Scandinavian restaurant FINDS is one of the better finds in a city of standard-layout restaurants. In its attempt to reproduce the cold sheen and brightly lit beauty of northern Europe, the Nordic restaurant created a thoroughly original bar and dining space. From its shapely, spacious bar to the relaxed and casual dining area, its highly original design scheme incorporates an even mix of earthy and cold colors, alongside mood-setting spotlights that highlight but never overemphasize. It’s the terrace, however that brings in the crowds, a massive patio that overlooks Wyndham Street with accompanying seating and bar stools.

FINDS’ Scandinavian menu offers dishes that suit all tastes, with a heavy focus on deep-sea delights. Oysters (HK$25 each) were freshly shucked and served alongside a triplet of sauces: the standard cocktail, a tangier form of vinaigrette, and a completely unappealing raspberry sauce that needlessly masked the oyster’s salty and oceanic flavor. Keeping up the shellfish seduction, the divine blue mussels ($108) were poached and plentiful, served in a deliciously rich sauce of fennel, Aquavit and cream, with a heavy basket of thick dipping bread. Mains took a much-needed break from the fish, with all three chosen in perfect contrast, laid out next to each other like they belonged together. Beef Rydberg had succulent morsels of rare tenderloin, sautéed in a sharp blend of potatoes, onions, herbs and red wine sauce, all covered with a cut-open poached egg. House-smoked salmon fillet was perfectly accompanied with stewed wild morels and fingerling potatoes. Creamy asparagus and morels with aubergine risotto would make an Italian jealous, again mixed with a poached egg.

A decent selection of mostly New World wines, plus an even mix of reds and whites all served by the glass. The pinots and chardonnays are very well represented, while adventurous drinkers should sample the ice-cold Aquavits – Scandinavian flavored spirits- or highly imaginative mixology cocktails.

With a menu as varied and confusing as theirs, one can be excused for consulting a fellow waiter. Apart from that minor quibble, the staff are gracious, courteous and always on hand to answer (or try to, at least) any questions.

A dinner for two clocked up a HK$800 bill.