Our Story
Restaurant Aanaar is located in Inari, on the beautiful banks of the Juutua River, in connection with Wilderness Hotel Juutua.
Aanaar offers a relaxed fine dining experience rooted in the rhythm of northern nature, pure ingredients, and a carefully considered whole. The restaurant’s kitchen draws its inspiration from the surrounding environment and tells the story of the region in a calm and timeless way. Aanaar is a place where food, surroundings, and atmosphere come together as a unified experience. The view opening from the panoramic windows onto the Juutua River and the surrounding forest is an essential part of dining. The seasons are both visible and tangible in the restaurant: in summer, light fills the space; in autumn, the landscape glows in the colors of fall; and in winter, blue twilight and the northern lights create a unique backdrop for dinner. The restaurant’s interior is modern and Scandinavian, with a restrained respect for the surrounding nature. Natural materials, clean lines, and a calm color palette create an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. Aanaar is equally suited for a celebratory dinner, an important moment, or as part of the overall experience of a journey to Lapland. In Aanaar’s kitchen, everything begins with the surrounding nature. The food philosophy is based on northern ingredients, traditions, and the changing seasons. Dishes are built around what the forests, lakes, and fells have to offer at any given time. On the plate, you might encounter different cuts of reindeer, whitefish and trout from Lake Inari, as well as wild ingredients such as spruce shoots, angelica, lichen, and wild herbs. Ingredients are sourced primarily from local producers, fishers, reindeer herders, and foragers. The menu lives with the seasons and changes in step with nature’s cycle, making every visit slightly different. The goal is to respect each ingredient and let its flavor speak for itself. At Aanaar, food and drink form a thoughtfully curated whole. The beverage selection is designed to support and deepen the culinary journey. Cocktails are built around wild herbs, Finnish berries, and natural ingredients, with a particular focus on syrups and juices from northern small-scale producers. The wine list is curated to complement the flavors of the dishes, featuring both classic and exciting new producers. In addition, the selection includes Finnish craft beers, ciders, and carefully chosen non-alcoholic options that reflect the same appreciation for craftsmanship and quality. Restaurant Aanaar has been listed multiple times among Finland’s 50 Best Restaurants. In addition, the Finnish Gastronomic Society selected Aanaar as Restaurant of the Year in 2020, a significant recognition from professionals in the restaurant industry. Aanaar’s distinctive cuisine, rooted in northern nature, has also attracted international interest, and the restaurant has been featured in several food and travel publications. Aanaar represents Arctic fine dining where authenticity, quality, and a carefully considered whole are at the core.
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