The smallest star team in Austria
Star chef Manuel Liepert and his partner Lisa Liepert are performing in the sleepy Leutschach in Southern Styria for the Michelin Guide 2025 – and for their very personal dream of bliss in small format.
Neither of them has been able to gain experience in renowned gastronomic establishments, and their CVs lack international stations in terms of cuisine and service. Although Manuel Liepert and Lisa Liepert have never performed at a top level before, their dream came true: The international Michelin Guide awarded the couple from Southern Styria one star for their fine dining restaurant "Lieperts". At the Michelin gala in Hangar-7 in Salzburg, they were the ones representing Styria culinary-wise.
“Barriers are meant to be broken”
“We became independent with our restaurant at the age of 21 and 24 – that was ten years ago, and since then so much has changed for us and within the gastronomy industry,” says star chef Manuel Liepert. His recipe for success: “I love to try new things and regularly break down barriers,” laughs the native German and father of two children.
Authenticity, lightness, and continuous development are the self-determined driving forces of the gastronomy couple, who operate not only the fine dining area but also a small café and a charming guesthouse with four individually designed rooms: Rosemary, Pepper, Nutmeg, and Sage. Guests spend the night amidst the vineyards – breakfast is served the next morning set under lemon trees.
Manuel and Lisa handle all of this alone. He in the kitchen, she as an all-rounder in service and behind the scenes. Together, they are the smallest star team in Austria.
The culinary signature at Lieperts:
Homely, exceptional, and Asian-inspired. The proof of this is provided by Styrian vitello with airbread and smoked trout dashi or Leutschach lemons from their own cultivation with poppy seeds, sour cream, and olives. The homemade petit fours buffet with take-away option is as popular among connoisseurs as the lovingly prepared breakfast the morning after dinner.
Manuel Liepert:
“I have always wanted to be a chef – and I have pursued that. When I decide on something, I do it with heart and soul.”
www.lieperts.at