Gasthof Blumenthal

The story

Gasthof Blumenthal, Spalt – Bib Gourmand Country Cooking in Franconia

A Family Affair in Franconia

Gasthof Blumenthal in Spalt is a true Franconian gasthof, run by the same family for six generations. The heart of the operation beats in the kitchen, where chef Elias Pirner leads a dedicated team. The philosophy is simple: cook what the region offers, at its peak. That means trout and char from the family’s own breeding, herbs from the garden, game from the nearby Wernfelser hunt, and asparagus from Beerbach. Bread comes from local Spalt bakers, meat from Spalt butchers, and fruit and vegetables from the Franconian Knoblauchsland. The drinks list follows suit: beer from Stadtbrauerei Spalt and Franconian wines.

This commitment to place and season earned the house a Michelin Bib Gourmand, awarded for “good quality, good value cooking.” The guide specifically mentions “Oma's Sauerbraten mit Kloß” – a classic grandmother-style pot roast with dumpling – as a dish that embodies the honest, satisfying country cooking on offer. Beyond the Bib Gourmand, Gasthof Blumenthal also holds a Michelin Green Star, a recognition given to only a handful of restaurants worldwide for their serious approach to sustainability.

The setting matches the food: warm, unpretentious, and welcoming. Guests can choose between cozy stubes, a lovely terrace, or a beer garden in good weather. The team, from sous chef Angelina Laux to service lead Roberta Gartner, ensures that everyone feels looked after. For special occasions, wedding planner Pia-Malou Schichler helps craft celebrations that feel personal and true. This is a place where tradition and modern hospitality meet – and where the meal itself is the reason to return.