Gault&Millau 2026 Highlights Austria's Rising Culinary Stars and Industry Trends

The latest edition of the Gault&Millau Restaurant Guide for 2026 has been released, spotlighting Austria's leading culinary talents, innovative restaurants, and shifting industry dynamics. The renowned guide, a benchmark in gastronomy, recognizes excellence across restaurants, hotels, and wine producers, underscoring the continued evolution of Austria's hospitality landscape.

Among the notable achievements, Thomas Dorfer, head chef at Landhaus Bacher in Lower Austria, has been awarded a fifth 'Haube'--the highest distinction in the Gault&Millau system--after receiving 19 points. Dorfer leads the family-run establishment alongside Susanne Bacher-Dorfer, offering a blend of classic cuisine complemented by international influences, particularly from Japanese and South American traditions. Landhaus Bacher is also recognized for its diverse menu offerings and role as a model training establishment for future culinary professionals.

Vitus Winkler has been named Chef of the Year 2026. Operating the family-owned Designhotel Sonnhof in St. Veit im Pongau, Salzburg, Winkler's restaurant, Kräuterreich, emphasizes a deep connection to regional ingredients, local producers, and sustainable culinary practices. His approach combines creativity with respect for nature and local resources, presenting innovative dishes while supporting the local economy.

The guide also notes a marked increase in female representation among award recipients. Four awards under the banner of 'young female power' highlight the emergence of a new generation of women in top culinary positions. Theresia Palmetzhofer from Gasthaus zur Palme in Mostviertel earned her fourth Haube, while Lisa Morent from s'Morent in Tyrol was recognized as Newcomer of the Year. Julia Knoll of Bruderherz Fine Dine in Fiss, Tyrol, received the Patissière of the Year award, and Gloria Conti from Ikarus im Hangar-7 in Salzburg was awarded for service excellence.

Austria's culinary scene continues to grow, with the number of top-rated restaurants increasing. In the 2026 guide, a total of 780 restaurants received at least one Haube. The distribution includes:

• 5 Hauben: 9 restaurants
• 4 Hauben: 82 restaurants
• 3 Hauben: 161 restaurants
• 2 Hauben: 277 restaurants
• 1 Haube: 251 restaurants

Tyrol saw the largest increase in high-ranking establishments, with five new entries scoring 17 points or more. The region leads with 25 top-tier venues, followed by Vienna with 15 and Salzburg with 14. Vienna maintains the highest overall concentration of quality restaurants, with 168 Hauben venues, ahead of Tyrol, Styria, and Lower Austria.

The guide also introduced 69 new restaurants, with Tannenhof in St. Anton am Arlberg entering at the four-Hauben level. Other notable risers include Gasthaus Fuchs in Weppendorf, Schankkuchl am Pogusch, and Loft in Vienna.

Additional accolades include:

• Wirtshaus of the Year: Zum fröhlichen Arbeiter, Burgenland
• Viennese Wirtshaus of the Year: Gelbmanns Gaststube, Vienna
• Hotel of the Year: Post am See, Upper Austria
• Gault&Millau Ambassador: Tim Mälzer
• Lifelong Achievement: Karl Jan Kolarik, Schweizerhaus, Vienna
• Gastronomes of the Year: The Huth Family, Vienna
• Barkeeper of the Year: Marcus Philipp, Eden Bar, Vienna
• Beer Menu of the Year: Herzog's Bierbotschaft, Styria
• Alpine Hut of the Year: Grawandhütte, Tyrol

The guide's Future Awards, supported by VERBUND, recognize sustainable and innovative hospitality projects in each Austrian region, celebrating initiatives such as Boutiquehotel Stadthalle in Vienna and Biohotel Stillebach in Tyrol.

In South Tyrol, Peter Girtler of Gourmetstube Einhorn was named Chef of the Year, with Pramol Alto as Newcomer of the Year and OLM Nature Escape as Hotel of the Year.

The Gault&Millau Wine Guide 2026 marks a shift to a 100-point evaluation system, aligning with international standards. Top honors include Sommelier of the Year René Kollegger, best wine list at Alpenstern Damüls, and Wine of the Year awarded to Prieler Blaufränkisch Ried Goldberg 2022 from Burgenland. Special recognition for alternative wines and sparkling selections went to Jaunegg Jardin d'herbes and Malat Blanc de Blancs Große Reserve, respectively.

The Gault&Millau guides remain a central reference in Austria's dining and hospitality sectors, reflecting trends such as rising female leadership, regional diversity, and a growing emphasis on sustainability and innovation.