The story
At ammolite – The Lighthouse Restaurant in Rust, the philosophy is clear: concentrate on the essence. Chef Peter Hagen-Wiest and his team practice a kitchen built on solid technique, where the character of the primary ingredient takes centre stage. “Less is more” is the guiding principle, and the results are plates of Modern Cuisine that are as grounded as they are refined.
The kitchen draws on regional producers from the Black Forest and Kaiserstuhl, letting the quality of the produce speak. The menus, such as the eight-course “Around the World” and the vegetarian “Green Forest,” show a kitchen that balances creativity with clarity. Dishes like trout with passion fruit and beet, or Kalbsbries with bergamot and morel, demonstrate a commitment to precise, harmonious flavours. The vegetarian option, featuring chawanmushi with broccoli and morel, or a fagottini with nettle and Parmesan, is equally considered.
Constancy is the highest maxim here. Chef Hagen-Wiest insists on mastery of the fundamentals before any flights of fancy. The result is a dining room where the service, led by restaurant manager Lisa-Marie Schmidt, is attentive and intuitive. Sommelier Sascha Schmidt curates a wine list that spans regional greats and international discoveries, offering pairings that complement each course.
The restaurant has held two Michelin stars since November 2014, a recognition of the team’s unwavering standards and their ability to deliver a genuinely memorable evening. In a region with many fine options, ammolite stands apart for its refusal to rely on mere spectacle, focusing instead on what truly matters: the taste on the plate.
Recognition
Ambience
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