Steirereck
No.33 World's 50 Best 2025 — elite chef
Veronica's Take
Chef Heinz Reitbauer of Steirereck, ranked No. 33 in the World's 50 Best 2025, has spent two decades transforming his family's Viennese restaurant into a temple of sustainable, research-driven cuisine that celebrates Austria's culinary heritage. His obsession with resurrecting forgotten ingredients—think rare meats, obscure fish, and nearly extinct produce—has not only revived traditional flavors but also set a new standard for modern Austrian gastronomy. The result is a menu that feels both deeply rooted and refreshingly innovative, drawing food pilgrims from around the globe to experience his unique vision.
steirereck Chef Heinz Reitbauer, who took over the family restaurant almost 20 years ago, has forged a unique culinary identity, which is heavily research-driven, sustainable and, of course, delicious. It’s also fundamentally Austrian, with numerous unknown or long-forgotten ingredients brought to the fore, including rare breeds of meat and fish and near-extinct fruit and vegetable varieties.
Key Facts
The people behind Steirereck
Heinz Reitbauer
profileChef and Patron
Heinz Reitbauer (born 23 August 1970 in Vienna) is an Austrian chef and patron of Steirereck, consistently ranked among Vienna's finest dining establishments. From 2014 to 2017, Steirereck was named Austria's best restaurant.
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