A New Chapter for a Bordeaux Icon

In 2025, Le Chapon Fin, one of Bordeaux’s most storied restaurants, marks an extraordinary milestone: its bicentennial. Founded in 1825 in the heart of the city’s “Golden Triangle,” this emblem of Bordeaux gastronomy is not just celebrating its 200th birthday—it’s entering a bold new era with renewed leadership, refined décor, and a rich program of culinary and artistic events.

A rebirth for a culinary landmark

Under the direction of François Régimbeau and Sylvie Cazes, president of the owning family group, Le Chapon Fin has undergone a thoughtful transformation. A new team has joined to uphold and elevate the restaurant’s legendary status, with Chef Younesse Bouakkaoui at the helm. Trained by masters like Thierry Marx and Jean-Luc Rocha, Bouakkaoui brings a modern, elegant touch to traditional Bordeaux cuisine, blending history with innovation.

The interiors, too, have been reimagined to honor their Belle Époque heritage while embracing a contemporary vision. Thanks to a collaboration with designer David Dalidec, the iconic jardin d’hiver has been revived, and a new bar area now offers a lounge space for pre- or post-dinner drinks. Local artisans from the Bordeaux region contributed to the redesign, reaffirming the restaurant’s strong regional identity.

Bicentennial Dinners: a journey through time

To commemorate two centuries of history, Le Chapon Fin will host a series of Dîners du Bicentenaire throughout 2025. Each event will spotlight a different historical era of the restaurant, with menus inspired by the culinary spirit of the time, brought to life in a four-hands format with guest chefs.

• April 2, 2025 – A 19th-century soirée featuring dishes from Bordeaux’s early gastronomic roots.

• June 12, 2025 – A tribute to Joseph Sicart (1901–1960), with a culinary journey through the Roaring Twenties.

• September 18, 2025 – Francis Garcia Night, celebrating the return of this legendary 1980s chef.

• November 27, 2025 – Nicolas Frion Evening, reflecting the elegance of early 2000s gastronomy.

These unique dinners will be accompanied by artistic performances in partnership with local institutions like the Opéra National de Bordeaux and Théâtre Trianon.

A historical treasure trove

To further commemorate the bicentennial, Le Chapon Fin is collaborating with publisher Éditions Sud-Ouest on a book chronicling the restaurant’s remarkable journey. Supported by research from historian Olivier Londeix, the book will feature historic recipes, illustrations from artists such as Toché and SEM, poetic tributes, and anecdotes from royal guests and iconic personalities including Toulouse-Lautrec, Sarah Bernhardt, Clémenceau, and King Alfonso XIII of Spain.

A team dedicated to excellence

• Younesse Bouakkaoui, Executive Chef: A Médoc native and rising star, blending haute cuisine with Bordeaux tradition.

• Thomas Guillot, Pastry Chef: Brings elegance and creativity from his experience at top institutions in France and the UK.

• Germain Thullier, Maître d’Hôtel: A master of hospitality who revives the charm and grace of classic service.

• Brice Raymond, Head Sommelier: A Ferrandi graduate curating a wine cellar of over 1,000 references, highlighting the soul of Bordeaux wines.

A living legacy

Le Chapon Fin is more than a restaurant—it is a living symbol of Bordeaux’s cultural and gastronomic heritage. From private dining in the Petit Salon to tours of the historic wine cellar, every detail is curated to immerse guests in an unforgettable experience.

With its 200th anniversary, Le Chapon Fin not only honors its past but sets the stage for a vibrant future, where cuisine, wine, art, and history come together to inspire a new generation.

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