French chef Bertrand Grébaut, pioneer of bistronomy, dies at 44

Bertrand Grébaut, the influential French chef who co-founded the celebrated Parisian restaurant Septime, has died at the age of 44. His passing occurred on July 2, 2026, following a battle with cancer. The news was announced by his longtime friend and business partner, Théophile Pourriat, on the restaurant's official social media channel.

Grébaut was widely recognized as a leading figure in the "bistronomy" movement, which emerged to challenge the rigid structures of traditional French fine dining. His approach combined high-end culinary techniques with a more relaxed, accessible bistro environment, focusing on seasonal, carefully sourced ingredients. Under his culinary direction, Septime earned international acclaim and a reputation as one of the most influential restaurants of its era.

His culinary philosophy placed a strong emphasis on plant-based and modern vegetal gastronomy. Beyond the plate, Grébaut committed his kitchens to sustainable dining practices, championing waste reduction and advocating for improved staff well-being within the hospitality industry.

Following Grébaut's passing, Pourriat confirmed that the group's establishments in Paris will remain open. These include the flagship restaurant Septime, the seafood-focused Clamato, the wine bar Septime La Cave, and the patisserie Tapisserie. The culinary group will continue to operate under the principles established by the co-founders.