Cradled high above the Kleinwalsertal, Sonnenstüble in Hirschegg pairs Alpine serenity with contemporary culinary finesse. This intimate dining room inside Hotel Birkenhöhe showcases the next-generation vision of chef Felix Bantel, where Sonnenstüble + Hirschegg becomes a byword for elevated regionality. Expect modern Austrian sensibilities, an exacting seasonal rhythm, and a quietly luxurious experience that has discerning travelers seeking one of the best restaurants Hirschegg can claim.

The Story & Heritage
At this peacefully situated mountain hideaway, the kitchen’s evolution mirrors the landscape: grounded, deliberate, and constantly renewed. Under Felix Bantel, the restaurant honors its roots while embracing modern technique—think pristine local produce, clarified flavors, and artful restraint. Sonnenstüble’s ties to Hotel Birkenhöhe lend a sense of continuity and hospitality, with a culinary philosophy that respects tradition but moves confidently forward. Recognized by Michelin for its poised, regional cooking and polished service, the dining room has matured into a destination for Hirschegg fine dining, underscoring a heritage of comfort recast through a contemporary lens.

The Cuisine & Menu
Bantel’s cuisine is clean-lined Alpine cooking with a modern accent: bright acids, precise textures, and a sense of place. A set menu is offered in two pathways—conventional and vegetarian—alongside a concise à la carte that changes with the seasons. Expect signatures like Char from the Breitach with buttermilk, sorrel, and trout roe; Venison Saddle “Wälderstil” with juniper jus, swede, and fermented lingonberry; and Alpine Beetroot Tartlet with hazelnut and mountain goat’s cheese. Sourcing favors regional producers and sustainable practices, with delicate foraged herbs and dairy from nearby valleys. Dietary accommodations are handled thoughtfully with advance notice. The positioning is fine dining—refined, focused, and experience-driven.

Experience & Atmosphere
Sonnenstüble’s room is a cocoon of warm wood paneling, a tiled Kachelofen glow, and discreet, well-spaced tables—an ambiance that whispers luxury without ostentation. Service is attentive and precise, led with the easy confidence of a seasoned Alpine house. The wine program is a quiet treasure: a smartly curated list rich in Austrian terroir and dotted with rarities from Italy and France, with thoughtful pairings guided by a skilled sommelier. Reservations are essential—seating is limited and the experience unrushed. Expect a smart-casual dress code leaning elegant; private dining and special celebrations can be arranged on request. Aperitifs and digestifs are offered in a lounge-like corner, where the view stretches across peak and pasture.

Closing & Call-to-Action
Choose Sonnenstüble for an assured, modern articulation of Alpine gastronomy—intimate, seasonal, and distinctly Hirschegg. Reserve two to three weeks ahead, especially for weekends and holidays, and consider the full tasting with wine pairings to appreciate the cellar’s depth. For those seeking the best fine dining in Hirschegg, this is the table to book—quietly exclusive, deeply rooted, and impeccably executed.