Rafla Helsinki - The quest for great food at an affordable price

The food culture has changed so much in Helsinki during the past few years. It's more and more common to go out to eat, and these days table reservations is a must for weekends. At least to some of the better places.

My personal opinion is that restaurants in Helsinki have had average food at high prices. Nowdays, most have excellent food at high prices, which is a great development. The only problem is that for a food culture to florish, there should also be places with great food at low prices.

I was living in NYC this past summer and fall,  one of my favorite places in Soho, Tacombi, had amazing Mexican food, and fish tacos for around $4. In New York City, one of the most expensive cities. One major issues still in Helsinki, and with the finnish food culture in general, is that when you go to a restaurant it's expected to be uptight. High-class, high prices. Food you would normally cook at home, simply can't be served in restaurants.

 There are some exceptions: bar No9, and Tori both serve comfort food. Unfortunately still at prices that are too high, at least in my opinion. Some would disagree with me perhaps, but being able to eat a dinner for $9 makes you wonder why everything here is at least 17€.

Yesterday was a perfect example of a restaurant market gap. I went out for a beer with my friend to Los Cojones, neither of us had eaten. My other friend joined us, and we decided to eat at Rafla. A normal thursday night, nothing fancy, just friends.

All in all, the food at Rafla is amazing. All three of us shared two appetizers, then  I had the steak with bernaise sauce and we all shared a bottle of wine. I was wondering why we don't go out eating more often with my friends in the middle of the week. I did that all the time in the U.S.

Time for the check. Price tag for the night? 50€. Then I rememberd why I don't go out 4 times a week here. Quick calculations: 4*50=200€/week, four weeks in a month, food budget 800€/month. Maybe not. Fine. Don't drink the wine, or have just a glass, no appetizers. Yes, several solutions to the problem. However how come I never had to make those choices in the U.S? Or in most European countries.

Would I recommend Rafla? Absolutely, great service (which is still rare here, to American standards), great wine, great food, love the atmosphere. Will it top my list on where to go a casual Thursday? Perhaps not.

I shall continue my quest for great food at affordable prices!