Tristan Brandt is a German chef who became the country’s youngest two-Michelin-star chef, leading the restaurant Opus V in Mannheim. Trained under some of the biggest names in German and international gastronomy, he built a reputation for refined, artistic cuisine before taking his cooking to an international stage.
From Harald Wohlfahrt to Christian Bau, Brandt absorbed the very best of the three-star tradition, and at 31 stood among Germany’s elite chefs.
TL;DR
- German chef, born in 1985 in Mainz
- Former head chef of Opus V in Mannheim
- Youngest two-Michelin-star chef in Germany
- Opened Opus V in 2013; first star 2014, second 2016
- Trained under Harald Wohlfahrt and Christian Bau
Tristan Brandt key facts
| Born | 1985, Mainz |
| Nationality | German |
| Known for | Opus V, Mannheim (2 Michelin stars) |
| Second star | 2016 |
| Distinction | Germany’s youngest 2-star chef |
A stellar training
Tristan Brandt was born in 1985 in Mainz. He worked under a series of celebrated chefs, including Manfred Schwarz, the three-star Harald Wohlfahrt, Jean-Georges Klein in Alsace, Stefan Stiller in Shanghai and Christian Bau, serving as sous chef from 2010 to 2012 – an exceptional grounding in the three-star tradition.
Opus V
Brandt opened Opus V, on top of the Engelhorn fashion house in Mannheim, in November 2013. Just one year later it earned its first Michelin star, and at the end of 2016 a second followed, making Brandt, at 31, the youngest two-star chef in Germany.
An international career
Brandt led Opus V from 2013 until 2020. After leaving, he took his refined, artistic style to an international stage, including projects in the United States. His journey reflects a restless creative ambition matched by rigorous classical technique.
Signature style
Brandt’s cooking is elegant, artistic and technically precise, shaped by his years alongside some of the finest chefs in Europe and Asia. He combines classical foundations with a strong sense of visual and aromatic composition, producing dishes of clarity and refinement.
Tristan Brandt in context
Brandt is one of Germany’s notable chefs featured on Pickup Table 4, alongside fellow German star chefs such as Christoph Ruffer and Bobby Brauer.
Follow Tristan Brandt
Tristan Brandt – official site
Tristan Brandt FAQ
Who is Tristan Brandt?
A German chef, former head chef of Opus V in Mannheim.
Why is he notable?
He became Germany’s youngest two-Michelin-star chef.
When did Opus V earn two stars?
At the end of 2016.
Who did he train under?
Harald Wohlfahrt, Christian Bau and others.
What is his style?
Refined, artistic cuisine on a classical foundation.
