Restaurant Stiva Veglia

In the heart of the small village of Schnaus near Ilanz stands a stately Walser house with an extraordinary history. Originally built in 1761 as a semi-detached house, it underwent its first, involuntary ‘baptism’ as a catering facility shortly after its completion: The troops of the Russian General Alexander Suvorov, who plundered the region around Ilanz following their legendary crossing of the Alps, unceremoniously fed the loaves of bread set aside for the village oven to their horses. It was not until 1915 that the building was officially given a new purpose as a restaurant, remaining to this day the only one in the village.

What was initially intended as a pub for farmers and tradespeople from Schnaus and Ilanz quickly developed into an inn renowned far beyond the region. The excellent hospitality and the exceptional views of Piz Mundaun and the Val Lumnezia ensured a loyal, year-round clientele. Structurally, the building, which is over 260 years old, has undergone several phases of renovation: a comprehensive refurbishment took place in 1993, followed in 2010 by a gentle renovation, during which the premises were extended to include a south-facing terrace annexe for around 25 guests. The ground floor houses the three historic dining rooms, which can seat between 40 and 50 guests, whilst the upper floor comprises a flat.

Throughout the renovation work, the focus was always on preserving the original atmosphere of the rooms: the dining areas have been retained in their historic form, so that the special charm of the ‘Alte Stube’, the literal translation of the Romansh name ‘Stiva Veglia’, remains palpable to this day. This balance between a rich history and a contemporary approach to hospitality has also secured the establishment a firm place on the map of upmarket Graubünden gastronomy since the 1990s.