Restaurant Aroma closes: JRE-Chef Pasquale Carfora concludes a remarkable chapter in the Veluwe
Restaurant Aroma Italian Fine Dining in Vaassen will close its doors in May 2026. The decision has been made jointly by the Leune family and JRE chef Pasquale Carfora.
Aroma opened four and a half years ago with an ambitious vision: to bring a refined, contemporary Italian cuisine to the heart of the Veluwe. In a short time, the restaurant built an impressive reputation. Among its achievements are being named Italian Restaurant of the Year, a consistent listing in the global 50TopItaly ranking (the 50 best Italian restaurants outside Italy), and mentions in the Michelin Guide, Gault&Millau, and the Lekker Top 100. In 2025, Pasquale Carfora was named Chef of the Year by JRE.
More than recognition alone
While these accolades affirm the vision behind the project, they represent only part of the story, according to the owners.
“We built Aroma with passion and discipline,” says Pasquale Carfora. “The most important results are not the awards, but the connection with our guests and the emotions we have been able to share over the years.”
A meaningful farewell: Atto 19
The decision to close marks the conclusion of an intense and consistent chapter. The restaurant will remain open until early May 2026. All reservations up to that point will be honored, and guests can expect the same high-quality standard that Aroma is known for.
In the weeks leading up to the closure, chef Pasquale Carfora will present a special farewell menu: Atto 19. Starting April 2, he will present nineteen scenes, each rooted in a memory, a flavor, or an encounter from five years of Aroma — a personal retrospective in one menu.
Looking ahead
As Aroma writes its final chapter, the chef is taking time to reflect on new projects. While he does not yet know where he will land, he remains open to opportunities that align with his vision, experience, and craftsmanship.
“I don’t yet know which direction it will take, but I’m always open to discussing inspiring plans where I can play a role.”
Aroma