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L'Ambroisie, the oldest three-star restaurant in Paris, has found its new chef!

undefined undefined 18 juillet 2025 undefined 12h00

undefined undefined 18 juillet 2025 undefined 12h39

The Editor

© Expériences Luxe - Florence Consul

After nearly 40 years at the helm of his legendary three-Michelin-star restaurant in Place des Vosges, Bernard Pacaud, an iconic figure in French gastronomy, is taking his bow. To succeed him in the kitchen of L’Ambroisie, the choice has fallen on the Japanese chef Shintaro Awa, trained in some of the finest French establishments.

The event marks a turning point in the history of Parisian gastronomy. Bernard Pacaud, an exceptional chef who has held three Michelin stars since 1988, has decided to step back from the spotlight at L’Ambroisie, his gastronomic gem in Place des Vosges. At 77 years old, the one his peers affectionately call "the last of the Mohicans" is passing the torch to a worthy successor: Shintaro Awa, 39, who was previously the sous-chef at the Épicure restaurant at Bristol. This transition is all about preserving tradition to maintain the soul of one of Paris's most prestigious dining establishments.


L’Ambroisie, a bastion of French cuisine established by Bernard Pacaud

Since 1986, L’Ambroisie, located in Place des Vosges, embodies the quintessence of classic French cuisine. Bernard Pacaud has made his mark here with absolutely understated plates, exceptional ingredients, and perfect cooking and seasoning techniques. His curry-infused langoustine in thin pastry, bar escalopes, and the famous chocolate tart have turned this place into a sanctuary for haute cuisine lovers. 

Staying true to the legacy of Eugénie Brazier, where he honed his skills in Lyon, and later Claude Peyrot, Bernard Pacaud has always favored elegance and discretion, steering clear of flashy displays. His rigor has allowed L’Ambroisie to cons Serving continuously its three Michelin stars since 1988, a rare feat in Paris. For Alexia Pacaud, pastry chef and daughter of the chef, this departure is "extremely difficult," but it also represents a passing on of the values of this timeless place, as she explained to AFP. 


Shintaro Awa, a worthy heir 

The choice of successor for Bernard Pacaud was not made lightly. After a first unsuccessful attempt with Christophe Moret, the double Michelin-starred chef of Crayères in Reims, the Pacaud family and Walter Butler, the restaurant owner since 2023, finally found the ideal personality in Shintaro Awa. 

Trained at Paul Bocuse, the Marcon brothers, and the Plaza Athénée, this Japanese chef honed his craft for over ten years under Éric Frechon at Bristol. Both humble and ambitious, Chef Awa is said to share with Bernard Pacaud a taste for precision, a deep respect for the product, and a refined approach to fine dining. “It was necessary to find someone who...know how to cook French cuisine very well and who does not come to impose their own vision, but continues the vision of L’Ambroisie», highlights Walter Butler to AFP. This is supported by the testimony of Shintaro Awa, who indeed wants to remain faithful to the spirit of the establishment, where tradition rhymes with excellence.