Adventures in the mix
Mecca is at the very top of this list because of the synergy between its bar and restaurant. Fresh ingredients from chef Petteri Luoto’s kitchen are used in the drinks; exotic touches in the cocktails are apparent in the cuisine and décor.
The venue has a solid reputation as a pioneer of Helsinki cocktail culture, based on a sound knowledge of mixology, but is unafraid of innovation and experiment; its tuned cosmopolitan with vodka-cranberry jelly and lime foam draws on la cuisine moléculaire for inspiration. Former bartender Juha Stenroos, described by some as a visionary, has been a major part of Mecca’s success; an extensive drinks selection has also been crucial. The hottest choice is the mojito – which comes in various varieties – but wine and champagne are big sellers. The list changes seasonally but always stays in tune with the general ambience and Vertti Kivi interior design.
Mecca excels as a venue for conversation, flirtation, drinking, and enjoying the good life. Customers rarely go overboard though thanks to an approach of “drink less but better”. Many were first attracted not by Mecca’s status as a bar-restaurant, but thanks to an invitation to attend one of its regular events like book launches, business parties, or fashion shows. In turn, this means a self-consciously stylish clientele: young adults clad in designer labels in the upstairs bar, especially Finnish-Swedes; 40somethings in the more placid downstairs lounge.
According to contemporary bar philosophy, the cocktail experience cannot be isolated from its environment. That’s why the relationship between cocktails and music here is so strong.
Atmosphere, cocktails, creativity, design, food, and great sounds: quite a package. That’s why Mecca is not only number 1 bar, but also number 19 restaurant – the only stand-alone establishment in the book to make both lists.
mecca
Address Korkeavuorenkatu 34, 00130 Helsinki
Tel. +358 9 1345 6200
Website www mecca.fi
Seats 120
Open Mon-Tue 16:00-24:00, Wed-Thu 16:00-02:00,Fri-Sat 16:00-04:00
Signature drink Mecca Mojito
Restaurateur Palace Kämp Group
Executive Chef Petteri Luoto
Location From Esplanadi Park, walk about 60m up the hill round the corner of the Artek design store. Entrance is opposite.
“The leading cocktail bar in Finland for the last three years.” / “Excellent concept in which the beverage product complements the food product.” / “Elegant restaurant serving expertly-mixed drinks.” / “They really focus on finding the right flavors and looks for drinks. The Strömsö Martini must be the best drink in the world. And the bartenders are not put-off by complicated cocktail orders even on busy nights.” / “Sensuality and atmosphere created by attention to detail.” / “The best mojitos in town; the bartenders know their stuff and the groove is always on – the best bar for a party.” / “Great interior and music, complemented by well-executed modern cuisine.”
