Wirtsstube im Hotel Burkhard

The story

Wirtsstube im Hotel Burkhard – Bib Gourmand Country Cooking in Wernberg-Köblitz

Tradition on the Market Square

The Burkhard family has been running its hotel and country inn on Wernberg-Köblitz’s market square for three generations. The spirit of that legacy is most tangible in the Wirtsstube, a dining room where rusticity meets modern comfort. The restaurant’s consistent quality has earned it multiple Bib Gourmand awards from Michelin – a recognition of good cooking at fair prices that the kitchen wears with quiet pride.

The Kitchen’s Philosophy

Chefs Josef Braun and Thomas Leyerer lead a team that works by a simple principle, one they quote from Paul Bocuse: “A true and good kitchen consists of ninety percent high-quality, fresh ingredients and ten percent imagination.” Their cooking stays close to the land – light, sustainable dishes sourced mostly from organic producers. The style is home cooking at its most refined, with roots in both German country cooking and French bistro technique.

What’s on the Plate

The weekday lunch menu changes weekly and offers a snapshot of the kitchen’s approach. A recent line-up included sweet potato and turmeric soup with sesame, fermented pak choi with barley and papaya chutney, and a fillet of Victoria perch on wild garlic risotto with sautéed radishes – finished with an espresso for €23. The à la carte list features classics such as slow-braised pork shoulder in dark beer gravy with potato dumplings and cabbage salad, or a Cordon Bleu of pork loin with fries. For those who prefer lighter, vegetable-forward dishes, there are herb gnocchi with sheep’s cheese and beetroot.

Fine Dining Evenings

Beyond the daily menus, the team occasionally hosts fine dining evenings. On select Saturdays, they present a ten-course “Amuse Bouche” menu of small delicacies for €110 per person. Groups of eight or more can request a bespoke six-course menu with a matching wine journey. The kitchen is also happy to accommodate vegan or vegetarian requests when notified in advance.

The Setting

Wirtsstube im Hotel Burkhard offers several dining spaces – from a traditional wood-panelled stube to a newly renovated dining room. In warmer months, outdoor seating on the market square is available. Whether it’s a quick lunch between business stops or a leisurely dinner, the atmosphere remains welcoming and unhurried, true to its family-run roots.