The story
Alexander Groß steers the kitchen at Jamek in Krems an der Donau, grounding his approach to Wachau cuisine in the immediate landscape. His preparations begin well before summer arrives, relying heavily on early spring ingredients like wild garlic. The menu adapts rapidly to what the region yields, transforming foraged greens and fresh dairy into the core of each Austrian cooking service.
Visitors frequently order the apricot dumpling wrapped in fine kataifi strands, which rests in a smooth curd cream beside a concentrated apricot roast. Heartier selections feature a slice of braised beef cheek accompanied by uniformly crisp potato strips cut into thin rods. House-made ravioli appear when ripe tomatoes allow for simple, reduced fillings that highlight the fruit itself.
Diners usually claim a table in one of two shaded guest gardens that provide a calm backdrop to the afternoon service. Johannes Altmann and his team navigate the space with steady efficiency, delivering meals with a consistently warm demeanor. Each course pairs naturally with a bottle of Riesling from the nearby Klaus vineyard, tying the entire meal to the valley floor.
Recognition
Location