Richard Rauch is one of Austria’s most influential chefs, the pioneer of modern, upscale tavern cuisine and holder of a Michelin star at his family restaurant in Styria. Taking over the century-old Steirawirt at just 17, he transformed it into one of the best addresses in the country.
Working alongside his sister Sonja, Rauch elevates honest Styrian tavern classics with creativity and a nose-to-tail philosophy, championing regionality and quality.
TL;DR
- Austrian chef, born in 1985 in Styria
- Pioneer of modern Austrian tavern cuisine
- Head chef of the family restaurant since 2003
- Gault Millau Chef of the Year 2015; holds a Michelin star
- Runs the restaurant as Geschwister Rauch with his sister
Richard Rauch key facts
| Born | 1985, Feldbach, Styria |
| Nationality | Austrian |
| Restaurant | Geschwister Rauch (Steirawirt), Trautmannsdorf (1 Michelin star) |
| Chef since | 2003, aged 17 |
| Honour | Gault Millau Chef of the Year 2015 |
A tavern transformed
Richard Rauch was born in 1985 in Feldbach, Styria, and trained at the vocational school for chefs in Bad Gleichenberg before taking over his family’s restaurant, the Steirawirt, as head chef at just 17. He completed internships with Hans Haas, Joachim Wissler, Nils Henkel, the Obauer brothers and Christian Petz.
Modern tavern cuisine
Rauch is the Austrian pioneer of modern, upscale tavern cuisine, or Wirtshauskuche, which has gained new prominence through him. At the 120-year-old restaurant he pairs everyday ingredients like sauerkraut, ham and kohlrabi with unexpected elements such as matcha, yuzu or orange blossom.
Geschwister Rauch
In 2006 Rauch won the first of four Gault Millau toques, and at 30 was named Chef of the Year for 2015. He holds a Michelin star, and since 2020 the restaurant has operated as Geschwister Rauch – Siblings Rauch – reflecting his close partnership with his sister Sonja. He is also a familiar face on Austrian television.
Signature style
Rauch’s style unites honest Styrian tavern classics with gourmet creativity, emphasising regionality, quality and a nose-to-tail philosophy. It is generous, rooted cooking raised to fine-dining level – a modern reinvention of the Austrian inn.
Richard Rauch in context
Rauch is one of Austria’s most influential chefs featured on Pickup Table 4, alongside fellow Austrian chefs such as Max Stiegl and Lukas Mraz.
Follow Richard Rauch
Geschwister Rauch – official site
Richard Rauch FAQ
Who is Richard Rauch?
An Austrian chef, pioneer of modern tavern cuisine, with a Michelin star in Styria.
When did he take over the restaurant?
At just 17, in 2003.
What award did he win in 2015?
Gault Millau Chef of the Year.
What is the restaurant called now?
Geschwister Rauch, run with his sister Sonja.
What is his style?
Modern, upscale Styrian tavern cuisine.
