Guarda Val Maiensäss-Hotel

The story

Guarda Val Lenzerheide: Swiss Alpine Cuisine in a Historic Mountain Hotel

The kitchen and its philosophy

Chef Paul Berberich leads the kitchen at Guarda Val in Lenzerheide, where Swiss alpine cuisine meets the precision of modern fine dining. Located in the village of Sporz, this historic Maiensäss hotel houses a gourmet restaurant that grounds international techniques in the local terroir of Graubünden. The German executive chef brings extensive experience from renowned establishments to define an approach described as Swiss Alpine cuisine with accents from modern haute cuisine. The team sources herbs from alpine slopes and meat from nearby farmers, treating the region as a culinary identity. A rating of 16 points from Gault Millau reflects the balance of exceptional products and precise craftsmanship. The restaurant plans a transformation in October 2026 to expand guest areas while keeping these foundational values.

Standout dishes and natural flavors

Signature creations highlight the versatility of regional ingredients. The Alpe-Piora pork appears as a filling in a dumpling paired with cured ham, alongside a preparation marinated in pork broth and herb oil. Vegetarian options include egg yolk tagliolini served with calf liver, black truffle, and spinach. Meat courses feature a lamb rack from the Alpstein combined with a belly ragout and potato foam. The fish kitchen offers grilled salmon with green apple and Jerusalem artichoke, followed by sea bass with caviar and beluga lentils. Sweet finishes include a buckwheat glaze with sea buckthorn and white chocolate mousse. Every table requests the crisp potato bread, an alternative to sourdough.

Atmosphere and setting

Dining takes place within the original cowshed restaurant of a renovated Maiensäss, preserving rustic charm against modern comfort. Large windows frame panoramic views of the Lenzerheide mountains and the Albulatal valley. Beyond the main dining room, guests can visit the Fö outdoor restaurant, where chefs cook sophisticated natural cuisine over an open fire under the starry sky. The Sul Tegt sun terrace features Asian-style loungers and a fountain, offering space to relax after hiking through the surrounding nature. Traditional gatherings continue in the Bündner Stube Crap Naros, where local cheese specialties follow old farmer almanac recipes.