Loewengrube

The story

Loewengrube: Modern Cuisine in Bolzano's Oldest Inn — Michelin Recommended

Loewengrube in Bolzano

At the corner of Piazza della Dogana in Bolzano, an inn has stood since 1543. The Wirtshaus Löwengrube is the city's oldest guesthouse, and today it brings together centuries of local history with a thoroughly modern approach to dining. The restaurant has earned a Michelin Recommended distinction for its refined, internationally inspired cooking — a recognition that feels earned rather than sought.

Chef Thomas Tutzer and the Kitchen

The kitchen is led by chef Thomas Tutzer, who describes his cooking as a play of "sense pleasures and taste moments." His menu draws on South Tyrolean tradition, Italian heartiness, and international flavours. The result is a cuisine that feels both grounded and adventurous — rustic and refined at once.

Tutzer works with ingredients like Black Angus beef, amberjack, Bresse poularde, and seasonal vegetables from local producers such as Eggerhof. The à la carte menu offers cold and warm starters, main courses, and desserts, while the tasting menu presents a curated sequence of dishes — from scallop in orange blossom crust to veal fillet Rossini or rock octopus, finishing with a Bronte pistachio parfait.

The restaurant's philosophy is built on two principles: variety in ingredient selection and cultural context, and wholeness in the sensory experience. This is modern cuisine that respects its roots.

A Space Across Centuries

Dining at Löwengrube means eating inside history. The main dining room is preserved in neo-Gothic style, complete with an Art Nouveau tiled stove. A show kitchen brings contemporary energy to the old walls, while the lounge offers a more relaxed setting with modern design and curated music.

The wine cellar is a destination in itself. Dating to around 1280, it holds over 1,000 labels from South Tyrol, Italy, and beyond. Guests can taste at the wine bar, book a private tasting with the sommelier, or arrange a closed event in the medieval vaults.

Löwengrube also offers a business lunch, takeaway and delivery, and catering for events. It is open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.