Schloss Schauenstein : Obergass 15, 7414 Fürstenau

Absolutely incredible experience! Last year, we celebrated a dual anniversary at Schloss Schauenstein, which also marked their 20th anniversary—such a special occasion. We had the pleasure of staying in Suite Luft at the top of the castle, and the room was fantastic, with stunning views of the landscape. The winery tour was a highlight, and the castle itself is breathtaking both inside and out. Inside, there’s an impressive mix of modern art and fascinating antiques, with the paintings in the parlour being especially stunning. The evening’s food, drinks, and service were nothing short of extraordinary—truly a living work of art. Chef Caminada is a genius. A big thank you to him and the entire team for making this such a memorable experience for us. We made memories that will last a lifetime. If you have the chance to go, don’t hesitate—it’s an experience you won’t forget!

The location in the old castle is truly epic, with intricate details, beautiful furniture, and thoughtful decorations making Schloss Schauenstein a visually stunning destination. The combination of traditional and modern elements is well-executed. Upon arrival, we were welcomed with an afternoon snack and offered tea or coffee in a separate building, followed by a brief tour of the estate. However, for dinner, the experience felt a bit rigid. We were unable to choose our own schedule or start when we wanted. Everything was orchestrated to their timing, which added a layer of stress as we were rushed from room to room, often without having finished our drinks. The dinner began with 10 different small amuse-bouche courses, which were beautifully presented but lacked variety and a memorable taste experience. Many of the dishes were vegetable-based and overly sour, leaving the palate unengaged. The service staff, while polite, presented the courses in a robotic manner and were unable to answer many questions about the ingredients or their origins. This lack of knowledge detracted from the overall dining experience. The wine list was similarly underwhelming. The choice of Dom Perignon as the house champagne felt commercial, further reinforcing the impression that profit maximization was prioritized over curating a unique, personalized experience. We opted for the main menu with two extra sides, but the portions were small and failed to impress in terms of flavor or creativity. The biggest disappointment came when we tried to order an additional meat course, only to be told the kitchen had already closed. This lack of flexibility was frustrating, especially given the expectations of a Michelin-starred restaurant. Throughout dinner, the service felt inattentive—we often found ourselves alone in the dining room, pouring our own wine and sitting at a table that was either not cleaned or improperly cleared between courses. The staff's inexperience was evident and disheartening. As it was a birthday celebration, a small chocolate cake was brought out during dessert. It arrived without any candle or personalized touch, which again underscored the lack of attention to making the experience feel special. For our after-dinner drinks, we were directed to the smokers’ lounge. We ordered double shots of entry-level whiskey for 60 CHF each but received only around 5 cl instead of 8 cl. This was rectified only after we complained to the sommelier, who seemed more knowledgeable than the rest of the staff. Overall, while the setting and initial impression of Schloss Schauenstein are impressive, the experience did not live up to the 1,000 CHF per person price tag. The lack of warmth, flexibility, and hospitality, combined with monotonous food and impersonal service, made it a disappointing visit. Neither Andreas nor any of his chefs made an appearance throughout the night, further diminishing the sense of connection with the restaurant.

Just a great experience by the Caminada kitchen and all the very friendly stuff. Every piece (and there are many) brings you in a special World of food, of taste experience, of joy! It's hard to describe, you need to experience yourself (but reserve way in advance). It's expensive, but well worth.