L’ATELIER de Joël Robuchon

53rd Best Restaurant in the World 2010

Joel Robuchon is one of the most decorated chefs in the world, and as a former Lifetime Achievement Winner – he needs little introduction here. The L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon opened its doors in Hong Kong in 2006, and is based on a new concept that Joël Robuchon created in Tokyo in 2003. It has received high praise since opening from all of the recognised awards schemes, and has achieved critical acclaim.

The décor of the L’Atelier restaurant series is contemporary chic featuring lush red velvet seating complemented by dark wood furniture. The restaurant is divided into two areas – L’Atelier and Le Jardin. L’Atelier is designed with a circular bar enveloping an open kitchen, a Robuchon trademark, allowing customers to witness all aspects of cooking, from food preparation to the plating of dishes. The menu offers a variety of great French classics in innovative tapas-style portions
Aside from L’Atelier, Located one floor below the restaurant, Joël Robuchon also presents his interpretation of a French tea salon. Le Salon de Thé de Joël Robuchon offers a variety of light sandwiches, bakery products, pastries and cakes, and coffee/tea for dining-in and takeaway.

Signature Dishes:

Sea urchin in lobster jelly, topped with cauliflower cream
Crispy langoustine papillote with basil
Free-range quail with foie gras, served with mashed potato

Behind the Stove:

Michel del Burgo is the Executive Chef at, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Hong Kong, and works very closely with Mr. Robuchon in creating and implementing new dishes and seasonal menus at the restaurant.
A French native, Michel brings with him over 25 years of international culinary experience and expertise in French cooking. Prior to his appointment at L’Atelier in 2010, he spent a total of six years in Paris and Moscow as the Executive Chef for some of the world’s most exquisite and exclusive French restaurants including the deluxe Le Duc and renowned Café Pouchkine restaurants in Moscow; the famed L’Orangerie in Paris; and La Vieille Adrienne, a historic and well-known French restaurant also based in Paris.

Michel started his culinary career in France in the early 1980s and has worked with world-renowned chefs including Alain Ducasse and Michel Guérard. He also led the kitchens of several Michelin-rated restaurants in Paris during the 1990s, including La Barbacane, located at the famed l’Hôtel de la Cité in Carcassonne, where the restaurant was awarded two Michelin stars during his tenure; the famous Taillevent, a celebrated three-star Michelin restaurant in Paris; and the restaurant of Hotel Le Bristol, one of the most luxurious hotels in Paris.

In 2003, Michel also opened his own restaurant, Michel Del Burgo, in Gordes, south of France. He is a popular TV personality on gourmet and cooking shows in France and is a regular guest at international gastronomy festivals/shows. Michel is a three Michelin-star chef and was also awarded Chef of the Year in 2001 by the Guide Champérard, a leading restaurant/food guide in France.