Weingärtnerhaus

The story

Weingärtnerhaus in Donauwörth – Michelin Recommended Fine Dining at Schloss Leitheim

A Historic Setting for Fine Dining

The Weingärtnerhaus, a timber-framed building from 1542, sits on the grounds of Schloss Leitheim high above the Danube. The name recalls the vineyards that once terraced the slope below. Inside, guests dine by an open fire or a decorative tiled stove, and a private Prälatenstube is available for closed events. The atmosphere is elegant yet unhurried – a place where the past and present settle comfortably around the table.

Chef Paul Zinsmeister and His Cuisine

Paul Zinsmeister grew up near Leitheim and trained at the Schwarzwälder in Augsburg, later cooking at Dehner Blumenhotel, Kloster Holzen, and the Gault Millau-acclaimed Restaurant Ecke Stuben. He earned a Bib Gourmand in Neuhof before bringing his craft to the Weingärtnerhaus. His cooking is described by the Schlemmer Atlas as “Mediterranean-inspired, down-to-earth” – a style built on fresh regional ingredients and a changing monthly menu. The Guide Michelin has praised dishes such as warm veal head carpaccio with prawns and truffle sabayon, and Zander Berlin-style with blood sausage and mashed potatoes. Expect refined International cuisine that respects the seasons.

The Wine Experience

Colette Zinsmeister selects the wine list, with a particular strength in South African estates alongside German, Italian, and French bottlings. Schloss Leitheim also produces its own Pinot Blanc from the south-facing vineyards – a fresh, fruity white that makes a fitting gift from the region. The Weingärtnerhaus has been recognised with the Michelin Recommended award for 2026, a continuation of the restaurant’s long-standing reputation for quality.