The Alchemy of
New Grän Cuisine.

GENESIS 1, 1-2*

First, there was bread.
Then came alvä.

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The new gourmet restaurant in 6673 Grän.

Welcome to alvä – a place between origin and future, between precision and sensitivity, between heaven & earth. The name – a creation all its own. Like a reimagined dish. Inspired by the Nordic name Alva – brightness, spirit of nature, clarity. And at the same time rooted in alpine cuisine. Guided by ancient methods, local ingredients and a curious, alchemical spirit, we refine what grows from the earth in a way that is never loud, never lecturing – but quiet, thoughtful and clear. With products sourced from just around the corner. With techniques that demand more skill than show. And with a sense of respect that goes far beyond the plate.

alvä is more than just a name.
It’s a way of thinking.

alvä – wait, what?

al /
 
the old, the Alps,
and the rich culinary heritage
and wisdom of our region.


vä /
 
Nordic, rugged elegance (think Tyrol),
a sense of refinement
and quiet exclusivity.
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Two people sitting at an old wooden table, enjoying monochrome dishes – a white dish on a white plate and a black dish on a black plate
Spring-inspired dish with horseradish and seasonal vegetables on a grey stone surface

* Chapter 1:1

The creation story of fine dining –
and how alvä came to be.

Genesis - the story of how heaven and earth came to be – and, along the way, the new Grän cuisine at Der Engel. The idea behind it? Simple. Radical. Back to the origin. In Grän, people have always known how to work with what’s at hand. They fermented, preserved, pickled. Made much from little – and made the best of the good. That attitude never left. The techniques have evolved. The idea has grown. At alvä, ancient knowledge meets a new lightness. What today is called New Orgänic never really disappeared here – it’s simply visible again.

alvä is the essence of that philosophy:
Seasonal. Regional. Holistic by nature.
From root to blossom. From animal to idea.

We call it the alchemy of Grän cuisine – a play of time, temperature and texture. A little magic, a lot of craft. And a deep respect for the product. What remains? A plate that doesn’t shine, but tells a story. A kitchen that doesn’t pose, but moves you. And evenings that stay with you – long after they’re over.

Lukas Rettenbacher

What Lukas is searching for isn’t the philosopher’s stone. It’s that fleeting moment when a dish becomes more than the sum of its parts. When forest and meadow meet on a plate. When something ancient suddenly tastes new. When a single bite stirs something in us we always knew – but almost forgot.

At alvä, Lukas transforms regional ingredients into culinary compositions –
not with hocus-pocus, but with devotion, curiosity,
and the rare art of truly listening: to the product, the season, and that quiet voice in the gut.

More about Lukas

The Facts about Fine Dining at Der Engel

From 24 July 2025
every Thursday
starting at 6:00 pm

Tasting Menu – 8 Courses: € 186 per person

Wine Pairing – 10 Wines: € 89
Non-Alcoholic Pairing – 9 Drinks: € 48

€ 46 per person will be credited from the half-board dinner towards the tasting menu.

You’ve set aside time for a special evening – and then life happens?

As unfortunate as it is: some things simply can’t be planned. For such cases, the following cancellation policy applies to the tasting menu at alvä:

  • Free cancellation: up to 24 hours before the reservation

  • 50% cancellation fee: for cancellations within 24 hours of the reserved time

The basis for calculation is the menu price as listed on the current tasting menu. Thank you for your understanding – we look forward to welcoming you (again) at alvä soon.

In the beginning was the word –
now comes the deed.

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