Twenty years after taking his first steps in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, Cyril Lignac is passing the baton of his restaurant Ischia to an emerging talent from Top Chef. This emotional handover marks a new chapter for this iconic chef, who has captivated the French gastronomic scene. Denny Imbroisi, the former contestant of the famous culinary competition, will inherit this place filled with memories and culinary creativity.
Why did Cyril Lignac decide to hand over his restaurant Ischia?
In 2005, Cyril Lignac opened the doors to his first restaurant in Paris, Ischia, a place that embodies passion and creativity of the chef. After nearly two decades of success, he recently announced on social media that he was passing the torch to a former contestant of the show Top Chef, Denny Imbroisi. This transfer echoes a journey where Chef Lignac managed to transform his establishment into a true reference of Italian cuisine in Paris.
In his message, Cyril expressed his emotion regarding this decision: “I could not have imagined such a beautiful adventure”. Beyond just the sale of a restaurant, this is a symbolic handover, from one chef to another, reflecting the dynamics of French gastronomy. This change coincides with a desire for renewal, both for Lignac, who wishes to focus on other projects, and for Imbroisi, who aims to perpetuate the spirit of the establishment while adding his own touch.
What is Denny Imbroisi’s background?
Before becoming Cyril Lignac’s successor, Denny Imbroisi followed an impressive path in the world of gastronomy. Of Italian descent, he gained recognition through his participation in the show Top Chef in 2012, where he captivated both the audience and the jury with his sense of culinary innovation. After this television stint, he opened several establishments in Paris, including Ida, Epoca, Malro, and Quindici, each showcasing his vision of modern Italian cuisine.
Imbroisi is also recognized for his mastery of classics, such as carbonara pasta, which earned him critical acclaim. His career is marked by several distinctions, including a rating of 14/20 in Gault & Millau for his restaurant Ida. His passion for cooking symbolizes a connection between the authenticity of family recipes and contemporary influences, promising a beautiful continuity for Ischia.
What changes can we expect at the restaurant Ischia?
With the arrival of Denny Imbroisi, Ischia will undergo adjustments that could attract a new clientele. While respecting the legacy established by Cyril Lignac, Denny also wishes to put his personal touch on the menu. This could translate into a combination of reinterpreted classic dishes and innovative options, aimed at capturing the attention of Parisian food lovers. Regular customers can expect to discover:
- Reimagined Italian recipes with a modern twist.
- Local ingredients for seasonal dishes.
- A privileged relationship with producers, ensuring optimal freshness.
- A renewed ambiance while maintaining the spirit of the place.
What impact will this transition have on Cyril Lignac’s image?
Cyril Lignac has managed to create a strong image in the French culinary world. Handing over the baton to another chef, especially a former contestant of Top Chef, only enriches this image by demonstrating his desire to support the new generation. By entrusting Ischia to Denny Imbroisi, Cyril shows that he remains active in the gastronomic landscape, not only as a chef but also as a mentor. This decision could strengthen his ties with the famous M6 show, which has launched numerous talents.
The choice of a chef who has already proven himself on television also reinforces the legitimacy of the handover. The public will be able to follow this evolution and witness Imbroisi’s artistic signature, all while experiencing it through the lens of a chef who has marked the recent history of Parisian gastronomy.
How does Cyril Lignac maintain his influence in Paris?
Despite the handover of Ischia, Cyril Lignac retains several other establishments in Paris, allowing him to maintain his presence in the culinary landscape of the city. His other restaurants, such as Le Bar des Prés, Le Dragon, and Aux Prés, continue to be meeting places for lovers of good food. Thus, Lignac is not stepping away from the gastronomic scene but prefers to focus on new projects and challenges.
Whether through his pastry shops, chocolate shops, or his starred establishments, Lignac remains an essential figure, the conductor of a modern French cuisine. Denny Imbroisi, by taking the reins of Ischia, is part of the continuation of this heritage, reaffirming the importance of these culinary experiences in the heart of the capital.
The handover from Cyril Lignac to Denny Imbroisi for his first Parisian restaurant, Ischia, marks a significant moment in the evolution of French gastronomy. By taking the helm of this iconic address, Denny Imbroisi, a former contestant of Top Chef, has the responsibility to uphold the culinary legacy that Lignac has established over the years.
Ischia, located on Rue Cauchy, is not only a reflection of modern Italian cuisine, but also a space rich in stories and flavors. Cyril Lignac’s decision to pass this restaurant to a promising chef reflects his desire to see creativity endure. Denny, with his impressive background and numerous accolades, holds all the cards in hand to continue this tradition of quality. The respect for Lignac’s recipes and culinary values will undoubtedly be at the heart of his approach.
This new chapter for Ischia offers an exciting opportunity not only for Denny Imbroisi, but also for loyal customers who will be able to rediscover this restaurant from a new angle while retaining its name and warm atmosphere. A beautiful continuity is emerging, and the future of this institution looks promising.

