History

Raphaël François brings over two decades of world-class culinary artistry to the table, shaped by his experience in Europe’s finest Michelin-starred kitchens and New York’s most iconic dining rooms. His journey began in Belgium under the mentorship of Claude Lavalle at Le Giverny, where his passion for refined technique and flavor first took root.

From there, Raphaël honed his craft at legendary institutions including Comme Chez Soi, Hôtel de Crillon, Four Seasons Hotel Georges V, and Hélène Darroze at The Connaught in London—where, under his direction, the restaurant earned two Michelin stars. Each chapter of his career reflects his devotion to precision, creativity, and the timeless elegance of French cuisine.

Today, as he leads the kitchen at Tesse, Chef François combines his classical training with a modern sensibility—creating dishes that are both soulful and sophisticated. His cooking tells a story of passion, heritage, and artistry, inviting every guest to experience the world through his culinary vision.