Bolzano, a city located in the northern Italian region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol in Italy, is a popular destination for tourists due to its beautiful scenery and rich cultural heritage. FranziskanerStuben is, a charming restaurant located in the heart of Bolzano. During our stay we have payed a visit to this restaurant and it was a very nice surprise.

Rated by Szymon

5.0 out of 5.0 stars

History of FranziskanerStuben

As you enter Franziskanerstuben, you’ll discover the origin of its name, which derives from the nearby church of the same name. Built in the year 1226, this church stands as a reminder of Saint Francis, whose brown-robed followers were known as “Barfüßer” due to their distinctive sandals. The restaurant’s history is intertwined with the desire of the Franciscan order to shield their grand Franciscan garden from the view of neighboring properties, resulting in the request to raise the monastery walls in 1563.

Beneath the kitchen lies a remarkable piece of history?a large Torgglstein, a testament to the restaurant’s past as a wine press during the Middle Ages. In those bygone days, when the Barfüßergasse was at the same level as the current courtyard of the Franciscan church, the area that now serves as a party cellar was easily accessible. Over time, floods from the Talfer river and the accumulation of debris gradually elevated the entrance by an entire floor.

Previously known as Café Augschiller, Franziskanerstuben underwent a transformation in 2002 when it was acquired by Thomas Rizzolli. With great respect for its well-preserved structure, Rizzolli restored the restaurant to its former glory, infusing it with a genuine Old Bolzano tavern atmosphere. Today, Franziskanerstuben stands as a testament to both the historical and contemporary aspects of Bolzano’s culinary scene.

Geschmortes Rindfleisch mit Polenta at FranziskanerStuben

Menu sample

Now, let’s explore the tantalizing menu offered at Franziskanerstuben. Start your culinary adventure with cold appetizers that include a tempting cheese variation from Vinschgau’s organic farmers, accompanied by our special recipe pear chutney. Indulge in the Brettlmarende platter, featuring local delicacies such as Bauernspeck, Wildschwein Kaminwurzen, Essiggurken, Bio-Almkäse, and Kren. The Hirschcarpaccio offers a flavorful combination of marinated mushrooms, Parmesan shavings, and arugula. For seafood lovers, the Riesengarnelen on Kichererbsencreme with Artischocken is a true delight.

Moving on to soups, savor the hearty White Zwiebelsuppe with roasted speck or the spicy Pikante Linsensuppe accompanied by an Argentine shrimp skewer. The Gerstsuppe with Selchfleisch and Vinschger Paarl provides a taste of regional flavors.

For warm appetizers, the Paccheri on Bratwurst-Steinpilz Ragout and Rauke offers a satisfying pasta dish, while the homemade Pustertaler Schlutzkrapfen filled with Steinpilz, accompanied by Nussbutter, Parmesan, and Sauerkraut, is a true highlight. Indulge in the Radicchio Lasagnette in Gorgonzola and Trüffelaroma or the Kamuttagliatelle on Wildschweinragout and Gin for a unique culinary experience. The Knödeltris on Krautsalat with Speck, Spinat, and Käseknödel, accompanied by Nussbutter and Parmesan, showcases the rich variety of flavors.

Fish at FranziskanerStuben

As you reach the main courses, prepare your taste buds for delights such as the Grilled Bachsaibling with peas, fresh mint, and olive tapenade. The Geschnittenes Rindfleisch on Raukenbeet with Kirschtomaten, Parmesanspänen, and Kartoffelspalten offers a savory meat dish. Sample the succulent Rostbraten vom Alpenrind-Ochsen on Lagreinsauce with Röstzwiebeln, Tomatenconfit, and Tiroler Schupfnudeln or the flavorful Kalbsleber on Venezianische Art with Kräuterreis. For a classic choice, the Kalbswienerschnitzel with Kartoffel-Gurkensalat and Preiselbeermarmelade is a favorite. Indulge in the hearty Gulasch vom heimischen Rind with Speckknödel and Krautsalat.

Kids

Younger guests can enjoy kid-friendly options such as Penne with Tomatensauce, Wienerwürstchen with Pommes, or the Children’s Wienerschnitzel with Pommes.

To accompany your meal, choose from a selection of sides, including Gemischter Salat, Krautsalat mit Speck, Kartoffelsalat, or Pommes.

Complete your culinary journey with delectable desserts. The Sacherparfait accompanied by Amarenakirschen is a perfect choice for chocolate lovers. Indulge in the Orangen Cr?me br?lée with Schokoladeneis or savor the fine hausgemachter Apfelstrudel on Vanillecreme. The Mohnmousse auf Himberspiegel provides a delightful combination of flavors.