i. Biography
Chef de cuisine Stefan Bader has made Zum Alten Stephan in Solothurn into a kitchen defined by seasonal products, a menu in constant motion, and a plain-spoken standard on the pass: *Simple, but really good.* The work reads as disciplined rather than decorative. Each plate is pared back to freshness, precision, and the kind of control that lets well-made food stand on its own.
The Path
Apprenticeship under star chef Andy Zaugg gave Stefan Bader an early grounding in standards, timing, and kitchen discipline. From there, the line of work moved through Krebs restaurant in Grenchen and Kreuz restaurant in Kriegstetten, each post adding the kind of experience that comes from repetition, consistency, and close attention to ingredients. Since 2005, he has held the Head Chef post at Zum Alten Stephan, and that long tenure shows in the steadiness of the kitchen. With a menu that changes constantly, the continuity comes from his hand.
The Work Today
At Zum Alten Stephan, the craft is built around the season. The kitchen uses as many seasonal products as possible, letting the market and the moment shape the menu rather than fixing it in place. That keeps the offering in motion, with the emphasis on what is at its best now. The cooking is seasonal, direct, and professionally executed, relying on clarity and balance instead of ornament. *Simple, but really good.* is less a slogan than a working rule, and it describes both the food and the method behind it.
Acclaim
The reputation here rests on seasonal cooking at Zum Alten Stephan in Solothurn. Stefan Bader has built his standing through restraint, not display, showing how a kitchen can be exact without becoming rigid. The result is a restaurant identity shaped by continuity, quality, and a long practice of keeping the work clear and current.
Profile updated August 2026
FAQ
Asked of Stefan
What is Stefan Bader's current role?
As of 2026, Stefan Bader is Chef de cuisine.
Where did Stefan Bader work before?
Stefan Bader's earlier career included under star chef Andy Zaugg, Krebs restaurant, and Kreuz restaurant.
What is Stefan Bader known for?
Seasonal cooking focused on flavor and first-class, professionally prepared food.
