Welcome to Gourmet Restaurant Prezioso

“ I have travelled the world extensively over 40 years. I ate at all restaurants ranging from pop & mom’s to Michelin three stars. This is my honest review of the restaurant Prezioso inside Hotel Castel Fragsburg in Merano, Italy. This restaurant sits atop a hill with a stunning panoramic view over Merano, nestled within an elegant estate that includes both a modern hotel building (where the current hotel-restaurant is located) and a charming historic structure that previously housed the hotel. From the moment you arrive, the team – both in the kitchen and in the dining room – are fully dedicated to making your experience special. Warm welcomes, thoughtful explanations, and a genuine sense of hospitality make you feel at home immediately. The chef has been working with his team here for the past 7 years, crafting a culinary style that is not only worthy of the Michelin star and green star currently awarded, but also clearly deserving of a second Michelin star in the near future. The director of the hotel is also extremely friendly and generous with insights into the history of the estate, adding to the richness of the experience. The dining room is beautiful, and depending on the season or weather, guests can also enjoy a terrace and a small garden, which offer different atmospheres for the meal. As for the food: I chose the five-course tasting menu, which in fact includes many more surprise elements. Portion sizes are well-balanced, and thanks to the amuse-bouches and pre-desserts, one leaves perfectly satisfied. A personalized menu is provided to each guest, detailing the various courses and attentions. To begin, a flavorful amuse-bouche made from game meat hinted at the bold and refined flavors to come. The initial bites included creative vegetable-based amuse-bouches – I especially enjoyed the local mushroom preparations, both as a pâté and a consommé, which delivered deep and pure flavors. A selection of breads was served with two different butters, both excellent. Among the highlights was the golden trout paired with cucumber, apple, and lemon – a beautifully balanced dish. This was followed by gnocchi with chicken and spinach: perfectly cooked with intensely flavorful reductions, one of the chef’s clear signatures. The third course featured Arctic char, accompanied by white asparagus and a delicate sauce. Then came lamb served two ways – slow-cooked shoulder and tenderloin – with the shoulder presented tableside before carving. Perfectly seasoned, melt-in-your-mouth meat, with accompaniments of fresh peas that worked beautifully. To cleanse the palate, we were served a refreshing rhubarb infusion, and the dessert that followed played creatively with ricotta, goat cheese, strawberries, and basil – offering contrasts of textures, temperatures, and intensities that were both playful and elegant. To conclude, a series of refined petit fours, including a bold reinterpretation of apple strudel, a rich coffee-based bite, and an almond covered in dark chocolate. As a final touch, a small eco-conscious gift – a plantable seed to grow at home – is given, offering a lasting memento beyond the culinary memory. Special mention goes to the sommelier: I had asked for a single glass of red wine, originally requesting a 2016 Saint-Émilion which was no longer available. For the same price, I was offered a 2006 from the same estate – perfectly mature and delicious. A gesture I deeply appreciated. If you’re staying in the area – or even within an hour’s drive – this place is absolutely worth the trip. A remarkable culinary experience in every sense. ”

“ Prezioso at Castel Fragsburg is like something straight out of a fairytale. The ornate hotel is perched high above Merano giving one of the most incredibly picturesque views. We had a terrific lunch and opted for the 4 course surprise set menu. The food was creative, considered and all delicious. If you are visiting the area I highly recommend making a reservation to experience this delightful place. (We did not stay here but the hotel grounds looked excellent as well). ”

“ Chef Egon Heiss is one of the best chef! He is very humble and very hospitable. He prepare amazing food that will just make you smile and content! The restaurant view is amazing too. ”

“ Chef Heiss prepared our wedding reception dinner and it was one of the best of my life. The tasting menu was incredible and they were so accommodating. Service was so exceptional. Cannot wait to return. ”

“ Nostalgia and top-notch cuisine. The Castel is worth a visit in its own right. However, the gourmet restaurant, run by Egon Heiss, is especially recommended. Here, you can dine in a stylish, antique atmosphere and enjoy first-class service. The terrace with a view over Merano is unique. ”

“ We dined at this Michelin-starred restaurant for our engagement anniversary, and it was a wonderful experience: > FOOD: Tasting menu with an aperitif, two appetizers, five courses, pre-dessert, and small pastries. Everything was excellent, with carefully selected ingredients and extensive use of local ingredients. The presentation of the dishes was excellent. > SERVICE: Friendly, courteous, and punctual. All dishes were served simultaneously and explained by two waiters. > AMBIANCE: Charming outdoor terrace overlooking Merano (where we had an aperitif), classic and elegant interior. > PRICE: €160/person for the tasting menu + drinks. Highly recommended! ”

“ Excellent restaurant serving delicious classic cuisine. Unfortunately, the restaurant only offers a set menu. I particularly enjoyed the fish (Alpine salmon and sole) and the game. I loved the desserts and petits fours. Superb wine list and excellent recommendations from the sommelier. The service is very professional. The view over the valley is breathtaking. ”

“ A wonderful restaurant in an outstanding hotel. We enjoyed the fantastic 5-course menu with a great wine selection. All of the dishes we sampled were excellent, and the accompanying wines were superb. All of the staff were very friendly and accommodating, as was the case throughout the entire hotel. Both the restaurant and hotel are highly recommended. ”