Falstaff Restaurant Guide 2026

The region of Saalfelden Leogang once again confirms its outstanding culinary reputation: the new Falstaff Restaurant Guide 2026 lists two restaurants from the region among the top 10 in the province of Salzburg. With exceptional ratings and a special personality of the year, the region once again demonstrates its strong position in gastronomy and fine dining.

In the Falstaff Restaurant Guide 2026, two restaurants from Saalfelden Leogang rank among the top 10 in the federal state of Salzburg: Kirchenwirt Leogang received 97 out of 100 points, while Restaurant Dahoam at Hotel Riederalm was awarded 96 out of 100 points, placing them among the highest-rated establishments in the province. Both restaurants have also been awarded Michelin stars and Gault&Millau toques and are among the most renowned addresses in Austria’s gourmet scene.

All other restaurants from Saalfelden Leogang listed in Falstaff 2026 can be found here: falstaff.com

These distinctions impressively highlight the culinary diversity of the region – ranging from traditional inn culture and innovative regional cuisine to internationally inspired concepts. The high quality of the kitchens, combined with creative ideas, premium products and authentic hospitality, makes Saalfelden Leogang a true culinary hotspot in SalzburgerLand.

 

Sommelier of the Year: Hans-Jörg Unterrainer

Another significant award for the region is particularly pleasing: Hans-Jörg Unterrainer from Kirchenwirt Leogang has been named Sommelier of the Year in the Falstaff Restaurant Guide 2026. Together with his sister Barbara Kottke, he runs the traditional hotel and restaurant “Der Kirchenwirt seit 1326”, which celebrates its impressive 700th anniversary this year. The historic establishment is considered an institution of hospitality – not least thanks to its exceptional wine cellar. Rare and mature premium wines from around the world are stored there, carefully curated by Hans-Jörg Unterrainer with great passion. His expertise extends far beyond wine: before dedicating himself entirely to the world of fine wines, Unterrainer enjoyed an international career as a professional snowboarder until 2009, winning medals at competitions from Austria and the USA to South Korea. Today, he delights guests with his knowledge, his instinct for extraordinary wines and his personal philosophy: “Listen to your heart – and otherwise to the sommelier.”

 

Culinary excellence with a regional signature

The multiple distinctions in the Falstaff Restaurant Guide confirm the high standards upheld by the gastronomy businesses in Saalfelden Leogang. They demonstrate how closely regional products, craftsmanship and creative culinary artistry are connected here. For guests, this means an exceptional culinary range – from authentic Alpine cuisine to modern fine-dining experiences at the highest level.

 

Photo: Great applause for an outstanding achievement: Hans-Jörg Unterrainer (center) receives the award as Sommelier of the Year. Credit: Falstaff / Andreas Tischler