Sissi — Restaurant in Burggrafenamt - Burgraviato

There are very few dinning experiences I have had in my life that can compare with the experience we had at Sissi. We have been to a few Michelin Star restaurants on our travels throughout the years in Europe and while there have been some highlights, I have never had the experience where every single dish was exceptional and memorable but here at Sissi it absolutely was.

Andrea and his staff will make you feel like you were invited over to his house for dinner. Throughout the night he would go from table to table speaking to his guests in English, Italian and German which is hard enough to do in one language. His staff were attentive and kind as they explained each dish we ordered as they came out. The staff clearly has a pride for what they were doing. None of this felt forced. Every single thing we had here was memorable and delicious and made with the utmost care and love. The environment of the restaurant was wonderful as it was able to find that nice space between modern and old world with its decor and ambiance. Depending on what time of the year you visit, you might have a nice view of the Castello Principesco (Castle) across the street and the surrounding alps. The restaurant itself sits in the shadow of the mountains where the entrance to a nice walking path “Tappeinerweg” is right next to it.

We dined a la carte and I had the following:

Antipasti: Tataki di cinghiale, thin wild boar slices in mushroom sauce. While all the dishes were incredible this was the most memorable and if still on the menu I would recommend getting this. Starting off the meal with this dish was a perfect way to set up the upcoming courses. My wife had their take on Vitello Tonnato which is one of her favorite dishes from the the northwest of Italy (Piedmont) that she loved.

Primi: I had Gnocchi di patate filled with wild garlic, while my wife had the Ravioli stuffed with roasted meat. Both done perfectly. Gnocchi if made badly can be too heavy or mushy and these were light and fluffy and filled with flavor.

Secondi: Galletto di Bresse which was juicy and tender and done perfectly while my wife had the Cervo (deer) done perfectly.

I had the Gelato in Olive oil and citrus for a dolce which was a refreshing way to end the meal.

We were also treated to some creative amuse bouche courses that were delicious at the beginning and ending of our meals

You will not be disappointed dining here, it is well worth it.

Andrea and his wife also own the hotel we stayed at, Steinach Townhouse Meran which was amazing as well which I highly recommend if you are planning a stay in the city. I am not an active "reviewer" but I will always make time to write something for a place like this. Locally or family owned places that provide memorable experiences and clearly care about their business and customer base.

If you visit Merano this places is a must to eat at and you will...

While the staff was generally friendly, our experience at this restaurant was disappointing—especially considering the price and its Michelin rating.

There were several issues that made the visit underwhelming. Hygiene was a concern, with food flies around the open-air space—even landing in our wine. Accessibility was poor, as I had to carry a stroller up the stairs without help, while being told that this is “my concern to deal with”. The restaurant also showed little flexibility when we asked to stagger dishes due to one parent putting a child to sleep. If accommodating families isn't feasible, it would be better to communicate that upfront. If you cannot be flexible with the unique requests from some of the guests, then do not be surprised with dissatisfaction from the customers

Comfort was another problem. The chairs were not suitable for a 2–3 hour meal, and my wife felt noticeably uncomfortable. As for the food, it started off promising—especially the Margherita served in a glass—but only the first few of the seven courses felt creative or memorable. The rest felt uninspired, with dishes like aubergine and basic bread adding little to the experience.

The atmosphere didn’t live up to Michelin expectations either. There was no clear dress code, and the overall vibe—including the manager—was very casual. Checkout was also sloppy: we were nearly charged for two wines we never received, fortunately after flagging the mistake the bill was adjusted. was it adjusted correctly, i do not know because the bill just mentions generic wines and not the particular names

For the cost, the experience didn’t feel special or worthwhile. We left feeling like the time and money would have been better spent elsewhere.

Micheline rating stands for some exceptional experience/journey which this venue failed to...

Dining at The Sissi in Merano was nothing short of magical. From the moment we walked in, the stunning decor transported us into a world of charm and elegance, with every detail thoughtfully curated. What truly sets this place apart is Chef Andrea Fenoglio, whose creativity and warmth make the entire experience unforgettable. It’s clear he pours his heart into every dish and interaction, making you feel like an honored guest.

The dishes were culinary masterpieces, blending bold flavors, innovative techniques, and artistic presentation. Each bite was a delightful surprise, showcasing Chef Fenoglio’s extraordinary talent. What’s even more remarkable is the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere—a Michelin-starred restaurant that feels inviting and unpretentious.

Every aspect of this meal was perfection, from the flawless service to the beautifully plated creations. Chef Fenoglio has truly created something special at The Sissi. I’m already dreaming of returning for another...