Sankt Gilgen, Austria
From Michelin Guide
It's a shame you can't enjoy Stefan Fischer's high-calibre cuisine all year round. The surprise menu consists of five to eight contemporary and innovative courses, with dishes such as smoked South Burgenland pigeon from southern Burgenland with umeboshi plum, spelt, consommé, shiitake mushroom, elderberry and rowanberry. Wine pairing recommendations come courtesy of the amiable and highly qualified sommelier. This tastefully designed restaurant occupies the first floor of a modern pavilion on the waterfront promenade – as one would expect, spots on the terrace are much in demand. The floor-to-ceiling windows ensure spectacular views from inside, too. The establishment also runs a café on the ground floor.
From Visitor Experiences
1. Surprise Menu with Innovative and Regional Ingredients
Atelier Fischer offers a surprise menu consisting of five to eight contemporary and innovative courses. The dishes creatively combine regional ingredients such as smoked South Burgenland pigeon with umeboshi plum, spelt, consommé, shiitake mushroom, elderberry, and rowanberry, showcasing an unusual blend of local and international flavors.
2. Culinary Art and Exploration of Unusual Ingredients
The restaurant concept emphasizes the meeting of culinary art and innovation. It is not just about artful preparation but also about exploring unusual ingredients and pushing culinary boundaries, making the dining experience both creative and experimental.
3. Location and Ambiance with Waterfront Views
Atelier Fischer is located on the first floor of a modern pavilion on the waterfront promenade in Sankt Gilgen. The floor-to-ceiling windows provide spectacular views, and the terrace is highly sought after, enhancing the dining experience with a scenic and elegant atmosphere.
From Visitor Experiences
Atelier Fischer in Sankt Gilgen, a Michelin-starred restaurant, features several honored and signature ingredients that define its creative and contemporary cuisine:
Reinanke Fish (Wolfgangsee Char): This local freshwater fish is central to the signature dish "Der Wolfgangsee," where Chef Stefan Fischer transforms it into a visually artistic and refined creation, highlighting regional aquatic produce.
Smoked South Burgenland Pigeon: Used in one of the surprise menu dishes, this ingredient is paired with umeboshi plum, spelt, consommé, shiitake mushroom, elderberry, and rowanberry, showcasing a blend of smoky, fruity, and earthy flavors that reflect both local and international influences.
Umeboshi Plum: A Japanese salted plum that adds a distinct sour and salty note, used alongside smoked pigeon to elevate the dish's complexity and balance.
Spelt: An ancient grain that provides texture and a nutty flavor, complementing the protein and other elements in the pigeon dish.
Shiitake Mushroom, Elderberry, and Rowanberry: These ingredients contribute umami, sweet, and tart notes respectively, enriching the dish's flavor profile and connecting to the local foraged and cultivated produce.
These ingredients exemplify Atelier Fischer's approach of combining local Austrian specialties with creative, international touches to deliver innovative and high-quality dishes. The use of regional fish and game, combined with unique flavor enhancers like umeboshi plum, underscores the restaurant's commitment to both tradition and creativity.