IMbery Hotel & Restaurant Hinterzarten

Michelin worthy food - rooms a bit tired While I enjoyed my stay, and don’t get me wrong, the rooms are perfectly ok but could do with freshening up and I’m only saying this because if they would match the Michelin-class food, this could be a serious destination for foodies in the Black Forest, which is blessed with great food anyway, but suffers in losing winter tourism due to the declining snow season. Great food like this, combined with beautiful, clean and healthy surroundings to walk (or bike, ride, swim) off the calories could be the salvation. In detail: after a crisp, tasty mixed salad, I had a paired Saibling (local fresh water salmon) and local Trout filet so fresh it tried to leap off the plate. There’s game and all the braten and schnitzel you’d expect, but there’s also a three-course vegan menu, seasonal veg, all with a local reference - not just the way it’s cooked. The menu lists in detail every local maker and supplier of the ingredients, down to the meats coming from a butcher farming its own herds on local meadows. It doesn’t get fresher, ethical, and less carbon footprint. At prices you find (sadly) in the UK at ‘gastro pubs’ and it’s microwaved fare.

If you are born in the 90ties, you might feel a little retro upon entering your room. The interior is not exactly what is called modern today. However, our room was very clean, tidy and spacious, no signs of wear-and-tear. It felt a little like being at Grandmas and being allowed to watch TV on the couch all afternoon long. Very cozy. We also had a great view. Let me tell you about the food: It is remarkable! The cook knows his region but also his craft. The price for the experience is more than fair. The service was friendly and helpful. We arrived late without telling them. However they thought ahead so we were able to check in with no problems or delay. The restaurant staff is friendly and helpful, however they have the same problems of getting fully re-staffed as every other business does. If you understand this and plan enough time, you will have a great stay.