Martin Klein is the executive chef of Restaurant Ikarus in Red Bull’s Hangar-7 in Salzburg, a two-Michelin-star restaurant with a unique concept: a rotating programme of the world’s finest guest chefs. Alsatian by birth, Klein leads the resident team that recreates and realises the visiting chefs’ cuisines at the highest level.
A precocious talent who won his first Michelin star at 26, Klein has kept Ikarus among the most distinctive fine-dining destinations in the world.
TL;DR
- Chef born in 1976 in Strasbourg
- Executive chef of Restaurant Ikarus, Hangar-7 Salzburg
- Ikarus has held two Michelin stars since 2015
- Unique concept of monthly rotating guest chefs
- Named Chef of the Year in 2017
Martin Klein key facts
| Born | 1976, Strasbourg |
| Nationality | French/Austrian-based |
| Restaurant | Ikarus, Hangar-7, Salzburg (2 Michelin stars) |
| Two stars since | 2015 |
| Concept | Rotating international guest chefs |
Early career
Martin Klein was born in 1976 in Strasbourg and attended hotel school there, earning his first Michelin star at 26. He worked under Vincent Klink at the Wielandshohe in Stuttgart, becoming sous chef, then moved to the Marstall under Christian Jurgens, where he became head chef.
Ikarus and Hangar-7
In 2003 Klein joined Restaurant Ikarus in Red Bull’s Hangar-7 in Salzburg under Roland Trettl. After a spell as executive chef at Laucala Island in the South Pacific, he returned in 2014 as Trettl’s successor, and helped secure a second Michelin star, which Ikarus has held since 2015.
A unique concept
Ikarus is unlike any other restaurant: each month a different guest chef from somewhere in the world designs the menu, which Klein and his resident team then execute. As executive chef, Klein travels the globe seeking out the finest talents to bring to Salzburg, and was named Chef of the Year in 2017.
Signature style
Klein’s skill lies in mastering and realising an ever-changing range of cuisines at two-star level, from many countries and traditions. It demands extraordinary versatility and technique, and has made Ikarus a landing place for international culinary excellence.
Martin Klein in context
Klein is one of the leading chefs in Austria featured on Pickup Table 4, alongside Salzburg colleague Andreas Senn and Tyrolean chef Simon Taxacher.
Follow Martin Klein
Restaurant Ikarus – official site
Martin Klein FAQ
Who is Martin Klein?
The executive chef of Restaurant Ikarus in Hangar-7, Salzburg.
What is special about Ikarus?
Each month a different international guest chef designs the menu.
How many Michelin stars does it have?
Two, since 2015.
Where is he from?
Strasbourg, in Alsace.
What award did he win in 2017?
Chef of the Year.
