The story
Sonnenstüble in Mittelberg delivers refined Alpine cuisine inside the historic Hotel Birkenhöhe. Heiner and Magdalene Bantel opened this guesthouse in 1968, and today their children Bärbel, Matthias, Felix, and Niklas continue the family legacy. The kitchen received a complete overhaul in 2021, adding a show counter that lets guests watch the evening service unfold. This multi-generational approach grounds every plate in a clear sense of place.
Felix Bantel directs the kitchen with a strict focus on local procurement. Holding a GenussWirt certificate, the team builds menus around Kleinwalsertal dairy, Walser Buura beef, and forest game. These regional staples sit comfortably beside imported elements like Sylter matjes and premium seafood. The resulting Alpine cuisine respects seasonal limits while maintaining technical precision.
Critics have taken notice of this disciplined approach. The Gault&Millau guide awarded the venue 15.5 points, specifically highlighting Felix Bantel’s foamed lobster soup enriched with aged cognac and a delicate lobster raviolo served with saffron and sea bass jus. A confected Ländle apple finished with rum and pistachio nougat closes the meal.
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One of the most ambitious newcomers of the past two years has not disappointed us in the slightest this year either in his cozy sunroom at Hotel Birkenhöhe. Rather, Felix Bantel delivered yet another masterclass with high-quality matjes herring from Sylt, accompanied by a yogurt vinaigrette and Imperial caviar, as well as a foamed lobster soup enriched with aged cognac. And because lobster is always welcome, we simply must highlight the lobster ravioli with saffron, jus from line-caught turbot, and lemongrass velouté, which is already tipped to become a sunroom classic. This was followed by Dover sole served with French fries and spinach leaves on a shallot beurre blanc – simply divine! – and a confited local apple with rum and pistachio nougat. Always an unforgettable experience! Address Oberseitestraße 34, 6992 Hirschegg/Kleinwalsertal, Austria Contact 05517 5587 kuechenchef@birkenhoehe.com https://www.birkenhoehe.com/ Opening Hours Fri–Sun 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Mid-April to early May 2026 Team Felix & Matthias Bantel, Chefs
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