Lurgbauer, Mariazell

Celebrated table

Lurgbauer

Chef Maximilian Leodolter turns his family’s Styrian Angus herd into a focused menu of boiled beef, smoked trout, and seasonal dinners at this remote mountain restaurant.

The story

Lurgbauer Mariazell: Alpine Beef Kitchen and Farm Stay

The chef and the pasture

Lurgbauer Mariazell delivers refined Austrian beef cuisine from a working farmstead located far within the Mariazellerland. Chef Maximilian Leodolter raises Aberdeen Angus cattle on these steep pastures and processes every animal on site. He strips away unnecessary garnishes to let the meat speak for itself. A recent fifteen point rating from Gault&Millau confirms that this disciplined focus resonates with critics who value honest sourcing over theatrical presentation.

Boiled beef and regional waters

The kitchen anchors its dinner service around a pot simmered since morning, yielding tender slices of gekochtes Rindfleisch served with chive sauce and potato rösti. Summer guests frequently choose cold smoked Mariazeller trout accompanied by pickled kohlrabi and toasted walnuts. Slow braised ox tail appears as a rich risotto layered with eternal cabbage and blueberry chutney. These plates define the modern interpretation of the traditional Austrian kitchen while keeping prices grounded and portions generous.

Timber walls and quiet valleys

The dining room features exposed timber beams and mounted cow hides that reflect the daily rhythm of the farm. Located along a gravel track through dense forest, the property requires a deliberate journey to reach. Clay plaster and sheep wool insulation maintain a steady indoor climate throughout the year. Servers move at a measured pace that complements the unhurried geography and the straightforward character of the meals.

Recognition

Awards & accolades

2026
Gault&Millau
15
15

Ambience

A glimpse inside

Details

At a glance

Gault&Millau 2026 — 15

History

On the record

2026
Gault&Millau — 15

The journey to the charmingly remote alpine farm of the Leodolter family is adventurous: were it not for occasionally spotting one of the farm's own Angus cattle, you would easily think you were on the wrong path. The menu primarily features top-tier beef cuisine, with a welcome change of pace offered by the delicious cold-smoked Mariazeller trout served with pickled kohlrabi and nuts. An absolute highlight that is worth nearly every detour is the boiled beef. Served alongside its classic accompaniments, this incredibly flavorful and tender cut is an absolute benchmark for this preparation method. The pastry offerings are impressive, and the wine list, carefully matched to the dishes, is concise. Rustic yet extremely friendly service. Address: Lurg 1, 8630 St. Sebastian bei Mariazell, Austria. Contact: 03882 37 18, lurgbauer@mariazell.at, https://www.lurgbauer.at/. Opening hours: Wed–Sat 12:00–14:00 and 18:00–20:15, Sun 12:00–15:00; see website. Team: Maximilian Leodolter, Chef.

Established

Location

Find us

Lurg 1, 8630 St. Sebastian bei Mariazell, Steiermark, Österreich
Mariazell, Austria
03882 37 18
Visit website
Map showing Lurgbauer