Created by acclaimed Finnish chef Arto Rastas, the flagship restaurant celebrates the North’s eight distinct seasons through exceptional local ingredients, contemporary cuisine and a curated Champagne experience
Debuting for the 2027 Arctic season, Arcora Boutique Hotel & Villas is unveiling Restaurant 8, its flagship dining destination in Finnish Lapland. Created by acclaimed Finnish chef Arto Rastas, the restaurant draws inspiration from the North’s eight distinct seasons, translating the region’s changing landscapes, light and ingredients into an evolving culinary experience.
Guests can choose from an eight-course tasting menu or three- and four-course options, each reflecting the seasonal abundance of Lapland. Alongside Kajo Bar & Artisan Bakery and Pyry Champagne Bar, Restaurant 8 forms the heart of Arcora’s food and beverage offering, bringing together northern ingredients, modern techniques and a strong sense of place.
“Growing up in Rovaniemi, I experienced first-hand how closely life, ingredients and the seasons are connected,” says Chef Arto Rastas. “Restaurant 8 allows me to bring together more than 30 years of experience with the flavours and traditions of my home region. I want to create something that could only happen here in Lapland, respecting exceptional local ingredients while presenting them in a modern and slightly unexpected way.”
Restaurant 8: A New Expression of the North
Moving beyond the conventional four-season calendar, Restaurant 8’s menus follow eight periods, from Midwinter and Snowy Spring to the Midnight Sun, Harvest Season, First Auroras and Polar Night. Large windows frame Muonio’s surrounding wilderness, making the changing Arctic light an integral part of the experience.
Reindeer, northern fish, berries, Puikula potatoes, wild mushrooms, spruce and foraged herbs feature prominently. Japanese culinary techniques bring precision to the cooking while allowing each ingredient’s natural character to shine. A signature example is pan-seared reindeer loin with dark liquorice root sauce, braised mushrooms and blackcurrant, balancing rich, earthy and subtly bitter flavours.
An extensive wine collection complements the menus, spanning celebrated Champagne houses, prestigious estates and rare discoveries. Hosted and self-guided tastings invite guests to explore notable producers and the stories behind their wines.
From Morning Light to Arctic Night
At Kajo Bar & Artisan Bakery, freshly baked breads, signature buns, pastries and handcrafted cakes provide a relaxed counterpoint to fine dining. Specialty coffee, all-day dining and an indulgent Afternoon Tea featuring northern-inspired creations, including Tar Salmon & Roe and Reindeer & Pickled Onion, make it a welcoming gathering place throughout the day. Arctic-inspired cocktails and sophisticated alcohol-free alternatives complete the offering.
As evening falls, Pyry Champagne Bar offers a more celebratory experience. Ruinart leads a carefully curated Champagne selection featuring iconic names such as Krug and Dom Pérignon, alongside distinctive bottles including Leclerc Briant Abyss. Selected Champagne is served in the Ultima Thule glass, designed by Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala in 1968. Champagne-based cocktails, international classics and premium alcohol-free drinks broaden the choice.
Together, Arcora’s three dining destinations create a culinary journey from morning coffee to Champagne beneath the Arctic sky, united by craftsmanship, seasonal ingredients and a distinctive northern identity.
For more information: arcora.fi. Rates start from £750 per night for two people sharing, including breakfast and spa access.
