Rafael’s Steakhouse & Bistro — Restaurant in Porvoo sub-region

Came with positive expectations, the restaurant looked cozy and there was a nice athmosphere but unfortunately the food was a big dissapointment.

After a relatively long wait (quite a full house on fri evening) me and my husband both got hamburgers with cold, soft and greasy (hot dog like) bread, rucola(?) inside gone soft and slimy, our "medium" steaks were all well done and french fries were overcooked and super greasy. Didn't recognize the advertized truffle mayo in taste. Our child's kids' salmon portion was better, nothing too special but ok. Also his french fries were eatable compared to ours.

Complained about the cold portions and the waiter was really sorry but giving one 25e burger half price didn't really make up the bad appearence and dissappointment we experienced. We didn't have time to wait new portions or the free dessert they offered cause we were there after an event in the old town and it was already late for our 4 yo. Hopefully it was just a single glitch, but you can only give this bad...

First impressions were nice, the lighting was slightly dimmed, in that cozy cottage way. We got our table immediately, and I had a steak and fries. The presentation on the plate had a certain whimsy to it, in a fun way. The fries were wonderful, fluffy on the inside, and a nice crisp on the outside, and the steak was cooked perfectly. The steak was juicy and deliciously flavorful, only further improved by the compound butter.

For dessert, I had the baked alaska, and it left s bit to be desired, but I imagine the soft marenque might be more suited for others.

The staff were very friendly, and we got our drinks quite quickly, but both the food and desserts took probably 15-20 minutes each to arrive which I found odd as there were maybe 2-3 other tables besides out party, and 3 wait staff as far as...

Unfortunately, we haven't had a chance to try the food because we decided to leave even before we ordered because we think it might take more than 1 hour to have our food and main reason for me was I couldn't stand their service/hospitality. So this rating is not for food but service and hospitality. The restaurant environment looks nice and all. As for the service/hospitality, if you don't mind unwelcoming face on staffs or the way they talk to you and quite slow service maybe it will not bother you at this point.

FYI, it was not a busy time, occupied table were maybe 7-8 tables, and probably 3-4 tables had already ordered and got their food. Comparing to the restaurant size and all the table they have, I think this can consider as not busy. Waitresses were maybe 3-4 I am not sure but...