The story
Chef Siegfried Zenz directs the culinary program at Schlosswirt Kornberg in Feldbach, applying a clear framework to traditional Styrian cuisine. His approach avoids unnecessary complexity, relying instead on honest techniques and a generous hand with garden herbs. This careful attention to local sourcing and straightforward preparation recently secured the restaurant a Gault&Millau 11 rating. Patrons move freely between the intimate Stüberl lounge and the stone-paved inner courtyard while waiting for their tables.
Current offerings feature a robust chanterelle goulash prepared with locally foraged mushrooms and tender cuts of pork. The kitchen also maintains a steady supply of Wiener Schnitzel sourced specifically from the native volcanic breed pig, which thrives in the same mineral-rich soil that defines the surrounding terroir. Diners sharing larger tables frequently request the massive flambéed skewers that follow an archived household recipe. Each dish arrives with simple vegetable accompaniments that highlight the immediate harvest rather than masking it with heavy reductions.
The dining halls occupy a building originally constructed as a medieval watchtower in 1284. Sixteenth century renovations introduced Renaissance architectural elements and vaulted ceilings that remain visible above the wooden beams. The Bardeau family has overseen the estate continuously since 1871, preserving both the structural integrity and the hospitality tradition. Evening bookings often reserve the Rittersaal for candlelit gatherings that pair authentic Styrian cooking with staged historical performances.
Recognition
Ambience
Location