French chef Bertrand Grébaut, co-founder of Septime, dies at 44

Bertrand Grébaut, the influential French chef and co-founder of the Michelin-starred Parisian restaurant Septime, died on July 2 at the age of 44. His death, which followed a long illness reported by multiple outlets as cancer, was confirmed by the restaurant on July 4.

The announcement was made via Septime's official channels by Théophile Pourriat, Grébaut's long-time business partner. In the statement, Pourriat described the chef as his "best friend, [his] associate, [his] brother."

Grébaut was widely credited with transforming modern French gastronomy. At Septime, he developed a culinary philosophy that moved away from the rigidity of traditional haute cuisine, focusing instead on simplicity, seasonality, and largely plant-based menus. The restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in 2014 and has consistently been recognised among the world's best dining establishments.

Alongside Pourriat, Grébaut expanded this vision across multiple successful venues in France. Beyond Septime, the pair co-founded the seafood restaurant Clamato, the wine bar Septime La Cave, and the pâtisserie Tapisserie in Paris, as well as the countryside inn D'une île in the Perche region.

His innovative and restrained approach to cooking reshaped expectations for fine dining in the capital. Grébaut's work at Septime and his broader contributions to the industry leave an enduring mark on contemporary cuisine.