Nordic tastemakers
My Nordics, as told by restaurateurs and entrepreneurs Massimo Montalbano and Terhi Paloviita
Massimo Montalbano and Terhi Paloviita run two of the more talked-about spots in Helsinki neighbourhood Eira: summer kiosk Brera and its all-year sibling Officine Brera. He comes from the hospitality world, she from healthcare. Together they’ve built places that pull a local crowd. Here, they share their Nordic circuit.
Text by Fiona Mäkinen.
Summers in Eira, a chic yet laidback neighbourhood of Helsinki, have not been the same since Massimo Montalbano and Terhi Paloviita turned a small, unassuming kiosk into the aperitivo place-to-be. Brera, named after the Milan district, was meant to be a one-summer project, but it soon became apparent the duo had created something unique. Not only was a street kiosk revived, but a whole community, brought together over a glass of good wine, coffee and delicious Italian-inspired small plates.
With Montalbano’s extensive, international experience in hospitality (including time at Gordon Ramsay’s in London) and Paloviita’s background in healthcare, the couple certainly know how to take care of people. Inspired by the ability of this tiny spot to have such an impact, Officine Brera, Brera’s big, all-year-round sister, was opened to huge success in November 2025. Officine Brera’s offering is sophisticated but uncomplicated. Authentic Italian cuisine, quality ingredients, an artfully curated wine list, live music and a rare attention given to both detail and people are all helping redefine the Helsinki dining scene.
Table of Contents
Top photography courtesy of Brera
“I think [Finland is] still one of the most pristine places I have lived in – and I’ve lived in quite a few – where there is a real balance to life.”
In the Nordics, my favourite country is …
[Paloviita] … Finland! Not just because I’m Finnish, but because of the nature, the vibe and sometimes even the quietness. And of course the Finnish culture.
[Montalbano] … also Finland. I think it’s still one of the most pristine places I have lived in –and I’ve lived in quite a few – where there is a real balance to life. Whenever I leave and I come back, I know immediately why I want to be here. I also really appreciate how genuine the Finns are. They may be renowned for being introverted, but that makes them more particular about who they spend time with. I feel Finns actually listen to what you’re saying.
For a dose of urban pulse, I head to …
[Montalbano] … Stockholm. It has an international vibe, with a fascinating history, a great city structure and a sense of grandeur that you don’t get elsewhere. And it has a lot to offer from the tech and fashion side of things too.
(Paloviita) … Stockholm too. It has that feeling of being a bigger city than Helsinki, more urban.
Photography courtesy of Brera
“ … the Turku archipelago is still one of my favourite places on earth.”
For the perfect close-to-nature experience, I visit …
[Montalbano & Paloviita] … Turku archipelago!
[Montalbano] … Turku archipelago. It’s absolutely one of my favourite spots. I have been lucky enough to travel a lot, from all over Asia to remote corners of New Zealand, but the Turku archipelago is still one of my favourite places on earth.
For a memorable getaway, I check myself into …
[Paloviita] … The Barö, a beautiful hotel in the Barösund archipelago.
[Montalbano] … also The Barö. It is just a very nice spot, really beautiful.
Photography courtesy of The Barö
For a great meal, I go to …
“[Bar Agrikultur is] basically a tiny, super cute, neighbourhood restaurant … ”
[Montalbano] … Bas Bas in Helsinki. It’s a small bistro-type of restaurant. The overall experience and the food are always absolutely fantastic. And whenever I go, I end up talking to everyone all night. The people make the place really special too. The other place that stayed with me recently was Bar Agrikultur in Stockholm, which they call a ‘mini restaurant’. It’s basically a tiny, super cute, neighbourhood restaurant – 10 out of 10 for service, food, location, everything.
[Paloviita] … Bas Bas for sure.
For a fun night out, I head to …
[Paloviita] … Bas Bas! I say this again. It’s always a good night out.
[Montalbano] … Bar Runar in Helsinki. I am personally not a big “night out” person, but they’re doing a great job; great atmosphere and great cocktails.
Photography courtesy of Bas Bas and Bar Runar
“[Rosebud Bookstore] sell a really interesting collection of books, quite niche … ”
For a dose of retail therapy, I shop at …
[Montalbano] … Beamhill, if I can find the time. Beamhill is a multibrand concept store in Helsinki. And of course there is always online.
[Paloviita] … Rosebud Bookstore in Helsinki. It’s a place I always find time to go to if I want to go shopping. They sell a really interesting collection of books, quite niche, and they have a great international selection too.
For a dose of culture, I head to …
[Montalbano] … Fotografiska, the photographic art museum in Stockholm. They always have great exhibitions from great artists. Overall, a visit there is always a fantastic experience. As for art, I am more into the classics, and unfortunately there is not so much of that in the Nordics.
[Paloviita] … Fotografiska in Stockholm.
Photography courtesy of Beamhill and Fotografiska
“We think a big part of it is how normal everything is. Good design, nature close by, people respecting each other’s space.”
For a hidden gem, I recommend …
[Paloviita] … Yyteri, in the Pori region. It is one of the longest, sandiest beaches in the whole of Finland, and maybe even the Nordics. I would say that’s a real hidden gem.
[Montalbano] … the musical festival, Pori Jazz. For me, it’s a real hidden gem.
For me, a quintessential Nordic experience is …
[Montalbano] … honestly something very simple for both of us. It’s a quiet morning, grabbing a coffee and just walking without any rush. There’s space everywhere, not just physically but mentally too. No noise, no pressure to fill every moment. It’s also things like going to the sauna with friends, sitting there talking about random stuff or sometimes not talking at all, and then stepping outside into the cold air. Nothing fancy, but it just feels good. We think a big part of it is how normal everything is. Good design, nature close by, people respecting each other’s space. No one is trying too hard. It’s not a big, dramatic experience. It’s more about small, everyday moments that just feel balanced and easy.
Share this
You might also like
Book your stay in Finland
Stay in the know
Sign up for the latest hotspot news from the Nordics.
Currently most read
The 2026 hot list: the best new retail spots in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden
Before you book: the must-read guide to Norwegian fjord cruises
By air, land or water? Pick the best travel route from A to B
The 2026 hot list: the 23 best new restaurants in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden
Before you rent: the must-read car rental guide for the Nordics
Insider guides
