A tasty meal tops off an active day outdoors

Fresh air and outdoor activities build up a well-earned hunger, and one of the best parts of a holiday is sitting down at a ready-made table. You can leave behind the hustle of cooking and washing dishes, and embark on a culinary journey around the world. At the restaurants in Ruka-Kuusamo, you can treat yourself to a new gourmet experience every day.

Five reasons to choose a local restaurant during your Ruka holiday

All five Riipinen Restaurants can be found in the vicinity of Ruka village, making them easy to pop into when hunger strikes. For those in a rush, you can grab a quick bite with a stuffed sandwich from Subway, a juicy burger from R U OK Burger, or the guaranteed quality of Kotipizza. For a more relaxed atmosphere and evening vibes, head to Pizzeria Ruka at the base of Kelorinne. This cozy spot is known for its crispy, specialty pizzas baked in an authentic Italian stone oven, famous among all Ruka visitors.

The newest member of the Riipinen restaurant family, Vespino, brings the cozy atmosphere of traditional Alpine villages to Ruka. Mountain food should be hearty, flavorful, and packed with energy so you can keep moving.

– Pasta is quick to prepare, and for us Finns who grew up on macaroni and spaghetti, it’s a perfect fit, says restaurant owner Henrik Riipinen with a smile. 

– You can come to Vespino for lunch in your ski boots during a day on the slopes, and we don’t mind if your après-ski stretches out a bit.

A taste of Italy in the heart of Kuusamo

The Italian kitchen found its way into Henrik Riipinen’s heart years ago. He and his family have made several trips to discover the local food culture, from the Alps to Milan, all the way down to the heel of the boot.

– In Italy, dining is a social event shared with family and friends. The main meal of the day is eaten in the evening, but lunch might be a quick pasta and a glass of wine enjoyed at the bar.

At Vespino, the pasta is made fresh from genuine Italian flour. The silky dough is pressed through the pasta machine, ensuring it's always fresh and delicious. A pinch of Parmesan finishes the pasta dish perfectly.

– Finnish flour just doesn’t work for making perfect pasta, but most of our ingredients are still sourced locally. Reindeer, mushrooms, berries, fish..., Riipinen explains. 

– Both Finnish and Italian food cultures value local ingredients, fresh produce, and generous portions. Small plates don’t cut it in the mountains, and carbs keep hunger at bay for longer, Riipinen adds knowingly.

Pasta & Musica – pasta and troubadours

The blend of Finnish and Italian culture was also on display last week with the first-ever Pasta & Musica event. The duo Aino & Aleksi, playing cover songs, kicked off Vespino’s themed evenings. More music-filled evenings are planned for the upcoming winter season, with the next Pasta & Musica night taking place during the festive season between Christmas and New Year.

– In Italy, it’s common for a troubadour to play in the background, while food and conversation take center stage. Pasta & Musica was designed as an event where customers come primarily to eat, but they also get to enjoy some familiar tunes. In Italy, it’s not unusual for people to break into a dance during a meal, and we certainly wouldn’t mind seeing that at Vespino either, Henrik chuckles.

Vespino’s first themed evening exceeded expectations – the atmosphere was relaxed, and the restaurant was packed. It’s a good idea to make a reservation in advance. The easiest way to do so is from the comfort of your own sofa, ensuring your holiday meals go smoothly without any queues.

We’ll be announcing the artists for the Pasta & Musica evenings on Vespino’s channels soon. There are some pleasant surprises and familiar names coming up, so stay tuned, Henrik hints.

Read more: www.vespino.fi

Published: 4.10.2024
Text: Salla Karhumaa
Photos: Riipinen Restaurants

In collaboration with Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association & Riipinen Restaurants.