Reck's

The story

Reck's Restaurant in Salem: Country Cooking with Michelin Bib Gourmand

A Family Affair

In Salem, just a short distance from Lake Constance, the three Reck sisters—Annette, Christine, and Alexandra—run Reck's Hotel-Restaurant. Their philosophy is straightforward: honest, flavourful country cooking made from fresh, seasonal, and regional ingredients. Chef Alexandra Reck, trained at Freiburg's Colombi Hotel and under three-star chef Dieter Müller, favours gentle cooking methods that let the produce speak for itself. The kitchen is a member of Slow Food, and the restaurant has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its good quality, good value approach to country cooking.

The Setting

The restaurant offers three distinct dining rooms, each with its own character. The Salemer Stube is distinguished by a baroque stucco ceiling and antique parquet flooring, reflecting the artistry of sculptor Joseph Anton Feuchtmayer. The Hans Thoma Stube is cosy and rustic, with carved chairs, wooden figures, and a classic tiled stove. The Roter Salon, dressed in red, features a grand piano from the family's history and rotating art exhibitions. In warm weather, meals move to the garden terrace, set within a large park-like garden with a water feature.

The Food

The menu changes with the seasons, but always emphasises regional produce. A typical meal might begin with a field salad with speck, croutons, and caramelised walnuts, followed by roasted poulard breast with fresh bean vegetables and princess potatoes. Desserts are homemade, such as a passion fruit mousse with fresh strawberries. Hearty classics like Wiener schnitzel, beef roulade, and a vegetarian spätzle gratin sit alongside lighter options. The kitchen also offers a daily recommendation, often featuring local fish or game.

A Place to Stay

Reck's is also a hotel with 25 rooms and two apartments, complete with a sauna, a Japanese garden, and an art gallery. It's a member of Small Charming Hotels, making it an ideal base for exploring the Lake Constance region. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Friday through Tuesday; closed Wednesdays and Thursdays.