Johann Grill

The story

Johann Grill, Berchtesgaden – Michelin-Recommended Classic Cuisine with Alpine Views

A Restaurant Named for a Mountaineer

Johann Grill (1835–1917) was the first to climb the Watzmann East Face, a feat of alpine endurance. That same spirit of achievement drives the team at Johann Grill, the restaurant inside Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden. Under the leadership of chef Hendrik Franz and restaurant manager Bettina Zechmann, the kitchen delivers a menu rooted in Bavarian tradition and regional produce. The restaurant earned a Michelin Recommended distinction in 2026, a fitting nod to its consistent quality.

Classic Cuisine from the Region

The kitchen focuses on classic cuisine built from local ingredients. Breakfast begins with an alpine spread of local specialties. Dinner showcases seasonal creations that change throughout the year. One constant is the signature dish: pan-fried salmon trout from the nearby Stanggass fish farm, served on a vinegar-lemon broth with fresh fennel. It is a clean, precise plate that lets the mountain-raised fish speak for itself. The signature drink, a Berchtesgaden Mule, blends Kempinski’s house gin (distilled by the local Grassl distillery using juniper and alpine herbs) with cloudy apple juice and house-made ginger lemonade.

An Evening with Ulrich Heimann

For a deeper dive into the kitchen’s ambition, the Chef’s Table by Ulrich Heimann offers a rare experience. The two-Michelin-starred chef hosts a six-course dinner for just eight guests, complete with wine pairing and Champagne aperitif. The next dates are 8 May and 9 October 2026. It is an intimate, conversational evening where the food and the surrounding Alpine panorama share equal billing.

Atmosphere and Setting

The dining room opens onto a terrace with uninterrupted views of the Berchtesgaden mountains. The dress code is smart casual. Outdoor seating is available in season, and the restaurant is wheelchair accessible. The team also accommodates vegetarian preferences and offers wine pairing. The result is a relaxed yet polished setting that matches the precision of the cooking.