GaultMillau 2027: “Rising star of the year”
Talented young chefs are working their way to the top of the Swiss culinary scene.
Die Collage mit den Porträts von Gilles Varone, Aurélien Mettler, Daniel Zeindlhofer und Federico Palladino visualisiert den kulinarischen Anspruch hinter dem GaultMillau-Thema «Aufsteiger des Jahres 2027». Im Magazin AMEXperience steht das Bild für eine genussorientierte Lebenswelt, in der American Express Leserinnen und Leser an neue Gourmet-Adressen, Talente und exklusive Dining-Erlebnisse heranführt. Es unterstreicht modernen Premium-Lifestyle, inspirierende Reisen und den Mehrwert einer Marke, die Zugang, Komfort und besondere Momente verbindet.
Everything you need to know at a glance
In GaultMillau Switzerland, Gilles Varone, Daniel Zeindlhofer, Federico Palladino, and Aurélien Mettler are honored as the “Rising Stars of 2027” in Swiss haute cuisine. Varone and Zeindlhofer each score 18 points, while Palladino and Mettler score 17 points.
A total of 98 chefs improved their scores. The title “Chef of the Year” goes to Dominik Hartmann, who impresses with his strictly vegetarian cuisine at the “Magdalena” restaurant in Rickenbach.
It’s that time of year again: awards for Swiss culinary excellence
The Swiss culinary scene has every reason to be proud, as it offers unparalleled diversity. This is recognized annually by GaultMillau. In addition to the usual point system, chefs are also honored in various categories. This highlights those who have particularly impressed with new or bold concepts – or with tried-and-true classics.
“Rising stars of the year”: More points for these restaurants
Among the highlights of the annual event are, for example, the “Rising stars of the year” – that is, all those restaurants that have managed to improve their GaultMillau score compared to the previous year.
Looking ahead to 2027, one thing is clear: alongside experienced professional chefs, it is young chefs in particular who are showcasing their skills. Be sure to remember the names of GaultMillau’s four “Rising Stars of 2027”:
- Gilles Varone, who earned 18 points at his eponymous restaurant in Savièse
- Daniel Zeindlhofer, also with 18 points, for his sharing concept at “IGNIV by Andreas Caminada” in Zurich
- Federico Palladino, who earned 17 points for his authentic Italian cuisine at “Osteria Enoteca Cuntitt” in Ticino
- Aurélien Mettler, whose restaurant “Fiescherblick” has earned 17 points thanks to its clever cuisine
A total of 98 young chefs improved their scores. Franck Pelux also earned 18 points; you can experience his culinary artistry for yourself at the “Lausanne Palace.” Five other chefs improved their scores to 17 points: Diego Della Schiava, Valentin Sträuli, Yannick Crepaux, Victor Moriez, and Stefan Lünse.
Interesting fact: American Express has a long-standing partnership with GaultMillau Switzerland, “GaultMillau POP!” and “Caminada. The Magazine,” and is now also the title sponsor of GaultMillau’s “Rising Star of the Year” award.
More prestigious awards from GaultMillau
In addition to the “Rising Stars of the Year,” GaultMillau also regularly honors the Chef of the Year. In 2027, Dominik Hartmann earned the coveted title for his bold concept at “Magdalena.” In Rickenbach, in the canton of Schwyz, he and his team treat guests to a strictly vegetarian menu.
Furthermore, seven chefs represent the crème de la crème of Swiss culinary art. They were awarded the highest score of 19 points by GaultMillau: Tanja Grandits, Peter Knogl, Franck Giovannini, Andreas Caminada, Philippe Chevrier, Heiko Nieder, and Marco Campanella.
Interesting fact: Other GaultMillau awards include, for example, “Discoveries of the Year,” “Green Chef of the Year,” and “Hostess of the Year.”
Experience excellent culinary diversity
If you appreciate particularly fine cuisine, you should follow the recommendations of GaultMillau and treat yourself to dinner at these award-winning restaurants. Some are not only among the best restaurants in Switzerland but can also boast of being among the best in the world.
With American Express, you can treat yourself to even more culinary delights: The Platinum Card’s dining credit rewards you for dining out. The Gold Card also offers an annual dining credit worth up to CHF 100 for meals at restaurants and through delivery services in Switzerland.
Frequently asked questions and answers
98 chefs improved their GaultMillau 2027 score by one point. The “Rising Stars of the Year” are the four young chefs Gilles Varone, Daniel Zeindlhofer, Federico Palladino, and Aurélien Mettler.
The “Chef of the Year” for 2027 is Dominik Hartmann with his vegetarian restaurant “Magdalena” in Rickenbach.
The 2027 GaultMillau guide lists 870 restaurants in Switzerland. 84 of them are featured for the first time. In addition, there are 100 award-winning gourmet hotels and the 150 best Swiss winemakers.