

Modern Nordic fare & pastries offered in a snug, charming cafe with a colorful patio.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1636 R St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Phone: (202) 525-3919
Website: https://www.chefmikko.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: resy.com
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
The Nordic Experience – Chef Mikko
Chef Mikko: Home
Mikko (@mikkonordicfinefood) · Washington D.C., DC – Instagram
Reviews
My only regret is that I do not live nearby and only had one day in DC. I would love this restaurant to be my regular “to go to” spot.
We started with the Nordic Old fashions, which were amazing. We shared the mushroom soup and the potato fondant, which can only be described as savory decadence. For our main course, we shared the hearty lamb and cabbage stew and it was hands down the best meal I’ve had in DC to date. Every bite was exceptional. The service was outstanding from start to finish. You absolutely need to eat here!
My wife took me to Mikko Nordic Fine Food earlier this year for my birthday dinner, and it was absolutely fantastic. As a side note, I’m 100% Finnish by heritage, third-generation born here in the United States, so experiencing this restaurant was truly a special treat for me.
From the moment we walked in, the place felt warm, inviting, and welcoming. It’s a smaller restaurant, but that only adds to the charm and cozy Nordic atmosphere. The hostess was incredibly friendly, greeted us with a genuine smile, and brought us right to our table. We did have reservations, and given the intimate size of the space, I would highly recommend doing the same.
We spent some time exploring the menu and ordered the Traditional Fish Soup, Beef & Mushroom Meatballs with Mashed Butter Beans, Cod Gratin with Mashed Potatoes, Karelian Pastry, and the Lonkero (Hartwall Original Long Drink). Every single dish was exceptional — beautifully prepared, comforting, and packed with authentic Nordic flavors.
The food honestly transported me back to my travels in Finland. The flavors, techniques, and overall execution felt genuine and thoughtfully done, not watered down or “Americanized.” It’s rare to find Nordic cuisine in the U.S. that feels this true to its roots, and Mikko absolutely delivers.
If you’re looking for an authentic Nordic dining experience, this place is hands-down one of the best I’ve had in the States. Whether you have Nordic roots or are simply curious to explore something different, Mikko Nordic Fine Food is a must-visit.
You’ve had every other cuisine in DC. If you haven’t had this, you are not really living your best life. This is like coming home to have your Nordic grandma cook for you. Except your grandma is younger, has great style, and is trying to cook you slightly healthier, more elevated classic meals.
I’ve now had both dinner and brunch at Mikko’s and they were both delicious a little unique. However, my companion found egg shell in his Salmon Benedict. We were the only ones in the restaurant this morning and there is simply no excuse for this
The only complaint I have is that the crawfish were a bit too salty.
Please note: crawfish was a limited-time item and is not currently served at the restaurant as of Sep 30, 2025.