The winner of the Top Chef 16 final today opens his gourmet restaurant on a barge on the banks of the Seine – and it’s only open for a limited time!

Like millions of French people, we’ve been eagerly following season 16 of Top Chef. High-pressure tests, twists and turns in the kitchen, pots and pans (literally and figuratively) and, above all, endearing candidates who delighted us on screen. Once again this year, the standard was very high, and now we know the winner! After a fierce battle in the final on Wednesday July 2, Quentin Mauro is the winner! And we already know what happens next: this Thursday, the winner opens his very first temporary gourmet restaurant in Asnières-sur-Seine!

This year, the famous culinary competition introduced a new concept in association with the Michelin Guide. On several occasions during the game, inspectors from the famous guide evaluated the candidates. And not just for show: for the winner of Top Chef 2025, a potential star was up for grabs! Although Quentin Mauro won the final, he just missed out on the star!

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A rural final in the Yvelines

Before opening his restaurant, he had to win. And to do that, he headed for the Château de Croissy-sur-Seine, in the Yvelines region. There, at the heart of a memorable garden party, Charlie and Quentin competed in front of 350 guests over a giant barbecue. Each had to concoct a complete menu, supported by a brigade made up of former candidates from the season. A festive atmosphere, a colossal challenge: we witnessed a final rich in emotions… and flavors.

Quentin Mauro, a promising newcomer to Lyon’s gastronomic scene who recently joined Bonhomie Paris, distinguished himself with his technique, creativity and emotional approach. Opposite him was Charlie Anne, who won over the audience with his unfiltered personality, bold dishes and passion for foraging.

Top Chef winner opens temporary restaurant in Asnières-sur-Seine on July 3

From Thursday July 3, the day after the final, Quentin Mauro opens his ephemeral restaurant in Asnières-sur-Seine. The establishment, set up on a barge moored on the Seine, will seat around 40 diners, and will be open for several weeks this summer. The project is backed by the Les Bistrots Pas Parisiens group, well known among Parisian gourmets for their locally-rooted “bistronomic” restaurants.

Top Chef: a show that changed the French gastronomic landscape

Quentin Mauro may not have won the star he coveted this time, but he’s not giving up for good! At just 25 years of age, the young chef has already made a name for himself, and we have no doubt that the inspectors from the famous guide will be keeping a close eye on his plates!

In fact, since 2010, almost 30 former Top Chef candidates have been awarded a Michelin star, and many are still holding on to it today. Among them, Stéphanie Le Quellec (season 2 and coach in this season 16) shines with two stars to her name. Mory Sacko, Camille Delcroix, Adrien Cachot, Sarah Mainguy and Tabata Mey all recently earned their first star, in 2024 or 2025.

And then there are the public darlings who have become real personalities: Norbert Tarayre, who needs no introduction, and Danny Khezzar, who recently opened the doors of his restaurant “Monsieur Claude” in Rueil-Malmaison.

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