Culinarium Urtijëi

For some time now, the trend of making local recipes and products at the heart of traditional and creative cuisine has been clearly noticeable across all Alpine regions. Indeed, although growing so­mething in the area isn’t easy due to Val Gardena’s altitude, and although the farms need another source of income and can only be partially farmed, today it’s the farmers who push the envelope when it comes to a green and healthy eating culture.

Come September and October, the Dolomites literally shine, the golden hues cascading over their beautiful peaks. The farmers have finished gathering hay from the meadows, and the cows, goats, and sheep return from their summer mountain pastures to the farms down in the valley. As they roam around, grazing, not a care in the world, they seem to transmit that very same feeling of peace and calm to any hiker who stumbles upon them. Peace, and calm, is what you need to fully live.

Sometimes you just have to go all out: the “Sega Sacun”, the Leaf Market, is Val Gardena’s largest and most traditional market and has been the autumn highlight in our valley for generations. After the village fair in San Giacomo, a fraction of Ortisei, on the second Sunday in October, Ortisei wears its best and brightest colours during the Leaf Market. Everyone comes together on this day: the locals, guests from all over South Tyrol and even further afield.

A pear as a symbol of love

One typical autumnal fruit which will catch your eye as you walk around the Leaf Market is, without doubt, the pear. Decorated with colourful ribbons, this tradition demands young men give the young woman who has caught their eye a pear as a sign of their interest. Traditions survive because we can adapt them when needed and so, to express your interest in someone, you can now purchase a deco­rated, wood-carved pear from the Leaf Market. Or if you simply like the look of it, you can also buy it as a charming home décor item.

Our packed Culinarium fringe programme will take you on a journey to the source of all of Val Gardena’s cooking traditions and the roots of the valley’s culinary farming culture:

From mid-September on, there is a very special phenomenon to admire in Val Gardena: Burning Dolomites, an incredible natural spectacle at sun­set! The colours of the larch trees are becoming more and more intense and the sun is setting the peaks of the Dolomites on fire. Nature watchers love to visit the Dolomite valley at this time of year, when it becomes pea­ceful – visitors are truly astonished by the spectrum of colours.

In the past, the Bergweiler Pufels was Val Gardena’s granary due to its strategic location. Between three and seven farms built and managed the municipal mills in the Pufeler Schlucht. Guided tours of partially preserved buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries are used to explain how grain cultivation and milling worked in the past.

The Bernardi family and the chef of the Hotel Genziana, Simone Renaldini, welcome you to their restaurant. The stylish restaurant in the heart of Ortisei has a cozy “Stube” and a terrace where you can enjoy the pleasant autumn temperatures. The gourmet chef knows how to
create first-class dishes made of organic and regional products. This autumn, we recommend potato gnocchi with venison ragout and chanterelles.

Visit Restaurant Genziana

In a breathtaking setting with a view over Ortisei, the Mahlknecht family and chef Matteo Noce welcome you to the Costamula Restaurant. The traditional building is one of the oldest farmsteads in Val Gardena and was renovated in 2010. Today, the restaurant not only combines old building elements with new architecture, but also a regional cuisine of a high class. On the sunny terrace with a stunning view you can relax and enjoy autumnal dishes.

Visit Restaurant Costamula

Family-run since 1957, our restaurant is driven by a genuine passion for South Tyrolean cuisine. Staying true to tradition, we offer a variety of handmade ravioli, hearty dumplings with goulash, crispy pork shank, and many other regional delicacies. To complement your meal, discover our carefully curated wine list showcasing a selection of South Tyrol’s finest wines.

Visit Restaurant Stua Catores

The Anna Stuben Gourmet Restaurant now shines in a captivating new light. Enjoy a warm and elegant atmosphere with a splendid view of the village centre. Be inspired by the exceptional, creative cuisine of chef Reimund Brunner and hiteam – awarded one MICHELIN star and four Gault&Millau toques – and indulge in outstanding service led by maître and sommelier Egon Perathoner. Discover our new gourmet restaurant and treat yourself to an unforgettable culinary experience.

Visit Restaurant Anna Stuben

This family-run inn, opened in 2017, combines modern design with a cuisine rooted in South Tyrolean tradition. Regional products serve as the foundation for innovative creations with a Mediterranean touch. During the Culinarium week, guests can enjoy Ladin “grosti y craut” or chestnut and potato gnocchi with mountain cheese and truffles, alongside hearty spareribs and grilled steaks. Each dish is perfectly complemented by selected wines from small South Tyrolean vineyards.

Visit Restaurant Ustaria Da Checco

At Restaurant Mont Sëuc, located in the heart of the Dolomites right at the top station of the Seiser Alm cable car, you can look forward to high-quality regional cuisine in an authentic alpine atmosphere. At 2,000 meters above sea level, Patrick and Eleonora welcome you to an elegant dining room, where you can savor refined creations accompanied by spectacular views of the Seiser Alm plateau, the Sassolungo group, and the Sciliar. On sunny days, the spacious panoramic terrace invites you to dine outdoors while taking in the breathtaking Dolomite scenery.

To Restaurant Mont Sëuc

A rustic setting and 25 years of traditional cuisine provided the foundation for Chef Gerardo Spinelli’s careful yet refined innovations. Alongside classics such as potato fritters with herbs and pork knuckle, the menu now features mediterranean and international inspirations: homemade pasta, sashimi, and grilled spareribs. The Chef’s recommendation: during Culinarium week, embark on a culinary journey to discover exquisite dishes from around the world paired with rare local wines.

Visit Restaurant Tubladel

In the centre of Ortisei, the 4 Sajons Restaurant invites you on a culinary journey where fresh, seasonal ingredients take centre stage. Be captivated by dishes inspired by regional traditions and reinterpreted with passion and creativity. Carefully selected cuts of locally sourced meat, refined sauces and perfectly paired sides come together to create a harmonious symphony of flavours. Savour unforgettable moments during our culinary autumn!

Visit 4 Sajons Restaurant

At Stube Vives in Ortisei, the charm of a historic Alpine stube meets modern, creative cuisine. Chef Daniele Gaudiello highlights regional products with Mediterranean and international influences, creating refined dishes that balance tradition and innovation. Whether for a light lunch or a sophisticated dinner, every plate is crafted with passion and care. The result is a culinary experience defined by authenticity, atmosphere, and delicate flavors, making each visit truly unforgettable.

Visit Restaurant Stube Vives

The Café Restaurant Val d’Anna spoils its guests with local specialties from South Tyrolean and Italian cuisine and is especially renowned for its homemade cakes and pastries. A leisurely 20-minute walk through the scenic Val d’Anna trail leads you from the Seceda valley station straight to the hut. A true oasis for food lovers, Café Val d’Anna also offers plenty of space for families with children to play and enjoy.

Visit Café Restaurant Val d’Anna