DEMO is the only restaurant in Helsinki that has managed to keep a Michelin star for 14 years — this is the longest term of any Finnish restaurant with such a high award.
DEMO is a short for “Demonstration” — a place where contrasts live in harmony with elegance and unique tastes.
From the very beginning
Founded in 2003 by two chefs Tommi Tuominen and Teemu Aura near the center of Helsinki in Punavuori district, it quickly established itself among the best restaurants in Finland, Nordic countries and around the world — already in 2006 DEMO became the best restaurant in Finland.
The laconic and intimate interior hides a strong Helsinki gastronomic scene.
The philosophy of restaurant is simple: uniting people in a relaxed atmosphere, giving them an unforgettable experience and exquisite tastes combined with excellent service. And this philosophy has remained unchanged over the years.
DEMO Team
DEMO head chef Heikki Kivimäki, who’s got an extensive culinary experience not only in Finland but also abroad, currently manages the restaurant’s kitchen and is also one of its owners.
In the photo: Head Chef Heikki Kivimäki
«Since childhood I dreamed of becoming a chef. The recipes were born in my head after impressions from the environment. I understood that in order to cook this or that dish well, you need to have good ingredients, time and a calm approach to it», — says Heikki Kivimäki.
The passion of DEMO’s founders is reflected in the consistently high quality of the cuisine, which draws on Scandinavian style using the methods of French classic cuisine.
In the photo: managing director Rico Aaltonen⠀
«Our restaurant offers a daily menu, created by Chef Heikki Kivimäki, which includes five, six or seven courses and changes according to the season», — tells restaurant managing director Rico Aaltonen. «The menu consists of the best ingredients, which guarantees the high quality of the dishes, as well as the constant development of our cuisine».
In the photo: Schloss Gobelsburg Grüner Veltliner
In addition the set-menu you can order a wine paring, specially thought out for each dish by restaurant sommelier Carlotta Lanza.
In the photo: sommelier Carlotta Lanza
⠀«Our restaurant has a very special wine cellar that keeps a rich collection of over 400 carefully selected old wines from all over the world», — says Carlotta.
Beyond Taste
Traditionally, the DEMO set begins with a welcome glass of champagne accompanied by Amuse bouche — Smoked Baltic herring and Tartare with homemade mayonnaise.
DEMO offers: 5 course menu 78€ / wines 67€; 6 course menu 95€ / wines 82€; 7 course menu 105€ / wines 97€
The first cold appetizer is Goat cheese / tomato / basil, to which sommelier selected dry white wine Schloss Gobelsburg Riesling Kamptal 2018 Austria.
Before the second serving, guests are offered DEMO’s sourdough Bread baked in a pot and served with whipped lovage butter.
In the photo: Grilled Arctic char / black salsify / combu
Next hot fish appetizer Grilled Arctic char / black salsify / combu goes well with Emrich-Schönleber Lens Riesling 2017 Germany.
Following course is another bread serving — Rye bread with cranberries and butter.
In the photo: Fried sturgeon / Volzhenka caviar / cauliflower
A bright combination of another fish dish will highlight a glass of R.H. Courier Champagne Brut Millésimé Grand Cru.
«As white truffle season is currently on, we’ve prepared a small compliment for our guests — White Truffle Risotto», — says Heikki.
In the photo: Rooster / onion / lemon / thyme
According to Carlotta Lanza, dry white wine Joseph Drouhin Puligny-Montrachet 2013 France is ideal for a poultry serving.
In the photo: Klostertaler cheese profiterole / gooseberry confiture
Klostertaler cheese profiterole / gooseberry confiture in combination with vintage Mas Amiel 2016 France wine can be called one of the most piquant servings of the menu.
Two desserts are finishing the the performance. Redcurrant / caramel mousse / salted caramel with a glass of Château Pierre-Bise Coteaux Du Layon Rochefort France.
In the photo: Blueberry tartlet / fromage blanc ice cream and Kracher Cuvée Beerenauslese 2017 Austria dessert wine.
To prolong a sweet pleasure, guests are offered a special compliment: handmade sweets — cloudberry macaroni, marmalade and truffle.
Heikki Kivimäki: «Time is changing with its tastes and preferences, therefore, in order to stay always on top and continue to delight our guests, we do not stop learning and improving ourselves every day».
Restaurant DEMO
Address: Uudenmaankatu 9-11 00120 Helsinki
Opening hours: Tuesday — Saturday: 16.00 – 23.00
You can book a table by phone or on the website: +358 9 2289 0840; demo@restaurantdemo.fi
Instagram: @restaurant_demo
Editor-in-chief: Patricia Kolari
Technical Director: Evgeny Fedorov
Text writer: Marina Timoshevskaya Photos: EATWEEK
