Joël Ellenberger: The Ambition Behind the Kitchen

Ellenberger’s professional trajectory was fundamentally altered by his tenure with Andreas Caminada, an experience he credits for shaping both his technique and his personal discipline. While the public sees the artistry and the accolades—currently two Michelin stars and 17 GaultMillau points—Ellenberger reveals that at least half of his day is consumed by navigating obstacles and managing the logistics of a high-pressure kitchen. This reality check is something he would emphasize to his younger self, alongside a piece of advice to temper his constant drive to push personal limits.

Looking ahead, his focus remains sharp. He is currently rallying his team to secure 18 GaultMillau points while preparing for the restaurant’s mid-December reopening following renovations. Beyond the immediate metrics of the industry, Ellenberger harbors a long-term vision of total independence. He views his career not as a series of kitchen shifts, but as a deliberate path toward establishing his own business, where his personal culinary philosophy can finally exist without compromise.