Alpenkönig - Esslust

The story

Alpenkönig - Esslust in Oberstaufen: Seasonal Fine Dining in the Allgäu

Restaurant Esslust at Hotel Alpenkönig

In the heart of the Allgäu, Restaurant Esslust at the family-run Hotel Alpenkönig offers a dining experience rooted in the region. The kitchen, led by head chef Manuel Gorbach, focuses on seasonal cuisine that is both soulful and refined. The team works with respect for nature, using the finest products sourced directly from local partners—a philosophy that has earned the restaurant a Michelin recommendation.

The atmosphere reflects the hotel's broader design ethos: clear, honest, and with a distinct sense of place. The dining rooms, known as the Alpenkönig Stuben, are cozy and welcoming, designed for enjoyment rather than show. Here, the focus is on the small and exquisite—select ingredients, creative dishes, and a carefully curated wine list.

Soul Food and Fine Dining

The menu changes with the seasons, but one constant is the legendary Wiener Schnitzel, made with tender veal from a local butcher and served on Schnitzel Monday with a glass of fine wine from a magnum. For a deeper exploration, guests can choose from half-board options: a classic four-course menu or an à la carte version that lets you build your own meal from the kitchen's offerings.

Wine is taken seriously at Esslust. Sommelier Yanik Bentele, a member of the Bentele family that has run the hotel for three generations, brings his expertise to the table, recommending perfect pairings for each dish. This attention to detail, from ingredient to glass, makes every meal feel both grounded and special.