Ideas please: Anniversary dinner in Europe, July 2020

[tdimdad]

I'd have a place for you in Padova, Italy. Then fly back from Venezia.
The restaurant is firmly tucked away in a backyard of a building but a beautiful little haven which the locals enjoy. We had our anniversary dinner there, recommended by our B&B host, and according to him the locals prefer to keep the place to themselves and not spoil it with tourists. Let me fish out the name for you.

EDIT: Mario & Mercedes. They have tables inside and in courtyard at the back. The courtyard is a lovely place to enjoy your meal.

 

[tdimdad]

We've only ever transited in Helsinki, so it would be cool to spend a couple of days there.

Cool! Let me source you couple of suggestions from my local contacts there.

 

[tdimdad]

@Katie , a few suggestions for Helsinki, if you're interested.

The strongest preferences went to Palace, a classic restaurant with nice views.
If you are keen to trial Russian influence, then Saslik would be a great option.

Other restaurants worth a mention that came up. They might be interesting to visit for your other meals when in town.
Elite is one of the older establishments in town but runs a modern show.
Vinkkeli is another lower key but apparently a tasty one.
Grön serves vegetarian and vegan meals. Last year I was to a similar one in Turku (2 h west of Helsinki) and it was one of the tastiest and satisfying dinners I've had in recent years. Grön was rated as the best restaurant in the country recently in a poll among hospitality professionals (though the criteria are unknown to me).
Inari, a new kid on the block and rated very well in the above poll.

You've gotten a huge variety of recommendations around the continent. Wherever you end up going, it'd be wonderful to get your comments back afterwards.

 

[Katie]

Unsure if you have been to the old or new Noma. As someone who loved the old Noma I would think your Twentieth Anniversary would be a great reason to try the new one! Denmark is on the way to Helsinki!

It was old Noma, back in 2014.