Löwengrube

Löwengrube is one of the oldest restaurants in Bolzano (Bozen), the bilingual capital of South Tyrol, with a history reaching back centuries in a building near Piazza Dogana and the central Piazza Walther. The restaurant occupies a series of historic stuben and a characterful vaulted wine cellar, lending a deeply atmospheric setting to a menu that bridges the Italian and German-speaking traditions of the city. The cooking pairs South Tyrolean classics — canederli (knödel), schlutzkrapfen, grilled and braised meats — with Italian dishes, and makes a particular feature of Lagrein, the dark, structured red native to the Bolzano valley, used both in the kitchen and showcased on the wine list. The combination of historic surroundings and a strong regional wine focus makes Löwengrube a characterful choice in the city centre. The restaurant is open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and closed on Sundays, and a reservation is recommended, particularly for dinner and during the Christmas market season when the centre is busy. The wine list is naturally deep in Alto Adige labels, with Lagrein, Gewürztraminer, and Vernatsch well represented and good guidance on pairings. Expect to spend roughly €40–€65 per person. The central location, a short walk from Piazza Walther, the cathedral, and the Ötzi museum, makes it convenient during a day in Bolzano. Löwengrube suits travellers who want characterful South Tyrolean and Italian cooking in a historic setting, with a strong focus on the local Lagrein wine, in the heart of the regional capital.