Haus Zirngast

Thomas Gruber’s cuisine centres on carefully sourced ingredients from the surrounding area, prepared with discipline and clarity. Each dish is reduced to what truly matters: flavour, product quality and respect for the people behind it. Traditional Styrian recipes appear on the plate with subtle, modern touches, sometimes shaped by international influences, but never losing their character. There is no unnecessary decoration, only honest cooking that highlights seasonality, time and technique. The result feels personal, grounded and focused on depth rather than display.

Restaurant Zirngast introduces a gourmet regulars’ table, an informal yet carefully curated space where guests can experience Thomas Gruber’s cooking at close range. The setting encourages conversation, trust and a shared appreciation of food without stiffness. It is an invitation to step slightly behind the scenes, to experience the flow of service and the essence of his philosophy in a more direct and personal way.

Schladming sits between the Dachstein massif and the Schladming Tauern, offering wide open landscapes and a strong connection to nature. The area is known for its commitment to sustainability and has received recognition for its environmental and cultural efforts. Historical sites, walking routes and seasonal activities shape the rhythm of the town throughout the year. The compact centre is easy to explore on foot, making it simple to move between nature, architecture and local culture while staying close to the restaurant.

At Zirngast, classic recipes such as Steirerkrapfen are treated with respect, sometimes kept exactly as they were, sometimes given a subtle new angle. The aim is always the same: to honour familiar flavours while allowing space for creativity and contemporary thinking. This balance between past and present, mountain and city, simplicity and refinement, defines what makes this kitchen so distinctive in the Schladming region.