À la carte in the heart of nature – soulful dining at Restaurant Waldrast

Perhaps the most exciting news of the season: we are welcoming Stefano as the new head chef at Waldrast. Originally from Varese, he brings everything that enriches our cuisine – a deep understanding of South Tyrolean culinary culture combined with a subtle Mediterranean influence that makes every dish feel lighter, more vibrant, and full of surprises. Stefano has not only learned South Tyrolean cuisine – he has truly embraced it, and now brings his own distinctive signature to the table.

You can feel his passion in every dish. When he is not in the kitchen, Stefano spends his time outdoors – together with his dog, exploring the trails around Waldrast, the forests, and the mountains of South Tyrol. This connection to nature is not just a concept for him; it is part of everyday life – and it is reflected directly on the plate. What changes this season is not the philosophy of our kitchen, but its expression: Stefano adds his personal touch to values that have always guided us – everything handmade, everything rooted in origin, cooking as true craftsmanship.

A great restaurant thinks of every guest, and we take that seriously. Vegetarian guests will not find a simple pasta with tomato sauce offered as an afterthought, but carefully created dishes worth reserving a table for – inspired by the season, rooted in the region, and always willing to look beyond the obvious.

And because we are so excited, we can already reveal a little secret: one of this season’s specialties will be a reinterpretation of traditional South Tyrolean krapfen filled with game meat. Bold? Absolutely – in the best possible way. A true explosion of flavor and, at the same time, the perfect expression of what Waldrast stands for: deeply rooted in the region, courageous in creativity, always with a touch of playfulness.

Evenings with a view – terrace, stube, and the perfect aperitif

When the weather cooperates – and in South Tyrol it often does – there is no more beautiful place than our terrace. You sit down, evening slowly settles over the mountains, and the sun disappears peacefully behind the peaks. Everything becomes quiet. It feels as though you can see everything while completely switching off at the same time.

Especially an aperitif on the terrace has something almost magical about it – a glass in your hand, the last rays of sunshine on your skin, good company around you. That is how an evening should begin.

On cooler summer days, our cozy stube and spacious floor-to-ceiling windows invite you inside. The interiors are bright and open because we never want guests to feel enclosed – indoors should always feel connected to the outdoors.

The perfect pairing – wine and more

The right wine completes a meal – and as a sommelier, this is something especially close to my heart. A great glass of wine completes an evening in a way that is difficult to put into words. It complements the dish, the atmosphere, and the company around the table. Our philosophy is simple: a little less, but of exceptional quality.

Our wine list focuses on carefully selected South Tyrolean wineries, but also includes discoveries from other regions and countries – because sometimes it is the unexpected bottle that truly completes the evening. Guests looking for non-alcoholic options will also find thoughtfully chosen alternatives, as this area has evolved tremendously in recent years.

Our bar is open throughout the day – whether for an espresso in the morning, an ice cream sundae after a hike, or a cocktail to end the evening. For hotel guests, hikers, and anyone simply looking to pause for a moment.

Reserve your table – we look forward to welcoming you

Our restaurant is open in the evenings, and we highly recommend making a reservation, as we consciously welcome only a limited number of guests. Not to be exclusive, but to ensure that every guest truly feels comfortable and cared for.

The restaurant is not only open to hotel guests – everyone from the surrounding area who appreciates fine food is warmly welcome. A table with us is always an invitation to discover South Tyrol at its very best culinary side.

People do not come here simply to eat. They come to experience an evening. To slow down, indulge, and perhaps discover something new. Stefano and his team can hardly wait to welcome you – and neither can we.