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Top Chef, Restaurateur & Author

Günter W. Hager

Günter Walter Hager (*August 29, 1955, in Wels, Upper Austria) is an Austrian chef, entrepreneur, and author. He became known as the first award-winning chef ("Haubenkoch") in Linz and runs the renowned restaurant *Josef* in the heart of Linz. Beyond his passion for gastronomy, he is deeply committed to social projects, particularly in Tibet.

Career and Professional Journey

Günter W. Hager grew up in Viechtwang near Scharnstein in the Almtal region. After completing his schooling, he trained as a chef and gained valuable experience in renowned restaurants and hotels. Initially, he also worked as a state-certified ski instructor in Hinterstoder.

In 1982, he opened his first restaurant, Allegro in Linz, which became the city’s first award-winning restaurant, earning two Hauben from Gault&Millau. This was followed in 1990 by the opening of Josef, which today, with over 50 employees, is one of the most significant taverns in Upper Austria. Further details about his career can be found on his Wikipedia profile.

Professional Milestones

  • Bahnhofsrestaurant Wels
  • Sonnenhof in Gmunden
  • Ski School Hinterstoder – State-Certified Ski Instructor
  • Restaurant Rosenberger in St. Valentin
  • Hotel Zenzerwirt in Hippach, Zillertal
  • Hotel Philipp in Seefeld – Head Chef
  • Hotel Schloss Dürnstein in the Wachau – Head Chef
  • Hotel Schillerpark, Casino Linz – Sous Chef / Head Chef
  • Stephanskeller in Konstanz (Bertold Siber) – 1 Michelin Star, 2 Gault&Millau Hauben
  • Casino-Restaurant Gala in Aachen (Gerhard Gartner) – 1 Michelin Star, 4 Gault&Millau Hauben
  • Hilton Vienna (Werner Matt) – 3 Gault&Millau Hauben
  • Restaurant Allegro in Linz – Tenant (2 Gault&Millau Hauben)
  • Restaurant Stadtwirt in Linz – Tenant
  • Stadtcafé im Amadeus in Linz – Tenant
  • Stadtbräu Josef in Linz – Tenant
  • Kaufmann’s Kaffeehaus in Linz – Tenant

Author – Culinary Arts, Gastronomy, and Tibet

Günter W. Hager has published several books covering both culinary topics and social challenges:

  • „Kalte Küche“ – A professional guide to the creative preparation of cold dishes, featuring valuable expert tips.
  • „Fucking Gastro“ (2016) – A brutally honest critique of the challenges in the gastronomy industry.
  • „Fucking Gastro Reloaded“ (2017) – A deeper exploration of the topic with new anecdotes and insights.
  • „Danke Tibet“ (2023) – A personal account of his encounters with Tibetan culture, Buddhism, and local social projects.
  • „Thank You, Tibet – Where Happiness Is at Home“ (2024) – The English edition of his Tibet book, distributed internationally, particularly in India.

More information about his Tibet projects can be found on his website www.danketibet.at or through various media appearances, including YouTube and Facebook.

Social Commitment – Josef Charity & Tibet Projects

In addition to his culinary career, Günter W. Hager is actively involved in charitable work. His heartfelt mission is to support Tibetan orphanages that provide children with shelter and education.

Through the Josef Charity initiative, he is also dedicated to various social projects aimed at helping people in need. Further details about his initiatives can be found on Cityfoto.at.

More information: www.josef.eu/charity.html

Awards & Honors

  • 18 Gold Medals at international Culinary Olympics
  • Business Award of the City of Linz
  • Golden Chef’s Hat Austria
  • Golden Roulette Ball from Casinos Austria
  • Two Gault&Millau Hauben for Restaurant Allegro
  • Upper Austria Marketing Award
  • Silver Medal of Merit from the Province of Upper Austria
  • HENRY Award for social commitment
  • Seven Audiences and Personal Meetings with the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso