The story
Landgasthaus Essl in Krems an der Donau delivers seasonal Austrian cuisine defined by regional sourcing and technical clarity. Under Chef Philipp Essl, the kitchen treats products with respect, building menus around what the harvest provides. The approach earns recognition as a secure culinary haven in the Wachau, highlighted by a 15.5 score from Gault&Millau.
The menu showcases Weinviertler Solospargel dressed with poppy seed fresh cheese, Salatherzen, and an elderflower-buttermilk marinade. Stör from Gut Dornau arrives accompanied by a rich Verjus-Beurre-blanc sauce. Dunkelsteiner Reh appears frequently, prepared with Hollerkoch and a potato-mushroom roulade. Comfort staples like Grammelknödel pair with apricot-chili kraut, while Blunzn-Focaccia uses Gurkerl relish to complement local wines.
The dining experience focuses on the Essenz:Menü, a tasting format that adapts to daily availability and seasonal shifts. Marie-Theres Essl guides guests through the service with calm attentiveness. The kitchen presents modern Heimatküche, updating familiar regional flavors with precise craftsmanship. The setting supports unhurried meals, allowing time for conversation between courses.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
The Landgasthaus Essl is a culinary safe haven in the Wachau: lovers of pan-fried chicken will be just as happy here as gourmets. The “seasonal cuisine,” featuring dishes with a seasonal focus, is served at lunch and dinner, and impresses with its sophistication and craftsmanship – as well as its steadily rising standard. Pickled Weinviertler single-stem asparagus with poppy seed fresh cheese, lettuce hearts, elderflower, and buttermilk marinade refreshes on summer days. Excellent: verjus beurre blanc, which (thankfully) accompanies the sturgeon from Gut Dornau in generous portions. Dunkelstein venison is almost always on the menu and tastes particularly good with elderberry compote and potato-mushroom roulade. Hearty: lard dumplings with apricot-chili sauerkraut or crispy fried blood sausage focaccia with gurgel relish as a perfect match for the wines. Address: Rührsdorf 17, 3602 Rührsdorf, Austria Contact: 02714 63 84 info@landgasthaus-essl.at https://www.landgasthaus-essl.at/ Opening hours: Wed–Fri 11:30–14:00 and 18:00–21:00, Sat 11:30–14:30 and 18:00–21:00, Sun 11:30–15:00 see homepage Team: Philipp Essl, Chef; Marie-Theres Essl, Maître d'
Location
Facebook
Instagram