating our wait time, said she was not going to tolerate this in the year 2024, and aggressively suggested we go to another restaurant (she said she would suggest another which was open, and she didn’t).

Coming from a restaurant family and working years in the service industry myself, I know absolutely to respect the work of restaurant staff. However it is still a service industry: one party is paying money for a service that the other is giving. The situation here was beyond bizarre, where the waitress was making herself out to be a victim when we as the clients just wanted a straightforward service and none of her drama.

Ironically we had come here a few nights before for drinks, and the staff that night reminded us as soon as we were seated that the kitchen was closed and what they could offer.

Beautiful set up, but an immature service team can’t be disguised behind mood lighting and...

As soon as you enter the bar, the old and rustic furniture catches the eyes. The pharmacy theme clearly stands out. Dark brown colors, real candles, relaxed music and antique pharmacy bottles around the main dining room creates an authentic milieu. The restrooms downstairs are spacious and modern. Every little detail has been thought well in each area.

The wine list is many pages long. However, the number of different wines served by glass, is not as long. The A la carte menu includes small plates to be shared. There weren’t any vegan options on the menu, but the kitchen improvised extremely well in that.

I felt very welcomed throughout my whole customer journey. All the staff came across very professional and knowledgeable about the wines and foods. You don't need to be experienced in wine tasting to go to this wine bar.

I honestly believe that Apotek will be, and already is, a great success due to its location, authenticity and the great selection of wines. I rate the bar with 5 stars due to the great customer service together with delicious food and wine. Very much...