The story
The Alpenroyal Gourmet Restaurant in Selva di Val Gardena draws its inspiration from nature’s own quiet alchemy: a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, a bud opens into a fragrant flower, seeds yield nourishing hops. This belief in turning the simple into something extraordinary underpins every dish served here.
Set within the Grand Hotel Alpenroyal, the restaurant offers contemporary cuisine that travels from the immense oceans to Alpine herbs and plants, from Mediterranean shores to the spices of India. The kitchen works with the finest raw materials, respecting each ingredient’s intrinsic quality.
Chef Mario Porcelli brings a distinctly southern sensibility to the Dolomites. Hailing from Puglia, he infuses his cooking with lightness of spirit and creativity. The hotel describes him as a young talent whose roots lie not in the Alps but in the Italian south. His ability to select only the freshest prime products and his ethical respect for the ingredients define his approach. Porcelli’s menus change regularly, always aiming to delight guests with new creations – “royal moments in royal cuisine.”
The restaurant holds a Michelin star, a testament to the high-quality cooking that Porcelli and his team deliver nightly. The dining room enforces a smart casual dress code (no shorts or sandals) and welcomes guests from Monday to Saturday, 19:30 to 21:00. An interesting wine list, air conditioning, and outdoor seating in warmer months complement the experience. The atmosphere is refined yet unhurried, a place where the mountain setting and the plate come together in quiet harmony.
For those seeking contemporary fine dining in the heart of the Dolomites, Alpenroyal Gourmet delivers a thoughtful, ingredient-driven meal that honours both tradition and innovation.
Recognition
Ambience
Location