A Culinary Pilgrimage to Hubenbauer: The Dolomites’ Most Delicious Secret
We hadn’t planned on finding paradise. We were on a research trip and filming one of the oldest wineries in the world in South Tyrol- Novacella. (See our upcoming blog and video about this amazing place)
We were also drawn by the lure of the Dolomites’ jagged peaks and the promise of good mountain air. But then we found Hubenbauer, tucked into the folds of Vahrn just above Brixen, and everything changed. It’s not just my new favorite restaurant in the world—it’s a place that reawakened what food can be: nourishing, heartfelt, deeply connected.
Even though it was our first visit, it felt like coming home. The air carried the scent of juniper smoke. There were chestnut trees rustling above us, stone paths beneath our feet, and a smiling welcome from Elisabeth as if she’d been waiting for us. By the end of filming and the meal, we weren’t just diners. We were friends. Keep reading for our experience of The Best Restaurants in the Dolomites Italy.
The Best Restaurants in the Dolomites Italy – Where Five Generations Still Cook With Their Hands
Alex, who once worked in construction, returned to the family farm and rebuilt it with a vision rooted in heritage and flavor. He trained as a chef and sommelier, then took to curing meats the way his ancestors did—naturally, slowly, with reverence for the animal and the environment. He smokes his speck and salumi over fragrant juniper wood gathered from the land, giving it a resinous, alpine perfume that lingers on the tongue and in the memory.
But he doesn’t stop at the kitchen. He tends the animals—pigs, cattle, St. Bernard dogs, and horses—with a holistic eye. You can feel the gentleness in the meat, the clarity of flavor that comes only when animals are treated with respect, not rushed. Good Italian food is always about the ingredients, and here, you simply cannot get better.
His wife, Brigitte, is the soul of the soil. She plants and harvests everything from barley to berries, cultivating fields and gardens that feed both the kitchen and the spirit.
Elisabeth—effortlessly gracious—manages front of house and creates small-batch gelati that capture the very essence of her garden’s gifts. Strawberries still warm from the sun, wild raspberries plucked that morning, fragrant elderflower, and fresh vanilla beans. Every spoonful is pure joy.
A Mountain Feast Worth the Trip
We began with a wooden board—Brettl style—laden with Hubenbauer’s house-cured cold cuts. Thin slices of Speck Alto Adige IGP, smoked over juniper, mingled with rustic salami and pancetta, all accompanied by three delicious sauces.
Next came South Tyrol’s iconic Canederli—bread dumplings made with speck, chives, eggs, and love. Dense, satisfying, golden-edged from a quick turn in butter, served with a ladleful of clear broth or sautéed with sage. They’re the original mountain comfort food.
Then came the farm’s own take on Schlutzkrapfen—half-moon-shaped ravioli filled with spinach and ricotta, dressed in brown butter and snowy flakes of local mountain cheese. Each bite tasted of the pasture, the cow, and the hands that made it.
We shared a plate of grilled meats—succulent, smoky, and served with pan-fried potatoes that had crisped perfectly at the edges, tasting of rosemary and good olive oil. Zucchini from the garden, sautéed until just tender, brought a fresh vegetal note to the richness of the meal.
And then dessert. Oh, the gelato.
We named Elisabeth the queen of gelato- but she said she prefers the title of princess. We chose rich cioccolato fondente, a vanilla that tasted of cream and dreams, and a surprising favorite—strawberry and raspberry gelato made with fruit she’d picked herself. We lingered over it, scraping our bowls, closing our eyes. The raspberry was tart and real, the strawberry tasted like summer, and the vanilla? The best I’ve ever had.
South Tyrol: Where Mountains, Language, and Culture Collide
Hubenbauer is not only a great restaurant—it’s a window into the soul of South Tyrol. This is a region of contrasts and harmony, where you’ll hear German, Italian, and Ladin spoken all within the same meal. Ladin, a beautiful ancient language with Latin roots, is still spoken in the Ladin valleys—Val Badia, Val Gardena, and Val di Fassa. You’ll see it on signs, menus, and hear it sung in lullabies passed down for centuries.
In nearby Brixen (Bressanone), stroll through pastel-colored streets lined with Gothic arcades and sunlit cafes. Visit the Duomo with its baroque frescoes or wander down to the Eisack River for a quiet moment. Just down in the valley-a few minutes away, lies the Abbey of Novacella, a 12th-century monastery still producing exquisite white wines—Kerner, Sylvaner, and Müller-Thurgau—from some of the highest vineyards in Europe. As mentioned see our upcoming video and blog.
South Tyrol’s food is as multilayered as its culture. Expect knödel, strudel, mountain cheeses, and wines like Schiava and Lagrein that thrive in the mineral-rich Alpine soils. The people here have an eye for detail and a reverence for tradition—and it shows in every glass, every plate.
The Best Restaurants in the Dolomites Italy-Hubenbauer
Hubenbauer: A New Standard for Farm-to-Table Restaurants
What makes Hubenbauer exceptional isn’t just the quality of its ingredients or the deliciousness of its dishes. It’s the integrity. This is real hospitality—rooted, unpretentious, generous.
There’s no rush, no pretense. Just extraordinary people making extraordinary food, deeply connected to the place they love. Their work feels like a calling. And dining here feels like a gift.
See
The Best Restaurants in the Dolomites Italy-Hubenbauer
video here
Hubenbauer Restaurant – Contact Details
Name: Hubenbauer Restaurant
Address: Hubenweg 8, 39040 Vahrn (Varna), South Tyrol, Italy
Website: https://www.hubenbauer.com
Frequently Asked Questions: The Best Restaurants in the Dolomites Italy – Hubenbauer
What makes Hubenbauer one of the best restaurants in the Dolomites, Italy?
Hubenbauer offers a rare blend of farm-to-table authenticity, deep-rooted tradition, and culinary excellence. Located in Vahrn near Brixen, this family-run restaurant serves food grown, raised, and prepared on-site using sustainable and ancestral methods. From juniper-smoked speck to handmade dumplings and seasonal gelato, every dish reflects the flavors of the Dolomites and the soul of South Tyrol.
Where is Hubenbauer located in the Dolomites?
Hubenbauer is located in Vahrn, just a few minutes north of Brixen (Bressanone), in the South Tyrol region of northern Italy. Nestled in the foothills of the Dolomites, it offers a peaceful countryside setting with stunning views of the Alpine landscape, making it a hidden gem among the best restaurants in the Dolomites, Italy.
Do I need a reservation to dine at Hubenbauer?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended—especially during peak travel seasons. As one of the most beloved local dining spots in the Dolomites, Hubenbauer’s rustic charm and extraordinary cuisine draw both locals and in-the-know travelers. Booking ahead ensures you don’t miss this unforgettable culinary experience.
What kind of food is served at Hubenbauer?
Hubenbauer serves authentic South Tyrolean cuisine with an emphasis on local, seasonal, and homegrown ingredients. Expect cold cuts smoked over juniper wood, homemade canederli (bread dumplings), farm-fresh Schlutzkrapfen, grilled meats, and Elisabeth’s exquisite small-batch gelati. This is Alpine cooking at its most heartfelt and refined.
Is Hubenbauer suitable for a culinary pilgrimage in the Dolomites?
Absolutely. For food lovers seeking “The Best Restaurants in the Dolomites Italy,” Hubenbauer is a destination worth traveling for. With five generations of family tradition behind every dish and a deep respect for land and animal, dining here feels more like a pilgrimage than a meal.
How does Hubenbauer compare to other restaurants in the Dolomites?
While the Dolomites are home to many excellent mountain eateries, Hubenbauer stands out for its authenticity, heritage, and holistic approach. It’s not just a restaurant—it’s a working farm, a winery, and a family story. The care and craftsmanship in each plate make it a must-visit for anyone seeking the true flavor of South Tyrol.
The Best Restaurants in the Dolomites Italy-Hubenbauer
10 Food and Wine Experiences by Artviva That Echo Hubenbauer’s Soul
Ready to taste more of Italy’s deeply authentic flavors? Here are ten Artviva experiences that celebrate honest food, heritage, and the people who make it.
1. Tuscan Truffle Hunt & Rustic Lunch
Wander oak groves with a local hunter and his dog before enjoying a truffle-laced meal in a stone farmhouse.
2. Chianti Classico Wine Experience
Discover organic vineyards, meet family winemakers, and enjoy a countryside lunch with bold Tuscan reds.
3. Florentine Street Food Tour
A delicious stroll through Florence’s food markets, sampling lampredotto, schiacciata, cheeses, and gelato.
Learn about ancient cheese traditions and taste alongside bold Vino Nobile and Brunello in the Val d’Orcia.
5. Venetian Bacari & Cicchetti Adventure
Join locals for a sunset stroll through Venice’s backstreets, sampling small plates and regional wines.
6. Parmigiano & Prosciutto Tour in Emilia
Step into cheese aging caves and ham cellars before sitting down to a classic countryside lunch.
Make pasta, sauce, and dessert with a warm-hearted Italian grandmother in her own kitchen.
8. Umbria Olive Oil & Wine Day
Walk olive groves, visit pressing rooms, and enjoy tastings of silky green oils and elegant Umbrian wines.
9. Ravenna Mosaics & Gourmet Tastings
Pair ancient Byzantine art with handmade piadina, craft beer, and Romagna’s best salumi.
10. Sicilian Market Tour & Cooking Class with a Duchess
Explore Palermo’s fish markets, then cook with a local chef using your handpicked catch of the day.
Let Artviva Design Your Next Gourmet Journey
We believe great food begins with great stories. At Artviva, we’ve been crafting meaningful travel for over 25 years from our base in Florence. We know the families behind the flavors, the secrets behind the scenery, and we’re here to share them with you.
Whether it’s dining in a farmhouse in the Dolomites, making pasta in a Tuscan village, or sipping wine with a noble family in the countryside, we’ll create an itinerary just for you.
Contact us to plan your personalized gourmet escape.
Because the best journeys begin at the table.
