Yera at Forestis: Dolomites Cave Dining with Fire and Foraged Flavors

Perched at 1,800 meters in the UNESCO-protected Dolomites of South Tyrol, Italy, the Forestis hotel has unveiled Yera, a groundbreaking restaurant that transforms a mountainside cave into a theater of flavors. This immersive venue invites guests to a four-hour, 14-course tasting menu centered around a primal fire pit, using ingredients foraged from the surrounding forests. Yera elevates regional Tyrolean cuisine by merging ancient cooking techniques with contemporary artistry, all within an architecture that harmonizes with the rugged alpine terrain.

The Allure of Forestis: A Gateway to Yera

Forestis itself is a summit sanctuary in Brixen (Bressanone), designed by architect Armin Sader to blend seamlessly with the landscape. Rising from a historic stone sanatorium, three slender timber towers mimic the vertical lines of nearby trees, offering 62-69 rooms with panoramic views, balconies, and minimalist interiors of pale spruce, stone, and glass. The hotel runs on 100% renewable energy, emphasizing sustainability amid forests and snow-capped peaks.

Wellness defines Forestis, with a forest spa featuring heated indoor/outdoor pools, Finnish saunas, steam rooms, yoga spaces, and treatments inspired by native trees. Outdoor pursuits like skiing, hiking, biking, and vineyard visits complement the indoor serenity, making it an ideal base for Yera’s epicurean adventures.

Yera’s Unique Design and Atmosphere

Unlike traditional dining rooms, Yera is excavated directly into the red earth of the mountainside behind Forestis’ main structure. Conceived as a primordial cave, its architecture evokes earth’s core, with raw stone walls illuminated by the glow of a central fire pit. This open-flame hearth serves as both cooking station and communal focal point, drawing diners into an intimate, elemental experience.

The space seats a limited number of guests, fostering exclusivity. Floor-to-ceiling integration with the landscape ensures every table offers unobstructed Dolomites vistas—lush forests in summer, glittering snow in winter. Ambient lighting and natural acoustics create a calm, stylish ambiance, where the crackle of fire mingles with whispers of wind outside.

• Cave-like intimacy: Carved into rock for a grounded, immersive feel.
• Central fire pit: Primal cooking and gathering spot.
• Panoramic integration: Seamless connection to alpine scenery.
• Minimalist elegance: Stone, earth tones, and soft lighting.

The Culinary Philosophy: Fire, Forest, and Forage

At Yera, chef Roland Lamprecht channels modern Tyrolean roots, drawing from South Tyrol’s biodiverse forests. The menu hyper-localizes ingredients: wild herbs, berries, mushrooms, and game foraged seasonally within walking distance. Dishes emphasize refinement with lightness, balancing bold fire-charred elements against delicate ferments and infusions.

The signature 14-course tasting unfolds over four hours, paced for savoring. Each progression builds a narrative—from light starters to hearty mains—cooked live over the fire pit. Paired beverages are creative non-alcoholic elixirs: herbal infusions, forest berry blends, and fermented accents that mirror the food’s wild essence without overpowering it.

Sample Tasting Menu Highlights

This structure ensures harmony between cuisine, service, and setting, rooted in regionality.

Ingredients and Sustainability at the Core

Yera’s commitment to terroir shines through hyper-local sourcing. Foragers harvest from Forestis’ 360-degree forested surroundings, prioritizing endangered plants minimally and favoring abundant species. The kitchen ferments, cures, and preserves to extend seasons, reducing waste. Fire-pit cooking minimizes energy use, aligning with Forestis’ renewable ethos.

• 90%+ ingredients from <5km radius
• Zero-waste foraging protocols
• Fire as primary heat source
• Seasonal menus adapting to nature’s cycles

Beyond the Plate: Immersive Experiences

Yera transcends meals with wine cellar tastings in a gorgeous cave extension, featuring South Tyrolean vintages. Guests can join foraging walks or fire-cooking demos, deepening forest connections. The four-hour format encourages lingering, with staff sharing stories of ingredients’ origins.

Forestis’ other outlets complement Yera: the main Panorama restaurant offers panoramic Tyrolean theater, while the bar provides casual forest-inspired drinks. Yera, however, is the ambitious pinnacle for those seeking transformative dining.

Practical Details for Your Visit

• Location: Palmschoss 22, 39042 Bressanone (Eores), Italy—above Brixen.
• Access: Winding forest drive; ski-in/ski-out winter; hiking/biking summer.
• Reservations: Essential; assigned tables for multi-night stays.
• Pricing: Tasting menu ~€250-300/person (excl. drinks); hotel rooms from $536/night.
• Best Time: Summer for foraging bounty; winter for snowy drama. High season August.

Guest Impressions and Accolades

Visitors rave about Yera’s magic: “pure harmony of taste, nature, and architecture.” The cave’s aesthetics, flawless service, and innovative pairings earn consistent praise. As part of Forestis—a spa hotel blending minimalism, wellness, and adventure—Yera cements the property’s status as a Dolomites icon.

Why Yera Redefines Alpine Gastronomy

In a region famed for hearty fare, Yera pioneers refined forest immersion. Its cave setting, fire-centric cooking, and foraged focus offer a sensory journey unmatched elsewhere. For travelers, it’s not just a meal but a communion with the Dolomites’ wild heart, blending luxury with authenticity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Yera different from other Forestis dining?

Yera’s cave immersion, four-hour 14-course fire menu, and non-alcoholic forest pairings set it apart from Panorama’s panoramic plates and the bar’s casual vibe.

Is Yera suitable for vegetarians or dietary needs?

Yes, menus adapt seasonally with ample veg/vegan options from foraged roots, herbs, and ferments. Notify in advance.

How do I get to Forestis and Yera?

Drive 20-30 mins uphill from Brixen; valets assist. Public transport to Brixen, then taxi/shuttle.

Can non-guests dine at Yera?

Limited day passes available; priority for hotel guests. Book early.

What’s the dress code?

Smart casual; layers for mountain chill. Comfortable for four hours.