2 February 2025

Home-Grown Vegetables Transformed into Award-Winning Dishes: Mocking in Kitzbühel Achieves Michelin Bib Gourmand for High-Quality Cuisine at Moderate Prices

The Michelin Guide has made a celebrated return to Austria, unveiling its latest regional edition that honors exceptional culinary establishments across the nation. Among the distinguished recognitions is the Bib Gourmand award, bestowed upon select restaurants in cities like Vienna and the Alpine region, including the charming town of Kitzbühel (source: Bib Gourmand restaurants in Austria). One notable recipient of this accolade is Mocking – Das Wirtshaus, a testament to the town's rich gastronomic landscape.

Understanding the Bib Gourmand

Introduced by the Michelin Guide in 1997, the Bib Gourmand award highlights restaurants that offer high-quality cuisine at moderate prices. The term "Bib" is derived from "Bibendum," the official name of the iconic Michelin Man mascot. This distinction serves as an insider tip for diners seeking exceptional value for money, showcasing establishments where patrons can enjoy a delightful three-course meal without breaking the bank.

Spotlight on Mocking – Das Wirtshaus

Nestled at the foot of the renowned "Streif" and in close proximity to the Hahnenkamm cable car, Mocking – Das Wirtshaus is a culinary gem in Kitzbühel. The restaurant carries the same name as the Mocking slope, where one of the free practice lifts is located (source: kitzbuehel.com) - an ideal spot for beginners before tackling the legendary Streif. Owned and operated by siblings Martin Huber and Andrea Posch, the restaurant exudes rustic charm within a stylish ambiance, featuring abundant wood and stone elements. The menu is a homage to regional inspirations, utilizing home-grown vegetables and seasonal ingredients to craft dishes that resonate with authenticity and nostalgia. Mocking even has its own garden, where fresh vegetables are cultivated and directly incorporated into their dishes, ensuring a farm-to-table experience.

According to the Michelin Guide, Mocking stands out not only for its quality and atmosphere, but also for its affordability. Fashion.at checked the menus of Mocking, Berggericht and Les Deux - both of which have been awarded one Michelin star - and found that Mocking actually offers the best prices. Some highlights from the menu include (source: mocking-kitzbuehel.at):

• Daumnidei (Braised sauerkraut, apple compote) - €10
• Trout "Matjes Style" (Baby potatoes, creamy yogurt, dill oil) - €16
• Tiroler Spinatknödel (Brown butter, mountain cheese, side salad) - €20
• Velvety Apple-Celery Soup (Smoked duck breast) - €10

Kitzbühel's Culinary Achievements

The latest Michelin Guide has bestowed a total of two Michelin stars upon Kitzbühel establishments - one each for Berggericht Kitzbühel and Les Deux Kitzbühel. In addition to Mocking's Bib Gourmand recognition, four other restaurants have been selected in the guide: Lois Stern, Restaurant Neuwirt, ZUMA (all in Kitzbühel), and Zum Tischlerwirt in Reith near Kitzbühel.

While Mocking impresses with its affordability, Berggericht Kitzbühel takes a different approach by offering two exquisite menu options: a traditional menu and a vegetarian menu, available in six or four courses.

Meanwhile, Les Deux Kitzbühel, which opened in February 2024, is modeled after its acclaimed Munich counterpart and serves a sophisticated mix of classic French dishes with modern twists. However, as Fashion.at noted, it is slightly more expensive than Mocking.

Strengthening Kitzbühel as a Gourmet Destination

The resurgence of the Michelin Guide in Austria not only honors the country's diverse culinary talents, but also reinforces Kitzbühel's status as a premier destination for discerning gourmands. With establishments like Berggericht, Les Deux and Mocking - Das Wirtshaus leading the way, visitors can expect memorable dining experiences that celebrate both tradition and innovation.


Images: The picture on the left shows Martin Huber, co-owner of Mocking - Das Wirtshaus, in the garden greenhouse of the restaurant. The photo on the right is of a table with several plates from an individually selected menu. Photo: © Ortner.