Media & Press – The Private Chef by Marián Podola

• Forbes
• Every ingredient matters
• Crema Schweiz
• Kaffee Erlebnis Schweiz
• Zermatt Magazine
• Economic Newspapers
• Gault & Millau
• Le Collectionist

Feautured

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.

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, Marian 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, Marian crafts dishes that connect mountain simplicity with global sophistication, inviting guests to experience cuisine as both memory and emotion.

Kaffe Erlebnis Schweiz 2021

Marian 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, Marian 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, Marian 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. Zermatt, a car-free Alpine village surrounded by twenty 4,000-metre peaks, can be a hard place for newcomers. “The village is driven by local families,” Marian says. “You have to be smart, patient, and persistent to earn trust here.”

A short drive from the village, his Land Rover climbs toward Furi, 1,867 metres above sea level — home to Aroleid Restaurant. The flag outside bears the Zermatt Kaffee emblem, and the heart of the restaurant is a La Marzocco espresso machine from which Marian prepares coffee himself.

Beneath it, a small ceramics studio produces the handmade tableware used in service.

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 

Marian Podola — Climbing Every Mountain

No peak is too high when you have a plan and enough determination.

Marian 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.

Zermatt, with its luxury chalets and Michelin-starred dining beneath the Matterhorn, is among the world’s most exclusive mountain resorts. Here, Marian built his culinary world from the ground up — starting in a small cellar beneath a supermarket, roasting coffee alone through his first winter and delivering it by bicycle through snow. That same drive now powers The Zermatt Kollektiv, a family of ventures including Aroleid Restaurant, Zermatt Kaffee Roastery, The Private Chef, and a ceramics studio.

Born in the Czech Republic, Marian’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.

After years abroad, he settled in Zermatt to create something lasting: a business built on authenticity, craft, and connection. His ventures now merge fine dining, artisan coffee, and design under one vision — bringing warmth and creativity to the world’s highest village.

“The Zermatt Kollektiv is my dream project,” he says. “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

Marian Podola — Reaching New Heights

Whether on the slopes or in business, Marian Podola has always aimed high. At 1,600 metres above sea level, surrounded by the peaks of the Swiss Alps, he brought his vision of a holistic hospitality concept to life — founding what is now the highest specialty coffee roastery in Europe.

The idea took shape years earlier while Marian was working in London’s high-pressure fine dining scene. Seeking a more grounded life, he wrote the first business plan for a concept uniting a restaurant, roastery, and ceramics studio — a return to craft and authenticity.

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, Marian 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. His philosophy remains simple: “The best coffee is the one you love.”

Zermatt Kaffee became known for its rich Brazilian espresso profiles and for collaborations with coffee trader Gloria Pedroza, connecting guests directly with origin farms.

In 2018, the project expanded into Aroleid Kollektiv, a restaurant and creative hub in nearby Furi at 1,867 metres. Set in a renovated mountain chalet, it combines rustic charm with modern design. Every detail reflects Marian’s belief that coffee and cuisine belong together — from the La Marzocco espresso machine to the handmade ceramics created upstairs.

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

Between the roastery, restaurant, and studio, Marian divides his time between craft, service, and strategy. “At first, people didn’t understand our multidimensional approach,” he reflects. “Now it’s clear — our goal is to be Switzerland’s most complete coffee and dining experience.”

When asked if he misses city life, he smiles: “Maybe the variety of restaurants in London. But here, even after weeks of work, my vacation begins right outside the door.”

Zermatt Magazine 2020

Zermatt Rösterei – Black Gold from the Matterhorn Village

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

Ambitious and passionate from an early age, Marian learned discipline through sport under his father, a gymnastics instructor in the Czech Republic. His culinary path began at seventeen during a trip to Greece, where he discovered his love for cooking. 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.

There, he realised his dream: Aroleid Kollektiv, an umbrella concept uniting a restaurant, roastery, and ceramics studio. “All good things in life should be shared,” he says. “We wanted a place where people could enjoy honest food and great coffee together.”

When suitable beans proved hard to find, Marian created his own. Zermatt Rösterei was born — Europe’s highest-altitude specialty roastery, where every cup meets the “80 Plus” standards of the Specialty Coffee Association. Sourcing is overseen by Gloria Pedroza, who provides top-quality Arabica beans from around the world, while Marian handcrafts the cups in his Zermatt Keramik studio.

At Aroleid Kollektiv in Furi, guests enjoy locally roasted coffee and mountain cuisine in a communal setting — where, as Marian says, “status disappears, and only the love of good food and coffee remains.”

Le Collectionist 2022

Le Collectionist Magazine – “Zermatt Kollektiv: Escaping the Ordinary in the Alps”

In its feature on Zermatt Kollektiv, Le Collectionist Magazine explores how chef and entrepreneur Marian 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, Zermatt Rösterei (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.

Born in the Czech Republic, Podola left home at 17 to explore Europe. What began as a kitchen job in Greece grew into a world-spanning career — working with Gordon Ramsay, Jason Atherton, and Heston Blumenthal, and leading culinary events for McLaren F1, Land Rover, and Le Mans. Returning to Zermatt, he turned that experience into a philosophy of authenticity, curiosity, and craft.

At Aroleid Kollektiv, guests dine on meticulously prepared dishes, shape their own ceramic plates, or roast and taste coffee from the in-house roastery. Coffee culture lies at the heart of the concept, with Zermatt Rösterei pioneering specialty roasting in the region. The ceramics studio works directly with the chefs, designing vessels for each dish — pieces guests can even purchase or recreate in workshops.

What began as an outsider’s dream has become a cornerstone of Zermatt’s culinary identity. 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.

Zermatt Kitchen Haus zur Brucke 2024

(now closed) Urban flair in a mountain village!The Zermatt Kollektiv is bringing surprising new concepts to the foot of the Matterhorn. The latest coup: Zermatt Kitchen. It’s the place to meet for croissants and pâtisserie — 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 is the perfect hangover breakfast: the Katsu Sando, a Japanese-style sandwich with pork belly served on Tangzhong, a type of soft Asian milk bread. For fine dining, visit the group’s flagship restaurant, Aroleid, located in Furi.

Zermatt Kitchen Haus Ascot 2024

(now closed) Zermatt Kitchen Ascot, just steps from Zermatt Kitchen Brücke, offers a larger space with a year-round heated terrace, Asado grill sessions, live music, and mini farmer’s markets. Its stylish interiors are ideal for larger groups, perfect after a day on the slopes or in nature. Enjoy all-day brunch, French-Asian fusion dishes, and coffee from our own roastery, along with an expanded menu of modern cuisine in a vibrant yet elegant setting. We can also host private events with custom culinary offerings. Reserve a table or join us for food and live music!

Guide de Michelin 2023 - 2025  Zermatt Kitchen Haus zür Brucke

A trendy and casual dining concept split between two buildings: Brücke and Ascot. There are a variety of options on offer: breakfast (until 4pm), house-made pastries – their freshly baked croissants are very popular – and the menu of the day featuring international fare (until 6pm). In the evening, Brücke becomes "Zermatt Pho" and serves Vietnamese cuisine. In nearby Ascot, a more multifaceted and modern take on international cuisine is served at dinnertime. Here, there is a spacious terrace with a lounge area. The central location is another draw – the Matter Visper River flows right past Brücke. Incidentally, the coffee comes from the establishment's own roastery in Zermatt.

Guide de Michelin 2020 - 2025    Aroleid Restaurant

Located right by the ski slopes just above Furi gondola station, this restaurant is housed in a modern and stylish chalet that exudes rustic charm. As well as stunning views, diners can look forward to a diverse menu of delicious dishes inspired by the chef's international travels. Incidentally, the coffee comes from the hotel's own roastery and the crockery is also made in-house. For those who don't mind the long walk, it's a 1.5hour hike from Zermatt to the restaurant.