Gault&Millau 2026: Saalfelden Leogang Shines with 19 Toques

With 19 Gault&Millau toques awarded to seven restaurants, the region once again confirms its reputation as a culinary highlight of the SalzburgerLand. The top establishments impress with a perfect balance of traditional Alpine cuisine, creative interpretations of regional ingredients, and refined international influences.

 

Kirchenwirt – 4 Toques, 18 Points
At the historic Kirchenwirt, tradition meets innovation. Head chef Stefan Birnbacher creates seasonal menus such as cured Alpine salmon with verjus or iced sour cream, complemented by exquisite wines that guarantee the highest culinary quality. The unique atmosphere, the renowned wine cellar of host, sommelier and Jeunes Restaurateur (JRE) Hans-Jörg Unterrainer, and the warm, personal service make every visit a truly exceptional experience. In 2026, the listed Kirchenwirt celebrates its 700th anniversary.

dahoam – 4 Toques, 17 Points
The gourmet restaurant "dahoam" at the Good Life Resort Riederalm delights guests with its creative regional cuisine. Hotelier, head chef and Jeunes Restaurateur (JRE) Andreas Herbst and his team work almost exclusively with locally sourced ingredients. On their “Journey through Leogang”, the diversity of regional flavours is brought to life — from Leogang tomatoes and char with elderflower miso to tenderly roasted veal. The calm, elegant atmosphere and perfectly paired wines complete this culinary experience.

Silva – 4 Toques, 17 Points
The fine-dining restaurant "Silva – Taste the Forest" at Naturhotel Forsthofgut blends forest-inspired creativity with culinary luxury and has gained an additional toque compared to last year. Chef Michael Helfrich crafts dishes such as langoustine with caviar or wild-caught pike-perch with smoked eel. The open kitchen, thoughtful storytelling, and perfectly coordinated wine pairings make each course a feast for all the senses.

Ess:enz – 2 Toques, 13.5 Points
The fine-dining restaurant at Naturresort Puradies impresses with a new team, a modern concept, and now, an additional toque. In its elegant setting, seamlessly connected with nature through large panoramic windows, creative dishes such as “Garden of Eating” salads, cured beef fillet, or lamb ravioli are served. A stylish combination of uncomplicated soul food, refined presentation, and expert wine pairings.

1617 – 2 Toques, 13.5 Points
Located within the elegant ensemble of the Forsthofgut, the restaurant 1617 serves Austrian cuisine with authentic character. Beef tartare, fondues, and a trio of lamb are prepared directly at the table, accompanied by traditional folk music. A diverse selection of wines ensures a perfectly balanced dining experience.

Rupertus – 2 Toques, 13 Points
The Biohotel Rupertus in Leogang has stood for certified organic indulgence and relaxation since 1977. It focuses on sustainable gastronomy and a creative organic kitchen. The culinary team interprets regional, 100% organic ingredients with great creativity and a clear zero-waste philosophy. Here, sustainability and culinary excellence go hand in hand.

Mizumi – 1 Toque, 12.5 Points
The Japanese lake restaurant Mizumi at the Forsthofgut brings Far Eastern cuisine to the Alps. Perfectly handcrafted nigiri, sake pairings, and rare delicacies such as inari or toro captivate guests. Authentic preparation, premium ingredients, and elegant presentation make Mizumi a truly unique culinary gem.

 

With 19 Gault&Millau toques across seven top restaurants, Saalfelden Leogang strengthens its position as a gourmet destination where Alpine tradition, creative cuisine, and international influences meet in perfect harmony. Gourmets can look forward to an exceptional year of fine dining in 2026.

Notably, two restaurants — the Kirchenwirt and "dahoam" — were also awarded Michelin stars in 2025, further cementing the region’s culinary prestige.

Once again, Saalfelden Leogang proves that it ranks among the top destinations in SalzburgerLand — not only for its natural beauty, but also for its outstanding cuisine.