IGNIV Andermatt is open

Today, at Furkagasse in Andermatt, the newest member of the IGNIV family has found its home. The fourth branch of the IGNIV restaurant family is now open, with Head Chef Valentin Sträuli and Restaurant Manager Hannah van den Nieuwenhuizen welcoming guests to a fine-dining sharing experience.

"IGNIV by Andreas Caminada" has nestled itself within the Gotthard Massif. The fourth IGNIV—meaning "nest" in Romansh—from Swiss top chef Andreas Caminada will welcome its first guests this weekend. Located in the new Andermatt Reuss district on the gastronomic and shopping street “Furkagasse,” the project is a collaboration with Andermatt Swiss Alps AG, which will officially inaugurate Furkagasse on December 14. “Like every IGNIV, IGNIV Andermatt stands for relaxed, feel-good moments and, of course, for a diverse sharing menu,” says Caminada.

A Major Career Move
Caminada has entrusted Valentin Sträuli with leading this new location in the canton of Uri, marking a significant career step for the young chef. “Valentin is a young, motivated, and wonderful person who earned his stripes at IGNIV Zürich with Daniel Zeindlhofer and later at Schloss Schauenstein with Marcel Skibba and me. He has proven that he meets all the requirements for this position: creativity, leadership skills, ambition, and an incredible passion for his work. I am excited to mentor him through this next chapter,” says the 47-year-old chef from Grisons.

Valentin Sträuli strongly identifies with the sharing concept of the new restaurant: “The philosophy of serving numerous dishes to share at the center of the table instead of a classic sequence of courses fits perfectly with me. I can showcase many facets of my cuisine, vary dishes flexibly, and surprise guests.” For the 28-year-old, leaving his hometown of Zurich was unthinkable for a long time: “I was convinced that nothing could lure me away from Zurich. However, the opportunity to cook at the Schloss was a perfect reason,” he admits happily. “Andermatt is an exciting place for a new opening. I am convinced that we will bring significant value to the destination and hopefully delight both tourists and locals.”

Guests begin their sharing experience with four appetizers, including the signature Egg Royal. Sträuli emphasizes a typical winter combination of leek, bacon, and buttermilk. Seven starters, such as langoustine with chili and lemon, scallops with chorizo and bell pepper, or winter vegetables rounded off with apple and walnut, are served for sharing. “My favorite main courses are the two duck dishes: one served as a ragout with Jerusalem artichoke and another with BBQ sauce and onion,” Sträuli shares enthusiastically. Before guests take their friandises home from the traditional candy store, they can enjoy five shared desserts. “I serve a sweet Egg Royal with white chocolate and blood orange, a tarte tatin with sour cream ice cream, and, of course, a soufflé,” says the newly appointed head chef.

Restaurant Manager Hannah van den Nieuwenhuizen leads the service team alongside Sträuli: “I am excited to bring the sharing concept to life with Valentin and the young team and to feel the guests’ enthusiasm.” Since the new IGNIV is located in the newly constructed “Haus Maya,” training took place simultaneously with the final touches on the restaurant: “It was a challenge to stock the entire wine cellar within two weeks, coordinate numerous deliveries, train the team, and internalize Valentin’s menu. But once again, teamwork was key.” The Dutch-born manager, who is also the sommelier responsible for beverage selection, is thrilled that, like in Zurich, the Andermatt location features a separate bar area: “The bar allows guests to meet us casually over a cocktail or end their evening in a relaxed atmosphere.”

A new attraction
With Furkagasse, Andermatt Swiss Alps AG is unveiling a new quarter in the mountain village. “Andermatt has developed into a unique destination for alpine lifestyle and extraordinary experiences. High-quality cuisine plays a crucial role in our vision of making Andermatt the premier alpine destination,” says Raphael Krucker, CEO of Andermatt Swiss Alps. “Innovation, quality, and hospitality are just some of the shared values between Andermatt and the IGNIV family. I look forward to this partnership,” he adds.

Interior Design by Patricia Urquiola
In Andermatt, Caminada once again relies on the creativity of Milan-based star designer Patricia Urquiola. The Spanish-born designer and the top chef have previously realized the vision of a nest for guests in Bad Ragaz (opened in 2015), St. Moritz (2016–2023), Zurich, and Bangkok (both opened in 2020). In Andermatt, guests first enter a separate bar and lounge area with 34 seats, featuring warm retro colors: “Rich green, warm orange, and olive accents transport guests partly back to the 1970s, contrasting with the stark mountain landscape of the immediate surroundings,” says Urquiola. The typical nest character is emphasized in the main restaurant area, which seats 40, through recessed seating niches: “Guests sit at tables slightly set back, immediately conveying coziness. The focus is on the guests themselves, with service delivered, true to the nest concept, primarily from one side, like a mother bird,” she explains.

Glistening Cocktails, Gongs, and Ornaments
The IGNIV Art Collection continues in Andermatt. In collaboration with curator Andreas Ritter, Caminada has focused on three artists: Gina Fischli, David Renggli, and Philip Taaffe. The bar prominently features striking works by Swiss artist Gina Fischli, while the restaurant exudes opulence. Monochrome gongs by Swiss artist David Renggli and playful ornamental paintings by American art star Philip Taaffe inspire dreams. “Connecting creative cuisine, top-notch interior design, and art makes perfect sense to me,” says Caminada. “Viewing art is also a shared experience, and I want the selected works to spark conversations.”

Opening hours
Restaurant

Monday – Saturday:
Dinner from 6:00 PM 10:00 PM

Sunday:
Brunch from 11:30 AN – 2:00 PM
Dinner from 6:00 PM 10:00 PM

IGNIV Bar
Monday – Sunday:
4:00 PM – 1:00 AM

High season (Open Daily):
24.12.2024 – 6.1.2025
22.2.2025 – 9.3.2025
Low Season:
Closed on Mondays and Tuesday