Ascona, October 8, 2025 – Great joy at the Hotel Giardino Ascona: Reto Brändli, head chef of the fine dining restaurant Ecco Ascona, has been awarded 18 points by the renowned restaurant guide GaultMillau and at the same time named “Rising Star of the Year 2026”.
With this double accolade, Brändli is now one of the most exciting talents in top Swiss gastronomy. His cuisine stands for contemporary haute cuisine, characterized by precision, creativity and the uncompromising claim that product quality is paramount – only the best ingredients are used.
“This award is great recognition for the work of our entire team,” says Reto Brändli. “We want to surprise our guests with pure, clear flavors and evoke emotions on the plate – that’s what drives us every day.”
The Ecco concept, originally shaped by Michelin-starred chef Rolf Fliegauf, has stood for refined flavor cuisine at the highest level for years. Under Brändli’s management, Ecco Ascona has further developed its signature style – fresher, bolder and with a noticeable passion for perfection in every detail.
Guests have the opportunity to experience Reto’s award-winning creations at the Ecco Ascona up to and including October 18, 2025. To celebrate this award, the Hotel Giardino Ascona is offering an exclusive special rate for overnight stays until October 19, 2025: Meet the Chef-Package
From December 12, 2025, the Ecco team will move on to the wintry backdrop of St. Moritz:
At the Hotel Giardino Mountain, guests can enjoy Reto Brändli’s excellent cuisine until mid-March 2026 – in a unique ambience of alpine elegance and culinary sophistication.
About Reto Brändli
Born in Switzerland, Reto Brändli gained experience in some of the best kitchens in Europe before taking over the culinary management of Ecco Ascona in April 2025. His style combines technical skill with a fine sensory signature – inspired by nature, carried by lightness and elegance.
About the Ecco Ascona and Ecco St. Moritz restaurants
The two Ecco restaurants in the Hotel Giardino Ascona and Hotel Giardino Mountain are among the leading fine dining addresses in Switzerland. The concept stands for creative aromatic cuisine, excellent service and incomparable moments of pleasure – in summer on Lake Maggiore, in winter in the Engadine mountains.
