Niclas Nussbaumer goes to Frankfurt

FRANKFURT AM MAIN. Niclas Nussbaumer, who has achieved two stars in the Michelin Guide with the restaurant in the Mühle Schluchsee, is moving to the Althoff Hotel Group. He is taking over the restaurant in the new Hotel The Florentin in Frankfurt am Main.

Many of Germany's best chefs have developed at Althoff - to this day, this consistent support continues to attract talent from across the industry. It is therefore only logical that there will also be a clear commitment to top-class gastronomy at The Florentin. The team around General Manager Boris Messmer has now announced a corresponding highlight: With Niclas Nußbaumer, the new luxury hotel in the Althoff COLLECTION has gained one of Germany's most talented young top chefs. As head chef, the 31-year-old will be responsible for the eagerly awaited destination restaurant and will rely on his characteristic blend of precision craftsmanship, creativity and passion.

Clear compass, creative signature

Niclas Nußbaumer is one of the up-and-coming talents of his generation. He decided to enter the world of top gastronomy at the age of 14 and gained his first experience in the kitchen. Key stages of his career included the renowned Hotel Erbprinz in Ettlingen, where he completed comprehensive training in all areas of catering, the Wald- und Schlosshotel Friedrichsruhe as head patissier and the Restaurant Überfahrt on Lake Tegernsee. Most recently, he caused a sensation as head chef at the "Mühle" at Schluchsee and in 2023 became one of Germany's youngest chefs to date with two Michelin stars. In 2024, the magazine "Der Feinschmecker" also named him "Chef of the Year".

His culinary philosophy is clear: the product always takes centre stage and is cleverly presented with classic French craftsmanship and modern influences from Asia. He is particularly inspired by Japan, which characterises many of his creations. For him, the integrity and exceptional quality of the ingredients is crucial - regardless of their origin. Intense flavours, finely balanced acidity and an elegant lightness ensure balance and depth on the plate. Resources are used consciously and respectfully - out of conviction for the craft. "Every plate should speak for itself - honest, focussed and full of care," says Niclas Nußbaumer.

Precision craftsmanship meets creative openness

Niclas Nußbaumer attaches particular importance to the art of sauce making - for him, the centrepiece of every dish. This is where patience, passion and depth reveal themselves, the defining elements of his cuisine. His love of detail is combined with the desire to reinterpret familiar structures without losing the balance.

Together with his partner Lea Rupp, who is helping to shape the new restaurant as service manager, Niclas Nußbaumer will set the culinary pace for the establishment in future. Their common goal: to enrich Frankfurt with a gourmet address that sets national and international standards.

Voices from the house

"With Niclas Nußbaumer, we are not only looking forward to welcoming a multiple award-winning chef, but also a true visionary of the young gourmet generation," says Boris Messmer, General Manager at The Florentin. "His ambition, his energy and his creative signature fit perfectly with what we want to realise in this hotel."

Frank Marrenbach, CEO of Althoff Hotels, adds: "Our hotels are stages for talent. I am particularly pleased that with Niclas Nußbaumer and Lea Rupp, we have been able to attract a special duo for our opening in Frankfurt, who combine excellent cuisine and hospitality at the highest level. Their passion and ambition epitomise the spirit of the Althoff COLLECTION."

The Florentin: an urban retreat for the highest standards

From November 2025, The Florentin will enrich the luxury segment of the German hotel industry with architectural elegance, contemporary design and a comprehensive wellness and lifestyle offering. Within this framework, Niclas Nußbaumer's cuisine will form the culinary centrepiece - an experience that will radiate far beyond the city limits of Frankfurt.