Top Tables Edit: How triple-Michelin-starred L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon keeps the ‘chef of the century’s legacy alive in Hong Kong and Macau
- A touchstone of modern French cuisine, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon at Landmark Hong Kong has held a peerless three Michelin stars for the past 12 years; it’s now joined by Robuchon au Dôme at Macau’s Grand Lisboa Hotel
- At the helm is executive chef Julien Tongourian, a culinary virtuoso mentored by Robuchon himself for more than 20 years, before the late French chef’s death in 2018
Smack in the heart of Hong Kong’s lively culinary scene, in Central’s The Landmark, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon is a beacon of gastronomic excellence, a restaurant that combines avant-garde fine dining with a relaxed ambience.
Operated by Lisboa Food & Wines Limited, L’Atelier presents modern, innovative French cuisine with the precision and flair that define the Robuchon legacy. At the helm is executive chef Julien Tongourian, a culinary virtuoso mentored by Joël Robuchon himself for more than 20 years. From the famous kitchens of Laurent, he moved across Paris to join the team that opened the first L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon there.
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Today he serves both L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Hong Kong and Robuchon au Dôme in Macau.
Remarkably, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon has held three Michelin stars for 12 consecutive years (2012–2023). Chef Tongourian himself currently holds six, thanks to his work at both the Hong Kong and Macau Robuchon restaurants. Other accolades include a listing in the South China Morning Post’s 100 Top Tables guide and the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide.
Continuing Joël Robuchon’s legacy, Tongourian brings the same spirit and respect for ingredients to all his dishes. His happiness lies in satisfying guests as well as imparting knowledge and passion to his dedicated team.
As diners enter, they are greeted with the restaurant’s blend of sophistication and warmth. Immediately noticeable is the impressive glass wine cellar that extends from the entrance into the dining space. The extensive wine list, boasting over 17,900 labels, is a testament to L’Atelier’s commitment to oenophilic excellence and includes rarities like Henri Jayer Richebourg Grand Cru 1959 and Barbeito Malvazia Madeira 1834. It’s no wonder that the restaurant has been honoured with the prestigious Wine Spectator Grand Award since 2010, a distinction held by fewer than 100 establishments worldwide.
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An open kitchen allows patrons to witness the culinary mastery of the team at work and you can opt for a front-row seat at the circular bar for a still-more interactive experience. This break from the norm continues as the restaurant maintains an à la carte menu when most of the fine dining world is shifting to a fixed set. Whether you choose the chef’s creative surprises or revisit classic dishes, each bite is a testament to a precise culinary artistry.
For a gastronomic experience that transcends expectations, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Hong Kong is a fitting testament to the legacy of Joël Robuchon himself, offering an unparalleled journey for the senses.
