Presse & Médias

Marián Podola

Press & Media Mentions

Marián Podola's culinary philosophy and ventures have drawn attention from international and Swiss media alike - recognised for uniting fine dining artistry, sustainability, and authentic Alpine craftsmanship. From Forbes to Crema Schweiz and Zermatt Magazine, his work has been featured in publications celebrating innovation, ethical sourcing, and the evolving culture of private gastronomy in Zermatt, Switzerland.

Barista pouring latte art at Zermatt Kaffee roastery.

Zermatt Kaffee cafe with La Marzocco machine.

Forbes
Every Ingredient Matters
Crema Schweiz
Kaffee Erlebnis Schweiz
Zermatt Magazine
Economic Newspapers
Gault & Millau
Le Collectionist

Featured

The Chef

Marián Podola is a chef, restaurateur, and entrepreneur who has shaped Zermatt's culinary scene for nearly a decade. As the founder of:

The Zermatt Kollektiv AG
The Private Chef
Zermatt Kaffee
Aroleid Restaurant
Zermatt Keramik
Zermatt Kitchen
Aroleid Lodge
Zermatt Pho

his philosophy combines fine dining craftsmanship with authenticity and ethical sourcing. His experience spans Michelin-level kitchens, mountain hospitality, and product innovation - creating experiences that are as personal as they are refined.

"Cooking is an act of care - an expression of place, people, and time. Whether I'm roasting coffee, creating a tasting menu, or preparing dinner in a mountain chalet, my goal is always the same: to make every detail meaningful and memorable."
- Marián Podola

Coffee Craft

SCA-Certified Roasting

Behind every Zermatt Kaffee bag is a founder trained and certified through the Specialty Coffee Association - a professional roaster and barista who treats coffee with the same precision and care as a Michelin tasting menu. From green-bean selection to the final roast profile, each batch is developed by hand and cupped before it ever reaches a cup.

SCA

Certified roaster & barista

2017

Roasting in Zermatt since

12 kg

Diedrich drum roaster

1,880 m

Europe's highest roastery

In Print

Can be seen in...

Every Ingredient Matters - La Marzocco 2024

Chef & Founder - The Private Chef / Aroleid Restaurant / Zermatt Kollektiv AG

"The array of inspired dishes reflects the chef's journeys across the world." Nestled in the Swiss Alps, Marián Podola's culinary ventures celebrate craftsmanship, creativity, and a deep respect for origin.

From his signature fine-dining experiences at Aroleid Restaurant to The Private Chef and Zermatt Kaffee - Europe's highest-altitude roastery - each project embodies his philosophy of honest ingredients and meaningful hospitality.

Drawing from years of travel and a cosmopolitan perspective, Marián crafts dishes that connect mountain simplicity with global sophistication, inviting guests to experience cuisine as both memory and emotion.

Kaffee Erlebnis Schweiz - 2021

Marián Podola - Chef, Founder & Entrepreneur

Perched high in the Swiss Alps, Zermatt Kaffee Roastery is one of the world's highest specialty coffee roasteries. In the shadow of the Matterhorn, Marián Podola is reshaping Zermatt's culinary identity - convincing Michelin-level chefs and discerning locals alike that no great meal should end with a bitter coffee.

A chef and entrepreneur, Marián is the founder of The Private Chef, Aroleid Restaurant, and Zermatt Kaffee. His ecosystem also includes a ceramics studio and guest lodges - each built on creativity, authenticity, and hospitality.

"The village is driven by local families," Marián says. "You have to be smart, patient, and persistent to earn trust here." What began as a single roastery has evolved into The Zermatt Kollektiv - a philosophy of craftsmanship, connection, and the courage to do things differently.

FORBES - 2022

Marián Podola - Climbing Every Mountain

No peak is too high when you have a plan and enough determination. Marián Podola has cooked for George Clooney and Ozzy Osbourne. Today, he runs acclaimed restaurants and one of Europe's highest specialty coffee roasteries in Zermatt - proving that from gastronomy, one can rise to business and beyond.

Born in the Czech Republic, Marián's journey took him across Europe - from Greece and Spain to Scotland and England - honing his craft in elite kitchens and luxury catering firms. He cooked for global icons and Olympic ambassadors, including during the London Olympics for Omega with guests George Clooney and Nicole Kidman.

"The Zermatt Kollektiv is my dream project. I use everything I've learned - the good and the difficult - to build something that feels true. Success here isn't about luck; it's about persistence, timing, and belief."

Crema Schweiz - 2021

Marián Podola - Reaching New Heights

At 1,880 metres above sea level, surrounded by the peaks of the Swiss Alps, Marián Podola brought his vision of a holistic hospitality concept to life - founding what is now the highest specialty coffee roastery in Europe.

That vision found its home in Zermatt, a village that had never seen a local roaster. After a brief stint as head chef at the Europe Hotel & Spa, Marián began roasting beans by hand in a small basement in 2017. Two and a half tonnes later, the space overflowed, prompting a move to a larger workshop where a 12-kilogram Diedrich roaster now produces his signature blends.

"Even fine restaurants often overlook coffee. Here, we give it the same respect as the food." Long tables bring together skiers, hikers, and locals, embodying his "sharing is caring" philosophy.

Zermatt Magazine - 2020

Zermatt Roastery - Black Gold from the Matterhorn Village

For the past few years, the Zermatt Roastery has been redefining coffee culture in the Matterhorn village. Founded by chef and entrepreneur Marián Podola, the roastery is more than a source of exceptional coffee - it's part of a greater vision of community, craftsmanship, and shared experience.

His culinary path began at seventeen during a trip to Greece. That passion carried him to London's fine dining scene, working with Gordon Ramsay, Jason Atherton, and Heston Blumenthal before seeking a return to nature - and finding it in Zermatt.

"All good things in life should be shared. We wanted a place where people could enjoy honest food and great coffee together."

Le Collectionist - 2022

Zermatt Kollektiv: Escaping the Ordinary in the Alps

Le Collectionist Magazine explores how chef and entrepreneur Marián Podola built a creative ecosystem at the foot of the Matterhorn - where experiences, craftsmanship, and community meet. The Kollektiv unites a lodge, the Bib Gourmand-rated Aroleid Restaurant, the Zermatt Roastery (the highest coffee roastery in the Alps), and a ceramics studio and school under one shared vision: that great things in life are meant to be shared.

At Aroleid Kollektiv, guests dine on meticulously prepared dishes, shape their own ceramic plates, or roast and taste coffee from the in-house roastery. The ceramics studio works directly with the chefs, designing vessels for each dish - pieces guests can even purchase or recreate in workshops.

Within weeks of opening, Aroleid Restaurant earned its Michelin Bib Gourmand, and the Kollektiv continues to set new standards for fine dining and creative collaboration in the Alps.

Online

Online mentions

Zermatt Kitchen Haus zur Brucke - 2024

Now closed. Urban flair in a mountain village. Zermatt Kitchen is the place to meet for croissants and patisserie - but above all, for an exceptional cup of coffee. Twice a week, premium beans from around the world are freshly roasted on-site. An insider tip: the Katsu Sando, a Japanese-style sandwich with pork belly on Tangzhong milk bread.

Zermatt Kitchen Haus Ascot - 2024

Now closed. Just steps from Zermatt Kitchen Brucke, a larger space with a year-round heated terrace, Asado grill sessions, live music, and mini farmer's markets. All-day brunch, French-Asian fusion, and coffee from the in-house roastery.

Guide Michelin 2023-2025 - Zermatt Kitchen Haus zur Brucke

A trendy and casual dining concept split between two buildings: Brucke and Ascot. Breakfast until 4pm, house-made pastries, and the menu of the day. In the evening, Brucke becomes "Zermatt Pho" and serves Vietnamese cuisine. Coffee comes from the establishment's own roastery in Zermatt.

Guide Michelin 2020-2025 - Aroleid Restaurant

Located right by the ski slopes just above Furi gondola station, housed in a modern and stylish chalet that exudes rustic charm. Stunning views and a diverse menu of dishes inspired by the chef's international travels. Coffee comes from the in-house roastery and the crockery is made in-house.

About Marián Podola

Founder of Zermatt Kollektiv AG and culinary visionary. Chef Marián Podola brings over two decades of Michelin-level expertise to Zermatt, blending fine cuisine, coffee craftsmanship, and Alpine lifestyle.

A Czech native, he rose through London's top kitchens under Jason Atherton, Gordon Ramsay, and Heston Blumenthal, before moving into private and executive chef roles for elite clients and global brands including Omega, TAG Heuer, and the Mercedes McLaren F1 team.

Certified by the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe, Marián is also a professional roaster and barista. His passion for both food and coffee led to the creation of Zermatt Kaffee and later the pioneering hospitality group Zermatt Kollektiv AG, uniting Aroleid Restaurant, Zermatt Keramik, and several boutique dining concepts under one creative vision.

Since 2025, Marián has focused on his core ventures - Zermatt Kaffee, Aroleid Restaurant and The Private Chef - where he continues to deliver refined, personal dining experiences that combine precision, authenticity, and understated luxury.