Review: Pier Zero Restaurant at Helsinki Airport
We visited Pier Zero restaurant at Helsinki Airport twice this autumn. The Scandinavian Pier Zero is an architecturally impressive sight, offering tasty food with friendly service. The view of the runway is almost unobstructed. It's not quite a perfect restaurant, though we can honestly recommend it. Please read our review to find out what's good about the restaurant and what could be improved.
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Pier Zero
Pier Zero is a combination of a deli, bar and à la carte restaurant in the Schengen area of Helsinki Airport. As the restaurant is after security control, only those travelling can enter. Pier Zero is one of the many places to eat at Helsinki Airport, but one of the few with a good view of the runway.
We visited Pier Zero in October and again in December. This article shares some basic information about the restaurant, our experiences and a review.
Location
Pier Zero is at Gate 28 in the Schengen area. The restaurant is on two floors: a deli and bar downstairs and the à la carte restaurant itself upstairs. Pier Zero's main shortcoming is the lack of a lift. If you have a mobility disability, getting upstairs is difficult, if not impossible.
Pier Zero is located in the old terminal part, identified by its iconic parquet floor. Near the restaurant is the Aspire Lounge, which also overlooks the apron.
Access
Pier Zero is an open restaurant. However, it is worth noting that the restaurant offers Nordic American Express Platinum members and one companion a complimentary breakfast or a meal from the menu later in the day. The offer also includes beverages.
We have twice taken advantage of the American Express card at Pier Zero restaurant.
Our Visit to Pier Zero
We were travelling from Helsinki to Belgrade via Frankfurt in late October. We decided to try Pier Zero for the first time because American Express had been actively promoting the Pier Zero benefit. Finding the restaurant after security was easy, as it was just a few steps away at Gate 28, and the restaurant was easy to identify by its shape.
We visited Pier Zero many times after that.
Arrival
We climbed the Pier Zero à la carte side stairs, with only a bar and deli downstairs. We noticed as soon as we arrived that there was no lift upstairs, so not all potential customers might be able to take advantage of the restaurant's services. At the top of the stairs, we noticed the restaurant was small but very comfortable and tranquil. The view of the runway was almost unobstructed, making Pier Zero an aircraft enthusiast's dream.
Food
We ordered a pulled beef burger from Pier Zero's American Express special menu and a beer and mineral water. The menu differed slightly from the basic menu and had not all regular items available. The service was quick, and we got drinks and food in less than 10 minutes. The taste and presentation of the food were impeccable, and the drinks were what we had ordered.
Customer Service
Service at the restaurant was friendly and professional throughout our stay. A minor shortcoming was that the service was only in English, even though the restaurant was at a Finnish airport. If you are fluent in English, this should not be allowed to detract from an otherwise good restaurant experience. We understand there were also Finnish-speaking staff in the restaurant, who will probably serve on request.
Other Services
The restaurant had a flight information screen, making it easy to track your flight status. We recommend allowing at least an hour for dining, with a half-hour margin on top of that. There's no need to leave in a hurry. If your flight departs delayed or otherwise, you have extra time after dinner; you can enjoy a drink at the bar downstairs.
Was Pier Zero a Good Choice?
We haven't tried all the dishes at Pier Zero, but the ones we have ordered have been excellent for the price. The prices are reasonable, and American Express Platinum customers can now dine at the restaurant for free. With its peaceful surroundings, friendly service and a great view of the platform, we think it's an excellent choice for lunch or dinner travellers.
Rating
We give Pier Zero's à la carte restaurant 3.5 stars. The restaurant is excellent and deserves a 5-star rating if it is accessible. In today's world, you rarely come across services that are inaccessible to everyone.
Common Questions
- Where is Pier Zero?
- Pier Zero is in the departure area of Helsinki-Vantaa airport, by Gate 28.
- Is there an elevator to the Pier Zero restaurant?
- There is no lift to the upper level where the à la carte restaurant is.
- What is the difference between the upper and lower floors of Pier Zero?
- There is a deli and bar downstairs, and the à la carte restaurant is upstairs.
- Does Pier Zero have a good view of the runway?
- Yes, there is an excellent view of the apron from the top.
- Is Pier Zero a buffet?
- No, it is not.
- How much time should you allow for dining at Pier Zero?
- To avoid a busy dining experience, we recommend allowing 90 minutes for your entire visit.
- Is Pier Zero expensive?
- Pier Zero is not particularly expensive. However, it is worth noting that the average price level at the airport is not affordable either.
- Do we recommend Pier Zero?
- Absolutely. The restaurant is worth a try.
Bottom Line
Pier Zero is a fresh and modern dining experience at Helsinki Airport. The food has a Scandinavian twist, although, for the most part, it's pretty standard Western fare. But the best thing is that it is well prepared and tasty.
Food is not the only attraction of Pier Zero's à la carte restaurant; the tranquillity of the space and the open view of the apron are other good reasons to choose Pier Zero. The restaurant is more welcoming than many other restaurants at the airport. The cosy environment and friendly service make for a pleasant visit.
Have you visited Pier Zero's deli, bar or à la carte restaurant? Did you enjoy the food? Tell us about your restaurant experience in the comments section.
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