Dominik Hartmann wins Swiss chef of the year with vegetarian cuisine

Dominik Hartmann has been named Switzerland’s chef of the year for 2027, the first time the GaultMillau award has gone to a chef whose cuisine is entirely vegetarian, SRF reported.

The 34-year-old leads the Magdalena restaurant in Rickenbach near Schwyz, where he serves inventive, precise dishes focused on regional produce. GaultMillau editor-in-chief Urs Heller described Hartmann’s approach as “Vegi 2.0”, with vegetables at its centre and dishes designed to be playful and full of surprises.

Hartmann said he was pleased the award would highlight the standing of vegetarian cooking and show what can be created with vegetables. He also called it recognition for the whole team.

After completing his chef training, Hartmann qualified as a pastry chef and confectioner, then worked with leading Swiss chefs including Andreas Caminada and Fabian Fuchs. In May 2020, he opened Magdalena with Marco Appert and Adriana Hartmann. The restaurant was named “Discovery of the Year” the following year, later earning 18 GaultMillau points, two Michelin stars and a Michelin Green Star for sustainability.

Hartmann said opening a vegetarian restaurant in rural Schwyz had seemed like a risk, with demand likely to be greater in a city. The award, he said, was both confirmation and motivation to keep pushing forward.