Goldene Sonne

The story

Goldene Sonne: Seasonal Contemporary Dining in Neuenstein, Germany

Pleasure and Ethics

"Es geht um Freude." At Goldene Sonne in Neuenstein, the guiding principle is that pleasure and ethics are not opposites. Since opening in May 2022, chef Heiner Bohnet has built a kitchen that combines handcrafted excellence with genuine hospitality. The restaurant earned a Michelin Recommended award for its focused, ingredient-driven approach.

Bohnet changes the menu weekly, drawing on the finest regional produce. Many vegetables come from a local community-supported farm; over 70 herbs and flowers grow in the restaurant’s own beds. Whole animals are sourced from nearby producers, then broken down and used in their entirety. French culinary tradition provides the backbone, but the expression is decidedly contemporary.

The Kitchen and the Cellar

Heiner Bohnet’s career has been defined by a drive to learn and expand his skills. At Goldene Sonne, he brings his own vision to the plate. Alongside him, sommelier Constanza Piccolo crafts wine pairings from young and renowned estates across Europe and Argentina. Her selections are thoughtful, designed to complement the seasonal menu without overshadowing it.

A recent French-themed menu illustrated the kitchen’s precision: chicorée with orange and walnut, a Marseillaise fish soup with mussels and knurrhahn, foie gras with Anuschka potato and quince, and a main course of pintade fermière with winter truffle and topinambur. The dessert featured Valrhona chocolate as a tarte, with plum sorbet and spiced compote.

A Changing Menu

Beyond the tasting menu, Goldene Sonne also hosts themed weeks. An Argentine week brought dishes like grilled flank steak with chimichurri, gambas al ajillo, and a Don Pedro dessert. The wine list, curated by Piccolo, included bottles from Mendoza, Patagonia, and Salta.

The restaurant’s three guest rooms, furnished with solid wood and white cotton, allow guests to stay overnight after dinner. The service remains classic yet warm, aiming for the best possible evening.

The weekly newsletter provides regular insight into what’s behind each menu. For those who value seasonality, craft, and the honest pleasure of a well-made meal, Goldene Sonne is a destination.