The legendary Savoy restaurant was re-designed by Ilse Crawford and Studioilse and renovated in co-operation with Artek, Helsinki City Museum, the Alvar Aalto Foundation and Made by Choice.
The Savoy interior was designed by architects Aino and Alvar Aalto who brought their human-centered and functional touch to every detail in the restaurant. Opening in June 1937, the interior was rich in various species of wood and lush planting, and the use of fabrics was vivid. The atmospheric dining hall was framed by terraces on three sides. The interior showed the Aaltos’ preference for welcoming and comfortable furniture and their sensitivity towards high-quality natural materials. In 2019–2020, the restaurant was re-designed by Ilse Crawford and Studioilse and renovated in co-operation with Artek, Helsinki City Museum and the Alvar Aalto Foundation. Over more than eighty years of operations, changes and refurbishments had impacted the original Aalto design. The purpose of the renovation was to restore the interior closer to its original charm and beauty while refreshing it to today.
Savoy has always brought people together: artists, intellectuals and businesspeople as well as families, friends and lovers. After 83 years, it is still a place where people come together and are happy to be seen. We are keen on great food and wine, but just as well music, art, good conversations, romance and simply having fun. Savoy is a place for this all.
Overlooking the Esplanade Park in the heart of Helsinki, Savoy has served guests for more than 80 years. Since 2019, the restaurant has been led by Chef Patron Helena Puolakka. Her ambition is to create experiences that respect the history of Savoy but feel inspiring and relevant in the 2020’s. Savoy’s food is Finnish-French, with a slight Russian touch.
