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In the quiet, snow-draped village of Andermatt, warm light spills from Haus Maya onto frost-lined pathways. Inside, IGNIV by Andreas Caminada serves as a winter sanctuary, a cocoon of timber, curated art, and candlelit conviviality. This restaurant sits on Furkagasse Boulevard in the newly developed Andermatt Reuss quarter, instantly staking its claim as a premier Alpine dining destination.
A Nestled Sanctuary
IGNIV draws on the flavor universe of three-Michelin-starred chef Andreas Caminada, but it is young Chef Valentin Sträuli who brings this vision to life. The very name IGNIV (Romansh for “nest”) is a promise of refuge, a cosy chamber for friends and family to gather and feast. As Caminada notes, the Andermatt outpost delivers “relaxed, feel-good moments” a sentiment vividly realized in this Alpine setting.
Patricia Urquiola’s warm interior design envelops the space. Deep emerald banquettes and olive-green seats are offset by accents of rich orange, creating a retro 1970s palette that “transports guests partly back to the 1970s” against the stark mountain snow. Recessed seating niches enhance the nest feeling: diners sit slightly set back from the aisle, increasing intimacy as servers attend them “primarily from one side, like a mother bird”. Even Michelin’s Guide praises the ambience, noting the restaurant’s impeccable taste and modern elegance.
The décor is completed by a curated art collection. Bold monochrome gongs by Swiss artist Gina Fischli and David Renggli, along with whimsical paintings by American Philip Taaffe, lend contemporary drama to the walls. Caminada explains that he deliberately marries cuisine, design and art to spark conversation, viewing art is also a shared experience, intended to inspire dialogue as guests dine.
The essence of IGNIV’s experience is communal sharing. Guests forgo a traditional a la carte menu in favor of a continuous multi-course “Sharing Experience” placed at the center of the table. “The philosophy of serving numerous dishes to share at the center of the table fits perfectly with me,” says Sträuli, since it allows him to showcase many facets of his cuisine while surprising diners at each turn. The evening often begins with inventive cocktails and amuse-bouches, setting the stage for exquisitely presented courses that celebrate creativity, seasonality, and conviviality. The beverage program is equally thoughtful: carefully selected wines, often in large-format bottles, are integral to the IGNIV experience.
Each dish at IGNIV reflects the season’s bounty. One signature amuse-bouche is the Egg Royal, a delicate egg soufflé served in its shell and garnished with chives, a nod to the kitchen’s wintery trio of leek, bacon and buttermilk. A parade of sharing courses follows: briny langoustine with chili and lemon; scallops paired with smoky chorizo; and roasted root vegetables accented with apple and walnut. In the mains, Sträuli’s favorites emerge, especially two duck preparations: one a rich ragout with Jerusalem artichoke, the other a seared breast glazed in smoky barbecue sauce. Desserts close the feast with five shared sweets (tarte tatin with sour-cream ice cream, an airy soufflé and more), followed by the whimsical IGNIV “Candy Store” of petit-fours.
In December’s deep silence, IGNIV Andermatt exemplifies the serene elegance of Swiss winter hospitality. “Andermatt has developed into a unique destination for alpine lifestyle and extraordinary experiences,” observes Andermatt Swiss Alps CEO Raphael Krucker, noting that “high-quality cuisine plays a crucial role in our vision of making Andermatt the premier alpine destination”. IGNIV has indeed become one of the town’s signature attractions, embodying the innovation, quality and cultural depth that define Switzerland’s luxury winter living. Under CINCH Magazine’s seasonal campaign banner, it offers discerning travelers a perfect blend of Alpine romance and culinary artistry. In this lofty retreat among the pines, guests find a warm haven for indulging the season’s delights, truly a sumptuous winter tradition in the heart of the Alps.
© All imagery courtesy of IGNIV Andermatt
