Celebrity Chef Elverfeld Retires - Star Restaurant Closes - Germany's Only Three-Michelin-Starred Restaurant Aqua Closes After 25 Years
After 25 years of culinary excellence, Aqua in Wolfsburg will close its doors for good. The three-Michelin-starred restaurant, the only one of its kind in Lower Saxony, marks the end of an era for its celebrated chef, Sven Elverfeld. He has described the decision as deeply personal and the conclusion of his life's work at the establishment.
Aqua first opened in 2000 under Elverfeld's leadership. By 2009, it had earned three Michelin stars—a distinction it maintained until its final days. The restaurant's reputation grew further in June 2023 when its cuisine was once again honoured with the highest Michelin rating.
Now, Elverfeld is stepping down as head chef. His departure signals not just the end of Aqua but also a shift in his career. He plans to explore new ideas and perspectives, leaving behind the only three-star restaurant in the region.
Throughout his time at Aqua, Elverfeld dedicated himself entirely to the establishment. Unlike other top chefs, he never split his focus across multiple high-profile kitchens. Instead, his name became synonymous with the Wolfsburg restaurant alone.
The closure of Aqua removes Lower Saxony's sole three-Michelin-starred venue. Elverfeld's exit leaves a gap in Germany's fine-dining scene, one he filled exclusively for over two decades. The chef's next steps remain unwritten, but his legacy at Aqua is firmly established.
