Gault&Millau Austria 2027: Philip Rachinger Named Chef of the Year
Gault&Millau Austria unveiled its 2027 rankings on October 20 in Vienna. Philip Rachinger was named Chef of the Year, and the Obauer brothers were honored for their careers.
On October 20, during an evening event at the Hilton Vienna Park, Gault&Millau Austria unveiled its 2027 guides featuring restaurants, wines, and hotels. The rankings reveal a dynamic scene, with more restaurants at the top and an increasing presence of women, both in the kitchen and front of house.
Philip Rachinger, Chef of the Year
A sixth-generation member of a family settled along the Große Mühl in Neufelden, Philip Rachinger trained at the Steirereck in Vienna and at Pierre Gagnaire’s restaurant in London before returning to the Mühlviertel. At his restaurant Ois (4 toques), he serves a chef’s choice menu at just five tables, centered around ingredients from the nearby forests and meadows. The jury also commends his commitment to traditional inns, which he is helping to revive. The title “Chef of the Year” replaces the former “Koch des Jahres” (a masculine term) out of respect for the many women in the industry.
The Obauer Brothers Honored for Their Careers
Karl and Rudi Obauer received the award for their lifetime achievements. Since 1979, they have turned their family inn in Werfen, in the Salzburg region, into a premier destination—long rated 5 toques—featuring a blend of French classics, regional products, and Asian influences. The restaurant closed its doors on October 26. “There is no Karl without Rudi, nor Rudi without Karl,” said Karl Obauer.
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More Top-Rated Restaurants
The restaurant guide lists 97 establishments with 4 toques, up from 82 last year. Eight restaurants received the top rating of 5 toques—one fewer than in 2026 due to the closure of the Obauer restaurant. Women are also honored: Janina Trogisch is Pastry Chef of the Year, Nina Fink is Sommelier of the Year, and Larissa Andres receives the Service Award.
Dorli Muhr, Estate of the Year
More than 2,000 wines were tasted for the wine guide. For the first time, the 100-point rating was awarded—to three wines: Moric’s 2023 Blaufränkisch Alte Reben, Tement’s 2017 Sauvignon Blanc Ried Zieregg, and Dorli Muhr’s 2023 Blaufränkisch Ried Spitzerberg. Based in Prellenkirchen, in the Carnuntum region, the winemaker was also named Estate of the Year. Another new feature: the guide now evaluates non-alcoholic alternatives to wine.
