Bistro & Bar Miljöö | Rune & Berg Design

The beloved restaurant Miljöö in Töölö was lifted to new glory

The new Bistro & Bar Miljöö exudes the spirit of a high-quality bistro in terms of space, service and food. The functionality and visual appeal of the restaurant’s exteriors and interiors were enhanced to make them match the quality of its food and service. In practice, this meant, for example, making customer paths smoother and relocating the functions, as well as improving street visibility. “We achieved everything we wanted. This gave Miljöö its distinctive identity, and I am proud of the result. People have received it very well. Many have said that now the food matches the venue,” says restaurant owner Ari Zerza happily.

Rune & Berg Designin suunnittelema Bistro Miljöö

At the bar, you can sip trendy cocktails and enjoy Töölö's street scene.

The attractive local bistro stands out from the former Töölön Sävel restaurant

Rune & Berg Design was responsible for the interior architecture and graphic design of Miljöö, as well as organising the implementation. The renovation was carried out together with restaurant owner Ari Zerza and restaurant manager Ilona Poutiainen. “We wanted to give Miljöö a clear identity that differs from the former Töölön Sävel. The aim was to maintain the cosy and slightly vintage atmosphere, but make it fresher and brighter. We did not want to make the place too fine dining or something that would scare away the customers. We wanted to make the restaurant better and warmer,” Ari explains. The project was also special for Rune & Berg, which has had an office in Töölö since 2011. “It was great to be involved in creating the rebirth of a restaurant that is important to many Töölö residents and raising the standard also in terms of interior design,” says Design Strategist Sini Ala-Nikula with a smile.

The corner table has also become particularly popular. Customers ask in advance if they could get “that big oval table” for their group.

According to Ari, the staircase lighting, in particular, has been a hit. People are taking pictures in front of it, and the restaurant is thinking about writing #bistromiljoo in the mirror.

The design drivers of Miljöö were:

strengthen the brand image of a high-quality local bistro
design an all-encompassing spatial experience
maintain and emphasise the relaxed and accessible atmosphere

As is typical of the restaurant industry, the design and renovation were carried out quite quickly: “We worked very closely together because I wanted to open the place by the first of May. Ilona and I came to your office, where the first ideas were born, and it was nice to see what kind of materials will be used in the premises. I was a little sceptical about the floor at first, but in the end I liked it the most, it goes really well with the bar counter,” Ari describes the agile design process that was implemented in connection with the pipe renovation.

The warm atmosphere is now also reflected in the interior design

Miljöö recently turned ten. After the renewal, it is still a casual bistro, but every square metre has been put to the best possible use. “The restaurant has minimised unnecessary passageways and the bar counter, which also serves as a reception desk, has been moved near the entrance so that staff can welcome customers as soon as they arrive. In addition, the materials palette has been harmonised and, for example, the lighting improved, which allows the staff to create different atmospheres,” says Riina Ruska, Lead Designer for the project. “An added benefit is that work will be easier for staff after the renovation, because, for example, the hall is divided into two parts instead of three,” says Ari.

Customised sofas were incorporated to maximise use of space while maintaining a cosy bistro vibe.

Miljöö now stands out in terms of its warm, yet slightly more sophisticated interior design. The familiar green colour scheme and beautifully patinated vintage furniture were complemented by timeless lamps and genuine and durable materials, such as the bar counter with its green granite bar table and copper ceramic tiles. The restaurant also features unique mirrors that add a sense of space, as well as a nearly 100-year-old clock, originally from Kosovo, that is reminiscent of roots and family.

Miljöö is now even more comfortable and spacious. It stands out positively on the street, and everything works together.

Ari Zerza, Restaurant Owner

All in all, the renewed Miljöö has been very well received: “Customers and the entire staff have welcomed the renewal warmly. Everyone is proud to tell customer what has already been done and what is still to come,” Ari concludes with a smile.