Italian duo bring a touch of Tuscany to Helsinki

Cereda and Lovati have previously worked together at London’s Bocca di Lupo and were asked to open the Finnish Soupster Family’s new Italian restaurant in Helsinki in 2018. Now the guys feel the time is ripe for their own restaurant, for which they have found a place in the district of Katajanokka. Locanda Scappi will open its doors in August 2019.

“I believe eating out is constantly growing in popularity here and people are interested in Italian food and food in general,” explained Cereda, the restaurant manager.

The restaurant is named after Bartolomeo Scappi, who is considered by many as the world’s first celebrity chef. He lived in the town of Runo in Renaissance Italy and served two popes in his career. Lovati is coincidentally also from the small Italian town.

“It’s every chef’s dream to open one’s own restaurant, although a couple of years ago I would not have thought it would happen in Finland,” chuckled Lovati.

Hailing from the small town in Northern Italy, Lovati has made a name for himself in high-end kitchens in Italy, London and now Finland. The restaurant’s menu will follow his cooking philosophy that is based on fresh Italian produce and simplicity.

The restaurant will open with three pay-what-you-want dinners for the staff’s families and friends, nearby residents, and media.