Dorfstube

The story

Dorfstube in Reutlingen – Swabian Cuisine with Michelin Recommendation

A Taste of the Swabian Alb

In the small town of Sonnenbühl, just outside Reutlingen, the Dorfstube is the more casual dining arm of the Romantik Hotel Hirsch. Here, the kitchen stays true to the same philosophy that has earned the main restaurant a Michelin star since 1994: straightforward, regional, and high-quality. The Michelin guide has now also recognised the Dorfstube with a Recommended award for 2026, a nod to its consistent, ingredient-driven approach.

The Chef’s Philosophy

Head chef Gerd Windhösel is a devoted advocate of the Swabian Alb. His cooking is rooted in the landscape, working with Alb-Lamm, Alb-Wagyu, Alb-Büffel, and organic vegetables from local growers. The German magazine Der Feinschmecker once named him the best proponent of regional cuisine in Baden-Württemberg, and that spirit defines every plate at the Dorfstube. There is no showmanship, only flavour and quality.

What to Expect

The menu changes with the seasons, reflecting what is available from nearby farms. Whether you sit in the cosy Dorfstube or the adjacent Stuben, the food is a direct expression of the Swabian Alb – robust, earthy, and precise. It is a place where the ingredients speak for themselves, and where the connection between plate and place is unmistakable.

A Welcoming Atmosphere

The Dorfstube is part of a family-run hotel that has been welcoming guests for generations. The interior is warm and understated, with a terrace for outdoor seating in fine weather. The service is personal and unobtrusive. For anyone seeking a genuine taste of Swabian cuisine in a setting that feels both special and relaxed, the Dorfstube delivers exactly that – without pretence, and with the confidence of a kitchen that knows its land.