Hotel Chef of the Year 2026 – Johan Breedijk at Art Deco Hotel Montana
An Award That Celebrates Passion, Teamwork and Culinary Excellence
Great achievements rarely happen overnight. They are the result of passion, experience, creativity and a team committed to excellence every single day. We are therefore incredibly proud that our Executive Chef, Johan Breedijk, has been named Hotel Chef of the Year 2026 by the prestigious Swiss business magazine Bilanz. [htr.ch]
This distinction is among the most respected recognitions in the Swiss hospitality industry, honouring individuals who leave a lasting mark through exceptional quality, innovation and dedication. For the entire Montana team, it is both a tremendous honour and a reflection of our commitment to creating unforgettable culinary experiences for our guests.
Shaping the Montana Culinary Experience for Nearly Two Decades
Since joining the Art Deco Hotel Montana in January 2007, Johan Breedijk has been the creative force behind the hotel’s culinary identity. His cuisine combines Mediterranean influences with high-quality ingredients, technical precision and a passion for innovation.
Born and trained in the Netherlands, Johan completed his culinary education in a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant before building his career in Switzerland. His years in Ticino shaped the Mediterranean cooking style that continues to define the Montana kitchen today.
His philosophy is simple: outstanding cuisine starts with exceptional ingredients, respect for craftsmanship and a genuine desire to delight every guest.
Award-Winning Cuisine with a View
A visit to the Scala Restaurant is about much more than dining. It is a complete experience where exceptional cuisine meets breathtaking views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Alps.
Under Johan Breedijk’s leadership, the Montana kitchen has continuously evolved and has been recognised for many years with 15 GaultMillau points, a distinction that reflects both consistency and culinary excellence.
Yet what truly defines the Montana cuisine is not only the quality of the dishes. It is the ability to create memorable moments through flavour, creativity and genuine hospitality.
🔗 Discover more: Culinary Experiences at Art Deco Hotel Montana
A Recognition for the Entire Team
Although the award bears Johan Breedijk’s name, he has always emphasised that success is built together. In interviews, he repeatedly highlights the importance of his team and considers his colleagues the key ingredient behind every achievement. [evoo.expert]
This recognition therefore belongs not only to one chef, but to an entire culinary team that shares a passion for excellence, innovation and guest satisfaction.
Because in hospitality, great achievements are always the result of teamwork.
Bilanz Celebrates Switzerland’s Finest Hospitality Professionals
As part of the prestigious Bilanz hotel ranking, eleven outstanding hospitality professionals were honoured in 2026. Johan Breedijk received the title Hotel Chef of the Year 2026, joining a distinguished group of industry leaders recognised for their exceptional contributions to Swiss hospitality.
For Art Deco Hotel Montana, this distinction is a reflection of our philosophy: excellence is achieved when people are encouraged to develop their talents, pursue their ideas and turn their passion into memorable guest experiences.
Culinary Innovation with a Signature Style
Over the years, Johan Breedijk has been instrumental in developing and refining many of the hotel's culinary concepts. His achievements include helping shape the Montana’s show kitchen, creating innovative dining experiences and continually evolving the gastronomic offering of the hotel.
His goal has always remained the same: to create experiences that guests remember long after their visit.
From refined Mediterranean dishes to new culinary concepts, Johan's signature style can be found throughout the Montana experience.
Conclusion: A Well-Deserved Honour
The recognition of Johan Breedijk as Hotel Chef of the Year 2026 fills us with immense pride. It acknowledges not only his remarkable achievements, but also the dedication of a team that lives and breathes hospitality every day.
For our guests, this award represents something even more important: the assurance that dining at Art Deco Hotel Montana means experiencing cuisine that belongs among the very best in Switzerland.
We warmly congratulate Johan Breedijk and the entire culinary team on this outstanding achievement and look forward to many more unforgettable dining experiences together.
🔗 Reserve your table and experience Johan Breedijk’s award-winning cuisine for yourself.
