Finland for foodies: Alfred Kitchen & Bar + Gustav Kitchen & Bar

A glass wall separates the kitchen and the street view at Restaurant Alfred Kitchen & Bar in Oulu. This unconventional design aims to tell passersby that it’s worth stepping inside to indulge in Alfred’s global flavors and good company while observing the restaurant’s atmosphere.

“Alfred is located in a newly built facility completed in the fall 2023. We wanted to create something different for Oulu with the kitchen layout. I’ve joked with acquaintances that an apron and kitchen duties await if they happen to wander in,” says Janne Nevalainen, co-owner of Alfred and Head Chef.

Born in the 1980s near Oulu in Kiiminki, Nevalainen spent five years working in Oulu’s top restaurants after becoming a chef. The call to Helsinki to learn how Michelin-starred establishments operate became irresistible. Nevalainen worked at top restaurants like Demo and Ask.

“I learned that a lot of work must be done continuously for a star, and one must be able to creatively immerse themselves in cooking. I remember how Restaurant Ask was a pioneer in wild food, and I absolutely wanted to work there. Fortunately, I also got the opportunity and learned a tremendous amount.”

In 2015, a well-seasoned chef returned to Oulu. Nevalai-nen had the chance to showcase his skills at Lapland Hotels’ Oula Kitchen & Bar. Then came an invitation to design a new restaurant, Alfred. Alfred is the “brother” of Restaurant Gustav in Rovaniemi. Both places share the same owners and many similar elements but are still distinct.

“Gustav is more modern and experimental. In Alfred, I rely more on classical flavors from around the globe. However, we haven’t stuck to the cuisine of any specific country or continent in Alfred. The main thing is always good and tasty food, whatever it may be. Alfred is writing its own story.”

Creating a new menu at Alfred is a team effort in which the entire kitchen can participate. However, the final word rests with Nevalainen.

“For me, the most important thing in the end is that the customers are satisfied.”

Meet the chef Janne Nevalainen

The Finnish ingredient which gets your creativity flowing?

My favorite is Jerusalem artichoke. I’ve made Jerusalem artichoke soup for many years in different restaurants; it’s simply charming. What fascinates me about Jerusalem artichoke is its versatility. Peeled, its taste is elegant; with the skin, roasted, it becomes robust.

The wildest flavor combo you’ve created?

I’m not a fan of extremes, and I create classical flavors. The wildest combination for me is raspberry and goat cheese.

A song which sets your kitchen on fire

We’re a new restaurant, so there’s a mix of music heavy metal, schlager and jazz playing in the kitchen. AC/DC “Thunderstruck” always works.

When @ALFRED, taste...

Salmon hash. Salmon is ingrained in the DNA of Oulu residents, and on the plate, salmon is a fantastic dish paired with umami broth.

When @OULU, do...

Visit Nallikari and the sandy beaches of the Gulf of Bothnia. Oulu has a lively market square with friendly people.

Go visit Alfred kitchen & bar and Gustav kitchen & bar

• alfredkitchenbar.fi : Pakkahuoneenkatu 24, Oulu, Finland
• gustavkitchenbar.fi: Koskikatu 12, Rovaniemi, Finland