Le Panier des Chefs — Restaurant in Avignon

An unforgettable culinary adventure — and we’re still dreaming about it

If you ever get the chance to attend a private chef dinner at Le Panier des Chefs, drop everything and go. Seriously — cancel your plans, book a flight, bribe your in-laws to babysit. Whatever it takes.

Chef Sébastien Roguiez doesn’t just cook. He orchestrates. He narrates. He whispers to mushrooms. What he served us? I won’t spoil the surprise, but let’s just say it involved foie gras, ingredients I couldn’t pronounce, and some things I’m pretty sure are illegal in certain countries for being too delicious.

The best part? We weren’t just spectators — Chef Sébastien invited us into the experience. We got to try elements of the dishes as they were being prepared, which was basically like getting sneak peeks at culinary masterpieces before they hit the plate.

And every bite came with a story: where it came from, why it mattered, and how it all tied together like a fine French sauce (which, yes, he probably also made from scratch using something harvested at dawn from a secret mountain garden).

It was spectacular, mind-blowing, and frankly, kind of unfair to every restaurant we’ve eaten at since.

Book this experience. Just make sure to wear stretchy pants and prepare...

It is rather special because u sit around a counter set inside a beautiful & spacious fine foods & wine store. The chef prepares most of the meal in front of you. There are only 8 seats so it feels like a "private chef" experience.The chef is a lovely man who is passionate about the use of good produce from france & other countries, such as vanilla from Madagascar. He also makes his own foie gras, trout gravlax & some other condiments. At EUR80 per guest, the pricing reflects the premium of this "private dining". Food wise, it wasn't impressive despite the premium ingredients used. Where I come from, there would be many highly competent home/private dining chefs who can execute similar or better. The best dish of the dinner were the desserts! As someone who has dined rather extensively around the world (including around france), I felt that the meal consisting of 1 amuse bouche, 1 starter, 1 main course & 1 dessert wasn't value for money. In fact, we had to ask for an extra serving of the main course because the portions were too small. Also, because it is a one man show, food takes a long time to be served as the chef also needs to serve wine, change plates & cutlery, etc. So don't come too hungry & be prepared for the 3 course meal t...

If you want to experience one of the best meals France has to offer, give this place a try, you wouldn't regret it.

Now if you want a unique culinary experience, understand how the magic is performed, an share the passion, now you REALLY have to stop here (or come specially for the meal, even if you come from Australia, it is worth it).

Sebastien will host you in a large room, but with only one table : three sides are for the customers (8 max, 4 in our case), the last side is for your host, who will spend the next 2-3 hours cooking for you, all the while explaining what he is doing, and how he created his dishes, including all the special ingredients he sources from local providers (ever tried a balsamin vinaigrette. Yes I have. With a touch of Cacao ? Nope, that was a first).

You'll walk out in the night, wondering : how the guy makes a living, when he so clearly prioritizes his passion over making a living. That kind of meal, for only 4 people, at a very reasonable price ??? why he isn't booked solid for the next 5 years.

Lack of advertisement, surely. Go for it before it's too late.

Thanks Seb, this will stay as a memorable life experience (along with a 78 concert by the Floyds, and a book by...