Where the island of Sylt is at its quietest between the dune grass and the North Sea air lies a place where enjoyment is more than just a dish. It’s an attitude. An invitation to slow down to savour quiet moments of pleasure. To taste. There’s a fragrance. Appreciate the detail.

In the Söl’ring Hof restaurant, Officier Maître Rôtisseur Jan-Philipp Berner and Bärbel Ring tell culinary stories that linger on the tongue. Seasonal, sensual, Sylt soul.

In this gourmet restaurant, salt of the sea meets the warmth of an open kitchen stove. The clarity of Nordic flavours meets the creative signature of Jan-Philipp Berner. What is created here is not a menu in the classic sense. It’s a story in courses. Sometimes quiet, sometimes powerful. Always close to nature.

With a keen sense for the essence of things, Jan-Philipp and Head Chef Jan Fehling bring to the plate what the region has to offer in its best form: fresh catches, hand-picked ingredients, products with character. The connection to local producers and fishermen is more than just a shopping list. It’s part of the restaurant’s DNA.

At his side: Bärbel Ring, Sommelier, hostess, passionate storyteller. Their wine list is a compendium of discoveries, precisely curated and lovingly managed. Even more than that: it’s an invitation to experience the world a little differently in a glass.

Whether for lunch in the living room, dinner in the restaurant or simply for a glass in the late afternoon sun anyone who stops by quickly realizes that this is no place to be in a hurry. It’s for memories.

Perhaps this is where true luxury lies: in the care and detail. In a moment that lasts.

The Michelin 2-star Restaurant Sylt - sophisticated meets authentic
Jan-Philipp Berner impresses guests in one of Sylt’s best restaurants with refined, authentic cuisine and a Nordic touch. His love for his adopted home of Sylt and the region’s best produce is evident on his plates. Noble rarities are combined with simple ingredients. A combination which creates a true taste experience.

When Head Chef Jan Fehling, alongside Jan-Philipp Berner, stands at the hotplate with his team guests gaze in amazement at the many nimble hands putting the finishing touches to the dishes. One of the very special moments of a culinary evening at the Düne. This artistry and devotion will certainly be remembered as part of a wonderful journey. Like Sylt’s taste expressed through delicate, light and seasonal creations.

Working and apprenticeships
The chances of finding promising positions in the hotel and catering industry are particularly high after successfully completing an apprenticeship. The knowledge and practice gained are the tools for later paths. Host/Chef Jan-Philipp Berner and Restaurant Manager / Sommelière Bärbel Ring pass on their know-how and wealth of experience with a lot of heart and commitment. An apprenticeship at Söl’ring Hof has a high reputation in the industry. It teaches how to combine high class with casual down-to-earthiness.

Jan-Philipp observed, “Working in the hotel business is exciting and varied. It’s a vocation that is always about the guest, whom we want to enable to have a relaxing time: This is our highest aspiration at the Söl’ring Hof. In addition, culinary enjoyment and a love of craftsmanship are close to our hearts and the basis of our DNA. We demand above all from our chefs and restaurant staff: passion, energy and striving for perfection.

Our guests should experience our work in an approachable, warm and enjoyable way. Working on Sylt is always special. It’s about passion, understanding what the island has to offer us. In the end it’s about team spirit, the chemistry amongst each other. That’s what makes us a sworn unit that focuses on the well-being and satisfaction of our guests every day.”

Jan-Philipp Berner
The 2013 winner of the International Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs Competition, Officier Maître Rôtisseur Chef Jan-Philip Berner remains very Chaîne-minded.

In 2007, Jan-Philipp completed his training with distinction and a scholarship. He began his culinary journey at Jörg Müller’s gourmet restaurant on Sylt. This then led him on to the gourmet restaurant Tschifflik in Zweibrücken. In 2009 to the North Sea island for the first time at the Söl’ring Hof. Here he first worked alongside Johannes King as Chef Gardemanger and saucier. Jan-Philipp finished his chef’s degree with flying colours. He was drawn to Bergisch Gladbach to work for two years in 2011.

In 2013 he cooked his way to the title of the Chaîne’s best young chef in Germany. Followed four months later by the title of world champion young chef when he won the International Final of the Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs Competition held in Istanbul, Türkiye, with participants from 20 nations.

In September 2013, Jan-Philip returned to Sylt as Head Chef with overall responsibility for the gourmet restaurant since 2018. Together with Bärbel Ring and alongside the then host Johannes King. The philosophy of “authentic North German cuisine that focuses on the quality of high-quality and forgotten regional products” not only convinces guests of Söl’ring Hof. Also Gault-Millau, which named Johannes King and Jan-Philipp Berner Chef Duo of the Year in 2019.

In January 2022, Jan-Philipp succeeded Johannes King. He took over as Managing Director of the operating company and became Host and Chef at the helm of Söl’ring Hof alongside Bärbel Ring.

Since May 2023, Jan-Philipp has formed the top trio in the kitchen as culinary impetus with the two chefs, Benedikt Arps and Jan Fehling. Furthermore in 2023, the Söl’ring Hof was awarded 2 stars by the Michelin Guide again.

Prepared by a Chaîne News Online Staff Writer. E&OE