The story
Michael Sicher guides a kitchen alongside sommelier Wolfgang Sicher, where the menu follows the rhythm of Carinthian nature rather than fleeting trends. The foundation lies in the Woder Teich pond, which supplies fresh char and trout using crystal-clear spring water directly from the property. This direct access allows the team to craft preparations that highlight the purity of local aquaculture without relying on external suppliers. Beyond the water, Sicher maintains a biodynamic garden featuring old plant varieties and a lush herb patch, ensuring ingredients travel only meters from soil to plate.
The house's reputation centers on self-produced char caviar, hand-harvested from the family's own ponds. Described as liquid gold within the kitchen, the roe offers radiant orange pearls and a delicate richness that anchors many of the season's signatures. This dedication to precision has earned a 17-point rating from Gault&Millau, recognizing creative fish cuisine that meets international standards. The menu expands to include other species like huchen and crayfish, while also delivering rigorous vegetarian and vegan options that adhere to the same seasonal discipline.
Guests dine within a repurposed sawmill, where the structure retains its industrial character while providing a stylish setting for modern gastronomy. Large openings frame views of the surrounding old forests, and the terrace sits so close to the canopy that meals feel immersed in the woods. Artworks integrated into the space create a visual dialogue with the natural materials used throughout the interior. The restaurant's ecological ethos is formalized by a Michelin Green Star, reflecting the short supply chains and sustainable farming methods that define every aspect of the operation.
Recognition
Ambience
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History
The Sicher restaurant in Tainach (Carinthia) is a culinary gem – it quickly becomes apparent that passion, creativity, and craftsmanship come together here. The ambiance is impressive: an old sawmill has been carefully transformed into a stylish dining room, where nature and art blend seamlessly; on the terrace, you sit almost in the forest. The kitchen clearly focuses on fish, particularly char and trout, combining them with numerous local ingredients. The house's own fish farm and the famous Sicher char caviar are testaments to great care and sustainability. Char (both river and lake varieties) is always on the menu, and the dishes are now considered the benchmark. All of this is well-known and has remained unchanged. What guests might not yet know: The Sicher family supplies itself (and by extension, the restaurant). Biodynamic farming using heritage plant varieties and a lush herb garden are Michael Sicher's greatest pride. Rightly so, in our opinion. Address Mühlenweg 2 9121 Tainach Austria Contact 04239 26 38 office@sicherrestaurant.at https://www.sicherrestaurant.at/ Opening Hours Wed–Fri 17–21, Sat 11.30–14 and 17–21; variable January to March and October 2026 Team Michael Sicher Chef Lena Sternig Sous Chef Martina Sicher Maître d' Niklas Benett Sommelier Pastry Chef
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