Lionel Rigolet is the chef of Comme Chez Soi, one of the most storied restaurants in Brussels and a symbol of Belgian gastronomy for nearly a century. Trained by some of the greatest names in French cooking, he carried forward a family dynasty, blending classic technique with an exotic, personal touch and a legendary mastery of sauces.
Named Belgian Chef of the Year, Rigolet has devoted his career to one historic Art Nouveau house, upholding a tradition that stretches back to 1926.
TL;DR
- Belgian chef of the historic Comme Chez Soi in Brussels
- Trained with Joel Robuchon, Gaston Lenotre and Marc Haeberlin
- Married into the founding family and took over the restaurant
- Named Gault Millau Belgian Chef of the Year 2007
- Known for mastery of sauces and refined, exotic touches
Lionel Rigolet key facts
| Nationality | Belgian |
| Restaurant | Comme Chez Soi, Brussels |
| Trained with | Joel Robuchon, Gaston Lenotre, Marc Haeberlin |
| Honour | Belgian Chef of the Year 2007 |
| Known for | Classic cuisine; mastery of sauces |
A historic house
Comme Chez Soi was founded in 1926 by Georges Cuvelier and moved in the 1930s to its present home, a beautiful Art Nouveau house on the Place Rouppe in central Brussels, where it earned its first Michelin star in 1953. For decades it has been one of the great symbols of Belgian gastronomy, a temple of classic cuisine in the heart of the capital.
A dynasty continued
Lionel Rigolet trained with some of the most celebrated names in French cooking – Joel Robuchon, Gaston Lenotre and Marc Haeberlin – before joining Comme Chez Soi. In 1994 he married Laurence, the elder daughter of the fourth generation of the family, and completed his training in the restaurant before taking it over with his wife, carrying the dynasty forward.
Recognition
Rigolet was named Belgian Chef of the Year by Gault Millau in 2007, recognition for his stewardship of one of the country’s most important restaurants. Over the years Comme Chez Soi has held two Michelin stars, a mark of its enduring quality at the summit of Brussels dining.
Signature style
Rigolet lavishes great care on plating and adds an exotic twist, particularly in his set menus, with a consummate mastery of sauces and a deep knowledge of outstanding ingredients. His cooking honours the classic tradition of Comme Chez Soi while bringing his own refined, personal touch – a bridge between a storied past and the present.
Lionel Rigolet in context
Rigolet is one of Brussels’s most established chefs featured on Pickup Table 4, alongside Christophe Hardiquest and Sang-Hoon Degeimbre.
Follow Lionel Rigolet
Comme Chez Soi – official site
Lionel Rigolet FAQ
Who is Lionel Rigolet?
The Belgian chef of the historic Comme Chez Soi restaurant in Brussels.
What is Comme Chez Soi?
A storied Brussels restaurant founded in 1926, a symbol of Belgian gastronomy.
Who did he train with?
Joel Robuchon, Gaston Lenotre and Marc Haeberlin.
What award has he won?
Belgian Chef of the Year by Gault Millau in 2007.
What is he known for?
Classic cuisine, exotic touches and a mastery of sauces.
