Vikrant Batra
Google
Probably the Best Restaurant in Germany
Schanz was one of three Michelin three-star restaurants we had the pleasure of visiting within a week, allowing us the rare opportunity to compare each experience side by side. Schanz, without a doubt, claimed the top spot. While we chose not to go with the wine pairing, the bottle service was outstanding. Aleks, who led the wine service, displayed exceptional knowledge, guiding us to selections that beautifully complemented the meal. The front-of-house team was impeccable—not only offering warm and engaging service but also striking the perfect balance with thoughtful conversation and well-timed humor. The staff adapted seamlessly to our needs, ensuring an experience that felt both personal and effortlessly refined.
As for the cuisine, Chef Thomas Schanz and his kitchen team absolutely blew us away. From the very first sensational bites to the exquisite truffle egg, every dish was a masterclass in flavor and presentation. The cold soufflé gazpacho, in particular, was an unforgettable highlight—an incredible balance of textures and taste that left us speechless. The opening courses set the tone for what was a truly extraordinary culinary journey, with each dish surpassing the last in creativity and execution.
The dorado, merluza, and carabinero courses were nothing short of mouthwatering. Each dish was a testament to the team's skill and creativity, with flavors that were perfectly balanced and unforgettable. The carabinero, in particular, was a visual masterpiece—it looked like it had been designed by a world-class architect, with every element meticulously placed to create a stunning presentation.
The venison main course was expertly prepared—rich, tender, and full of flavor, it easily stood alongside the earlier dishes in quality. But the desserts were where the meal reached another level. Each one was a masterpiece, combining creativity and impeccable technique. Hats off to the pastry chef for delivering an array of desserts that were not only visually stunning but also packed with incredible flavors and textures. They provided a perfect and memorable end to an already extraordinary dining experience.
After dining at many Michelin three-star restaurants, one naturally wonders: what is it that truly makes a restaurant stand out from the rest? Is it the impeccable service? The overall experience? Or perhaps the parade of extraordinary bites, one after another? I believe there’s something more. It's that rare moment when you taste something so exquisite, it makes you close your eyes, lean back in your chair, and experience pure bliss. It's a flavor that defies words, something that lingers in your memory long after the meal is over. It’s the eggs, rice, and caviar at Addison. It’s the Bresse chicken at Paul Bocuse. At Schanz, that moment was the Gratte-Ciel of goose liver with grapefruit, wild herb essence, pastis, and old Gouda cheese. If nothing else, that single dish alone is enough to make me travel thousands of miles to experience it again. And that’s what three stars are all about—making a special trip just to savor something unforgettable. Chef Thomas Schanz and his team delivered that in spades.
I'll be back.