Kuusamo’s Restaurant Tapio rises to Michelin level – restaurateur couple’s years of hard work rewarded with the industry's prestigious star

Johanna Mourujärvi, 33, and Connor Laybourne, 32, opened their restaurant in the heart of Ruka Village on December 23, 2023, after operating for a short time in the center of Kuusamo. The restaurant was originally established in 2018 in Posio, where Johanna is from. 

The Finnish-English couple runs their tiny restaurant with a two-person team. Johanna manages the 18-seat dining room, and Connor handles the kitchen. Everything is done by themselves, including cleaning and dishwashing – they have no additional help. 

• We manage because we are ambitious, long-term professionals, we both have a high work ethic, and we are ready to work longer hours than usual. We strive to be better at our work tomorrow than we are today, Connor says. 

The unique ingredients of the north as the key to success 

Named after the king of the forest, Restaurant Tapio offers customers a seasonally changing menu featuring northern, unique ingredients. The drink menu consists of natural wines and Finnish beers. 

• Our style is modern Nordic fine dining. We focus on high-quality local ingredients and aim to keep them as simple yet sophisticated as possible by using both modern and traditional techniques, Connor describes. 

Quality and freshness are guaranteed by ingredients sourced from Mourujärvi's family farm, from berries and vegetables to reindeer and wild products. 

Working as a couple 

Johanna and Connor fell in love while working in a hotel kitchen in the United Kingdom. They gained experience and skills in star-rated restaurants in both England and France. In 2018, the duo decided to move to Finland, to Johanna's hometown, at least for a trial. When Connor couldn't find a meaningful job, they founded Tapio. 

• It's not always easy to balance work and private life. We have learned to resolve disagreements constructively through discussion. When the restaurant doors open, professionals step into their roles, and their collaboration works seamlessly, Connor says. 

Years of hard work rewarded with Michelin recognition 

The foundation of Michelin stars includes the quality of ingredients, the preparation and harmony of flavors, the personality of the food, value for money, and consistency. The coveted star means a lot to restaurateurs. Achieving and maintaining a high level of quality requires professionalism, unwavering focus, and the ability to handle pressure. 

• I am extremely happy, satisfied, and grateful. Also relieved, as I have worked as a chef since I was 15 years old and have dreamed of this moment ever since. This recognition encourages us to create even more amazing culinary experiences inspired by the ingredients of the northern nature. I hope the star attracts both new and returning customers on a culinary journey to our restaurant, Connor Laybourne summarizes. 

Ruka-Kuusamo area celebrates Restaurant Tapio's success 

Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association rejoices in the success of their newest member. Tourism in the area has been growing since 2017. The growth has brought new target groups to the area, and as a result, the restaurant offerings have evolved to meet the needs of the modern consumer. Fine dining experiences utilizing northern ingredients are a fantastic addition to the area's diverse tourism offerings. 

• We warmly congratulate Restaurant Tapio on their Michelin star and welcome food travelers to experience the culinary art of the world’s northernmost Michelin-starred restaurant, says Marko Säkkinen, Chairman of Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association.