Pastor was opened in August 2014 adding new cuisine in Helsinki restaurant scene. Inspiration comes from the Peruvian kitchen with add on’s from east Asian ingredients. Really fusion cuisine as there are some hints from sushi culture and Spanish kitchen. The portions can be eaten alone or they can be shared, of course nowadays.
Decor is simple, maybe even rugged. But as Pastor is also open until 3AM on Friday’s and Saturday’s and transforms even more laid-back socializing place, it does not matter.
Visited Pastor second time, previous review can be found be using search.
Menu consists of Ceviche bar snacks, starters, main courses, side dishes and desserts. Ceviche dishes are popular in the coastal regions of the South and Central Americas. The dish is typically made from fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices, such as lemon or lime, and spiced with chili. One proof of Peruvian kitchen!
Decided to order for aperitives again glass of house champagne, Lassaigne Les Vignes de Montgueuz and glass of excellent riesling, Brauneberger Juffer, which was chosen by Pekka Koiranen, head of restaurant and propably the best sommelier in Finland. Wine included some residual sugar making it semi-dry.
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Wine world is the best part of Pastor. Recommend to ask sommelier to choose wines, that is the most easiest way to get right wines for complicated flavors. We even got two wines for starters and main courses in order to compare them with food.
With starters we were served Schlumberger Riesling Saering and Montinore Borealist, half glasses of both wines. With ribs Greenhough Pinot Noir and Tommasi Amarone Valpolicella Classico. And with seabass Comte Lafond Sancerre and Gewurztraminer J. Höfstätter.
With this selection you can call Pastor also as wine restaurant.
You have 2 1/2 hours time enough for eating. Last time we had to finish wines at the bar but as we did not have any dessert, time was enough.
Restaurant is popular in the evenings, so prepare to book table well in advance. It is possible to dine at the bar but dining is more convenient in real dining room where you can see the kitchen.
Pastor is fresh and welcomed dining experience with new flavors. Service is quick and polite.
Overall grade is high because of the focus in wines. And it is needed, because wines are maybe not the most common beverage in Peruvian cuisine, are they?
REVIEW: FOOD 4,5/5 – SERVICE 4,5/5 – OVERALL GRADE 4,5/5
http://www.pastorrestaurant.fi/
Reijosfood 
Thanks for the review Reijo! Looks really good and I will make sure to book this place for the next time I am in Helsinki. I really like restaurants with an open kitchen as I feel it keeps the chefs honest. If you can show off your cooking to everyone, well then you must know what you are doing =). Peruvian influences are also showing up here in Stockholm with the recently opened Publico (we were supposed to go last week but it got cancelled), so it is an interesting food genre to try. London Was buzzing about Peruvian a few years back. Great also to hear about the compliments on wine!
Thanks for reading! Remember to ask Pekka Koiranen to choose wines for you. All waiters/waitresses are not so professional with wines as he is. Smaklig måltid!