The story
Villa Hammerschmiede, at Hauptstraße 162 in Pfinztal near Karlsruhe, is a classic French restaurant with a 2026 Michelin Recommended listing. The restaurant occupies a villa built in 1893, and its menu follows the French haute cuisine tradition the house has long represented.
Michael Grünbacher has been head chef since June 2015. Maximilian Dufner, an experienced sous chef, works alongside him. Der Feinschmecker gave the restaurant 2.5 for 2026, noting an extensive à la carte, a tasting menu of three to five courses, and a three-course Villa Lunch. The kitchen's French roots are clear on the plate, though the menu also draws on Mediterranean ideas.
Duck liver terrine arrives with raspberry jelly and diced apple. Venison is served as a roasted loin under a thin olive croquant, with a port wine-braised shoulder on the side. Wild monkfish rests on tomato and pumpkin cubes, finished with caper-apple relish and a lime nage.
Norbert Schwalbe bought the building in 1989 and converted it into a hotel. Guests dine in the "Guten Stuben" or in the English pavilion, and both rooms serve the same menu. The wine list focuses on Baden and the South Palatinate. From May, the terrace overlooking the park is the place to sit.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
The former Krupp villa from the Gründerzeit era lies in the midst of a wild, romantic park with ancient trees. The restaurant is located, among other places, in an original English pavilion.
Concept Extensive à la carte offering. A tasting menu in 3 to 5 courses and an affordable "Villa Lunch" in 3 courses. Culinary Style Since 2015, Michael Grünbacher has cooked based on classic French haute cuisine, which the villa has long represented: classic duck liver terrine with raspberry jelly and diced apples. This is followed by venison, presented as a roasted loin cutlet under a thin olive croquant crust, with port wine-braised shoulder served separately. Delicate wild-caught monkfish is served on tomato and pumpkin cubes with caper-apple relish and lime nage. Wine 250 selections, focusing on Baden and the South Palatinate. Atmosphere Classic table and dining culture with attentive service that refrains from presenting each course in excessive detail. A beautiful view of the charming park; from May onwards, the wonderful terrace is highly recommended. Verdict Elegant hospitality in a classic setting.
Location
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