Landhaus Bacher
Mautern an der Donau, Austria
⭐2 Stars
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
A remarkable symbiosis of tradition and modernity has been created here. Thomas Dorfer's cuisine sees classic, elegant elements perfectly allied with Asian and Mediterranean influences, which, far from following fashionable trends, instead highlight special details, such as the fantastic BBQ sturgeon coated in sweet soy sauce, which harmonises beautifully with oven-cooked peppers, pata negra oil, grilled watermelon, fresh almonds and almond purée. There are four set menus to choose from, plus an appealing lunch set menu – but all dishes can be ordered individually. Senior chef Lisl Wagner-Bacher's classics, such as the baked egg with caviar, still feature on the menu. There is also an impressive selection of wines. The highly attentive service provided by a team led by restaurant manager and sommelier Susanne Dorfer-Bacher is top-notch too. Opt to dine inside in an elegant country house atmosphere, or in the gorgeous garden.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Here are three unique or unconventional aspects of the Michelin-starred restaurant Landhaus Bacher in Mautern an der Donau:
1. Fusion of Tradition and Modernity with Asian and Mediterranean Influences
Landhaus Bacher’s cuisine, led by Thomas Dorfer, creates a remarkable blend of classic Austrian culinary tradition with Asian and Mediterranean elements. This is not a mere trend-following fusion but a thoughtful highlighting of special details, such as the BBQ sturgeon coated in sweet soy sauce paired with oven-cooked peppers, pata negra oil, grilled watermelon, fresh almonds, and almond purée. This synthesis of flavors exemplifies a sophisticated and original approach to classic dishes.
2. Legacy and Continuity of Culinary Excellence
The restaurant’s reputation was established when chef Lisl Wagner-Bacher took over in 1979, transforming it from a place known for fried chicken into a gastronomic powerhouse. Her culinary philosophy and signature dishes, like the baked egg with caviar, remain on the menu, preserving a strong sense of heritage. Her son-in-law, Thomas Dorfer, continues this legacy while innovating, ensuring a unique continuity of style and quality across generations.
3. Combination of Fine Dining and Boutique Accommodation
Landhaus Bacher is not only a restaurant but also offers ten individually decorated rooms for guests to stay overnight. This combination of high-class dining with elegant, contemporary lodging in a country house setting, including a romantic garden shaded by walnut trees, provides a holistic and immersive experience that goes beyond typical restaurant offerings.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred Landhaus Bacher in Mautern an der Donau include:
Sturgeon: Featured in a standout dish of BBQ sturgeon coated in sweet soy sauce, paired with oven-cooked peppers, pata negra oil, grilled watermelon, fresh almonds, and almond purée. This dish exemplifies the blend of classic and modern influences in the cuisine.
Boiled Beef: Used in one of chef Thomas Dorfer's signature dishes, raviolo with boiled beef, which reimagines Austrian classics with elegance and creativity.
Caviar: Incorporated in traditional dishes such as the baked egg with caviar, a classic by senior chef Lisl Wagner-Bacher that remains on the menu, highlighting the restaurant's respect for culinary heritage.
Almonds and Almond Purée: Complement the sturgeon dish, adding texture and flavor that balance the savory and sweet elements.
Pata Negra Oil: Adds a luxurious, nuanced flavor to dishes like the BBQ sturgeon, reflecting the restaurant's fusion of Austrian and Mediterranean influences.
These ingredients are significant as they showcase Landhaus Bacher's philosophy of combining tradition with modernity, using high-quality, often local or specialty components to create refined, innovative dishes. The use of sturgeon and caviar underscores the restaurant's commitment to luxury and classic Austrian flavors, while the inclusion of elements like pata negra oil and almond purée demonstrates a sophisticated, international touch.