Waldschänke
Grieskirchen, Austria
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
A family business par excellence! While owner Heinz Grabmer and his motivated team take care of the service side of things, Elisabeth Grabmer and son Clemens form a well-oiled machine in the kitchen. They skilfully navigate between classic and modern cuisine, the highlight of their handiwork being the two set menus. These feature dishes such as wonderfully rare fillet of Almenland ox accompanied by well-seasoned king trumpet mushrooms and oyster mushrooms with beautiful roasted notes and an aromatic small spelt foam finished with a terrific jus boasting shine and depth. The à la carte menu is a little more traditional – for example, creamed veal or baked carp. Thanks to its location on the edge of the forest, the garden terrace is a lovely spot in summer - ‘bird concert’ included!
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Unique / Unconventional Things about Waldschänke, Grieskirchen
1. Family-Run Culinary Team Dynamic
Waldschänke is operated as a true family business where owner Heinz Grabmer and his team manage the service, while Elisabeth Grabmer and their son Clemens run the kitchen. This close-knit family collaboration allows them to skillfully blend classic and modern cuisine, creating a well-oiled operation that is both personal and professional.
2. Location and Ambiance with a Natural "Bird Concert"
The restaurant is uniquely situated on the edge of a forest, offering a garden terrace that becomes a charming spot in summer. Guests can enjoy their meals accompanied by the natural soundtrack of birdsong, which adds an unconventional and immersive nature experience to fine dining.
3. Menu Featuring Rare Regional Ingredients and Traditional Dishes
Waldschänke’s menu stands out by featuring rare and regionally sourced ingredients such as the fillet of Almenland ox paired with king trumpet and oyster mushrooms, finished with a spelt foam and a deep, aromatic jus. Alongside this, the à la carte menu preserves traditional dishes like creamed veal or baked carp, blending innovation with heritage.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Waldschänke in Grieskirchen are:
Regional vegetables and herbs: The kitchen emphasizes a deep connection to regional produce, using fresh vegetables and herbs to reinterpret traditional dishes with creativity and refined lightness.
Beetroot grown in clay soil: This ingredient is highlighted as a signature element, often paired with morels, showcasing the restaurant's focus on local, earthy flavors and seasonal produce.
Game and traditional inn classics: While not a single ingredient, the use of game and traditional regional meats is significant, as the chef combines these with creative reinterpretations of classic dishes, reflecting the culinary heritage of Upper Austria.
Family farm-sourced ingredients: The culinary philosophy is rooted in the chef Elisabeth Grabmer’s upbringing on a farm, which influences the use of authentic, home-style, and regional ingredients that honor the local terroir and traditions.
These ingredients are used to create dishes that blend tradition with innovation, maintaining a strong regional identity while elevating the flavors with modern techniques and presentation. The focus is on sustainability, authenticity, and a close relationship to the local environment, which is reflected in every dish served at Waldschänke.