Sue Ellen - American food by the sea in a historical building

Right on the edge of the Market Square, on the other side of the road of the Helsinki’s oldest Market Hall is one of the most classic places in Helsinki. Restaurant Sue Ellen operates in architectually significant building designed by N.K. Sundman.

In addition to the street-level restaurant, downstairs is a space for private events called the Wine Cellar, which seats 30 people at a long table amidst stunning brick walls and long rows of wine bottles. The restaurant also organizes seafood themed events and other happenings. A couple of times a month, restaurant hosts champagne brunch.

A couple of times a month, restaurant hosts champagne brunch.

American food culture is often associated with unhealthy fast food rations of cheap ingredients, although in practice there are whole unique food cultures across the country. At the same time, Sue Ellen’s food nurtures American food traditions and picks up the best pieces from European food trends, while definitely sticking to the good quality of the food.

At the heart of cooking is an authentic charcoal grill, which is utilized in the preparation of both meat and seafood. The seafront restaurant serves a wide range of seafood dishes from oysters to lobsters. However, the seasonal dishes always include the restaurant’s classic, the crab cake

First class service

The restaurant promises on its website to be warm, welcoming, inviting and delicious. To our delight, this is exactly the atmosphere conveyed when we arrived at the restaurant. The service was absolutely professional and of a high standard, but there was also relaxation in the atmosphere.

The menu includes a separate section for seafood, and for a private event it is possible to order even a whole fried pork. The menu is just the right length, with starters, main courses and desserts all in three or four different options. It is possible to order a three-course Family Dinner Menu for the entire table party, as well as a suitable wine menu if desired.

A serving of romanesco with cauliflower, beetroot mousse and cashew nuts was delicious! Catch of the day, i.e. whitefish seasoned with artichoke puree, shiitake mushrooms and spinach, also tasted excellent.

We went straight to the main dishes hungry. The vegetable portion was romanesco cauliflower, beetroot mousse and cashew nuts. The combination of mild flavors was, as it were, skillfully made very tasty, and the wine recommended as a companion worked perfectly.

The catch of the day this time was whitefish, topped with artichoke puree, fried shiitake mushrooms and spinach. The bread offered for the house was really good. As part of the main course, we ordered green salad and, of course, American-style hand-cut French fries with parmesan, which were wonderfully crunchy. The whole thing was simply functional. At Sue Ellen, you can boldly order a portion as a portion and trust that the food is good and the service excellent.