Café Tyyni offers a great view across the Töölönlahti Bay.

A little grass-roofed café offers beautiful views and tranquillity in the heart of the city.

KAHVILA TYYNI sits on the waterfront of Töölönlahti Bay directly behind the Opera House. The café opened in June and works as a summer time café only, closing its doors in September.

A popular spot for passers-by, Tyyni provides a view across the water of the old villas spotted around the bay and Linnanmäki amusement park – a lovely view especially with the darkening evenings and the lights of the grand Ferris wheel waiting to be admired.

The cute small tables at Tyyni are arranged by the waterfront providing the best views possible. There are even a few sun loungers out by a little wharf, though having a chance at taking over one may be a task and a half in itself. But of course you might get lucky and just happen to be in the right place at the right time.

The small wharf is also a lovely spot to sit down and enjoy the closeness of the water. For those who enjoy a bit more seclusion, at one end of the yard lies a secret garden with over the head high plants that offer unique privacy in a peaceful spot in the heart of the city.

Petra Nyman

Indulge yourself

The café serves a breakfast menu for the early birds which includes six different options of croissants with a variety of fillings, yoghurt and muesli or sandwiches with coffee and juice. A breakfast will set you back anywhere between 5.50 to 10 euros, depending on what you fancy.

If you’re popping in just for a cup of coffee, you can get your hands on a cup of the regular old filter coffee for 2.50 euros, but I’d recommend splurging out and treating yourself to a specialty coffee for a change, the price of which vary from 2.50 to 3 euros.

Tyyni also offers a wide selection of organic fizzy drinks from Whole Earth Organics and a good variety of juices for those who are not so keen on caffeine.

You can’t go wrong with the scrummy muffins and cakes on offer either, though be aware the vanilla and white chocolate muffin – it was a bit too rich as a whole even for this sweet tooth, so it’s more than enough to share one between friends. Jam in the middle of the muffin was a nice and refreshing surprise that did help me along a tad.

One of the only minuses for Tyyni has to be given for the unfortunate fact that the establishment doesn’t include bathroom facilities, so it’s best to go prepared or hold back on those drinks.

PETRA NYMAN - HT