OZ

The story

OZ Restaurant Cazis – Michelin-Starred Vegetarian Dining in Fürstenau, Switzerland

OZ: A Grand Stage for Vegetables in Fürstenau

In the tiny town of Fürstenau, the smallest in the world, OZ offers a dining experience that is as intimate as it is innovative. The name itself is derived from the Romansh word for “today,” capturing the restaurant’s essence: a celebration of the moment, the fresh harvest, and the joy of spontaneity.

Here, vegetables are not a side note but the main event. Chef Simeon Nikolov, under the direction of Andreas Caminada, draws inspiration from daily forays through the restaurant’s own garden. What catches his eye in the morning can appear on your plate just hours later, prepared with imagination and respect. The philosophy is rooted in seasonality and creativity, with the harvest from the castle garden forming the core of every dish. Gardeners Jérôme and Chille Racine, along with Jon Dietler, cultivate the land using permaculture principles, fostering a thriving microcosm of biodiversity that supplies the kitchen with produce of unparalleled freshness.

The setting is as distinctive as the cuisine. Instead of traditional tables, a horseshoe-shaped counter wraps around the open kitchen, allowing guests to watch as each dish is composed. This setup encourages conversation with the chefs and service team, creating a deliberately intimate atmosphere. Leaving out meat, fish, and shellfish is not a sacrifice here but an inspiring challenge, one that has earned OZ a Michelin star, a Green Michelin star for sustainability, and 16 Gault&Millau points. While eggs and dairy from Graubünden are used, a vegan menu is readily available on request.