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Schloss Schauenstein

Fürstenau

Putting a tiny city on the global culinary map

On the Pass

Andreas Caminada

More than a fairytale: Schloss Schauenstein may occupy a castle whose oldest foundations date back to medieval times, but – strange as it might sound – that's not what makes dining here so extraordinary. Rather than serving simply as a romantic backdrop, this centuries-old building is inseparable from the restaurant itself, its elegance mirroring chef Andreas Caminada's thoughtful celebration of Graubünden's landscape, history and produce.

Forget chandeliers, gilded mirrors and heavy curtains. Intimate rather than imposing, Schloss Schauenstein's tasteful dining rooms are a deft blend of old and new: vaulted ceilings, rich timber panelling and slender floor lamps imbue each space with a welcoming warmth, while deep-set windows frame leafy views of gardens and the surrounding Alps – ensuring diners never lose sight of the landscape that inspires the menu. Captivated? Book a stay in one of the castle's beautifully appointed rooms and enjoy the view for a little longer.

It's all in the ingredients: River fish, wild game and woodland mushrooms are just some of the culinary treasures on Fürstenau's doorstep – but Schloss Schauenstein doesn't stop at sourcing from local farms and fields. It also has its own kitchen garden, where countless varieties of vegetables, herbs and edible flowers are grown exclusively for the restaurant. In fact, the garden is so integral to Caminada's cooking that each day's harvest helps shape the menu itself.

A taste of what's on offer: Since the tasting menu changes with the seasons, it's hard to predict what will appear on your plate on any given day. However, there's one constant: veal tortellini with nut butter foam, available a la carte. This much-loved signature has been around since 2003 – the restaurant's very first year – and with staying power like that, it's little wonder the dish has become a modern classic.

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