Michelin-starred chef Niclas Nußbaumer takes over restaurant at The Florentin

Frankfurt is gaining one of Germany's most talented young chefs. Niclas Nußbaumer, recently named the country's youngest two-star chef, will be the head chef at the highly anticipated destination restaurant at the luxury hotel The Florentin, opening in November 2025.

The Althoff Collection is making a clear statement in the gourmet world with its new Frankfurt luxury hotel, The Florentin. With Niclas Nußbaumer, the hotel has hired one of the most distinguished chefs of his generation. The 31-year-old will be responsible for the culinary concept of the new destination restaurant, as announced by the team led by General Manager Boris Messmer. This multi-award-winning talent is thus enriching the gastronomy scene of the metropolis on the Main River.

An exceptional talent for Frankfurt

Nußbaumer's career is remarkable. At the age of 14, he decided to pursue a career in fine dining, passing through formative stints at the Hotel Erbprinz in Ettlingen, the Wald- und Schlosshotel Friedrichsruhe, and the Restaurant Überfahrt on Lake Tegernsee. He most recently caused a sensation as head chef at the "Mühle" on Lake Schluchsee, where he became Germany's youngest chef to receive two Michelin stars in 2023. The magazine "Der Feinschmecker" also named him "Chef of the Year" in 2024.

He describes his culinary philosophy as product-focused, refined with classic French craftsmanship and modern Asian, particularly Japanese, influences. "Every plate should speak for itself—honest, focused, and meticulously prepared," says Nussbaumer. He places particular emphasis on the art of sauce making, which he considers the heart of every dish.

Common vision for the Main metropolis

Niclas Nußbaumer will set the culinary tone for the restaurant together with his partner Lea Rupp, who will help shape the restaurant as Head of Service. Their goal is to enrich Frankfurt with a gourmet destination that sets national and international standards. "With Niclas Nußbaumer, we are not only looking forward to welcoming a multi-award-winning chef, but also a true visionary of the young gourmet generation," explains General Manager Boris Messmer.

Frank Marrenbach, CEO of Althoff Hotels, also emphasizes the importance of the duo: "Their passion and ambition symbolize the spirit of the Althoff COLLECTION." The Florentin hotel itself is scheduled to complement Frankfurt's luxury segment with architectural elegance and a comprehensive lifestyle offering starting in November 2025. Nussbaumer's cuisine forms the culinary heart of the hotel.

For two decades, it has been investing in the city's future. To mark its 20th anniversary, the Polytechnische Gesellschaft Foundation is celebrating with Frankfurt a festival at Opernplatz, highlighting the power of civic engagement .

With €115 million in funding for education and social cohesion, the foundation has played a key role in shaping the city over the past two decades. As one of Germany's largest charitable foundations, originating from the Polytechnic Society of 1816, it now focuses on the people and ideas that shape Frankfurt.

The Opera Square becomes a stage

For three days, Opernplatz will be dedicated to what the foundation calls "polytechnic": the ability of citizens to shape their city independently. "We're celebrating Frankfurt and transforming Opernplatz into a polytechnical festival site," explains Prof. Dr. Frank EP Dievernich , Chairman of the Foundation's Board of Directors. "Through exchanges with inspiring people, we want to demonstrate what makes Frankfurt strong."

The program combines culture and science. Artists such as the electric piano duo Grandbrothers and the Frankfurt Opera Studio will take to the stage, while venues such as the Senckenberg Natural History Museum and the Schirn Kunsthalle will offer interactive programs.

A strong network for the city

A broad alliance of Frankfurt's business and society supports the festival. Mayor Mike Josef , who serves as patron of the festival, acknowledges the commitment: "Two decades of commitment to the common good are an expression of responsibility and lived solidarity."

The main sponsor is Frankfurter Sparkasse 1822. The list of sponsors, from Bankhaus Metzler to the KfW Foundation, reads like a clear commitment by Frankfurt's business community to their city.

At a glance: The anniversary festival

• What: Frankfurt. We're celebrating! – 20 years of the Polytechnische Gesellschaft Foundation
• When: September 19-21, 2025
• Where: Opernplatz, Frankfurt am Main
• Admission free
• Information: dasfeiernwir.de