Iconic Flavours: Lehtovaara

The Legacy Collection: Iconic Flavours is our tribute to the places that give Helsinki its unique flavor. Co-designed with former Helsinki restaurateur and OG streetwear aficionado Sacha Remling, the drops celebrate three iconic restaurants: Sea Horse, Elite, and Lehtovaara, all known for having left a permanent mark in the city culture of Helsinki. Lehtovaara, this one’s for you.

When Lehtovaara was founded in Vyborg some 108 years ago, things were a bit different. Established as a European-style café by Emil Lehtovaara, Lehtovaara seemed destined to become a witness to events of historical caliber. First, there were the revolutions and wars related to Finland becoming independent. Then, there was the prohibition (during which Lehtovaara continued serving alcohol, just in the form of “hard tea”, a tea-based cocktail served in discreet teacups). By adapting and rolling with the punches, Lehtovaara first claimed its name as a prohibition-time dance restaurant and then an esteemed spot for culinary delights.

Then, of course, came the Winter War. As Vyborg was in the process of being razed to the ground, Lehtovaara’s then-owner Ragnar Hansson had to relocate the restaurant to Töölö, Helsinki. Again, like a cat falling on its feet, Lehtovaara managed to adapt and turn the situation around. With the help of a new owner and a French head chef, Lehtovaara became a prominent name known for its Finnish-French cuisine.

That was 84 years ago. Lehtovaara still stands in that same spot in Töölö and still serves its famous Cœur de filet Provençale, a classic designed to celebrate the Helsinki Olympics in 1952 – another piece of history Lehtovaara was involved in. Eras come and go, and even empires rise and fall, but some things are meant to last.