i. Biography
Nenad Mlinarevic is the creative director of Bauernschänke in Zurich, Switzerland, where the kitchen is guided by modern shareable cuisine with international flair. His philosophy is disarmingly direct: “It must simply taste good.” In a culinary world that often leans on elaboration, that sentence reads like a declaration of intent — a clear, grounded measure for a role shaped by direction, discipline, and the instinct to know exactly what a plate should deliver. At Bauernschänke, that approach gives the room its pulse. The idea of sharing sits at the center of the experience, suggesting generosity, ease, and a certain urban looseness, while the international flair brings breadth without losing focus. Mlinarevic’s presence is felt not in flourish for its own sake, but in the confidence of editing, balancing, and steering a kitchen toward food that is meant to be immediately understood and immediately enjoyed.
At a Glance - Born in Zurich. - Swiss by nationality. - Previously kitchen chef at focus in Vitznau, Switzerland. - GaultMillau named him Chef of the Year in 2016. The arc of his career is rooted firmly in Switzerland. Born in Zurich and Swiss by nationality, Mlinarevic also spent time as kitchen chef at focus in Vitznau, Switzerland, a role that sits neatly within the same landscape of precision and ambition that defines his wider profile. In 2016, GaultMillau named him Chef of the Year, a recognition that underlines the esteem in which his cooking has been held.
Signature
Nenad's signature dishes include Pork Belly 2.0, Hot Duck, and Pizokel Dumplings. These signature dishes sketch the contours of his kitchen in vivid shorthand. Pork Belly 2.0 suggests a dish that takes a familiar ingredient and reframes it with contemporary intention; Hot Duck carries the promise of concentration and warmth; Pizokel Dumplings speak to comfort, texture, and a sense of rootedness that can still sit comfortably within a modern menu. Together, they reflect a cook whose work is defined by clarity rather than noise, and by the idea that memorable food need not overstate itself to leave an impression.
In Their Words “Then I know that Thomas and the team cook the dishes the way they would like to eat them themselves.” “I am very happy in this restaurant and, above all, I like being in the kitchen with the guys.” In his own words, there is an emphasis on trust, shared standards, and the everyday rhythm of service. The first quote suggests a kitchen culture in which the team’s own appetite becomes a benchmark — a simple but revealing way of describing food that must satisfy the people making it before it reaches anyone else. The second brings the focus back to the atmosphere of the restaurant itself, where contentment is linked not just to the space, but to the camaraderie of being in the kitchen with the guys. It is a portrait of a chef whose authority appears to come as much from ease and alignment as from expertise: a calm hand, a clean standard, and a belief that good food begins with people who genuinely want to eat what they cook.
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Nenad
What is Nenad Mlinarevic's current role?
As of 2026, Nenad Mlinarevic is Creative Director.
What is Nenad Mlinarevic known for?
Modern shareable cuisine with international flair.
