i. Biography
In Paris, seasonality and local supply set the working rhythm at the eponymous restaurant where Akrame Benallal cooks. The register is contemporary French: vegetables, fruit, meat, fish, acidity, smoke, texture, and temperature handled as active variables rather than garnish. At Akrame in Paris, the French-born chef’s work is linked to cutting-edge dishes influenced by the molecular gastronomy movement, with French culinary traditions kept in the frame.
Coming Up
Technical range was built early through kitchens associated with different forms of precision and risk: Akrame Benallal worked with Ferran Adrià at El Bulli in Spain (from 2004), and with Pierre Gagnaire at Pierre Gagnaire (from 2004). That period preceded a chef role at Atelier Vivanda in Paris, Hong Kong, Manila and Baku. In 2024, the same practice entered a large-scale service context when he was chef selected for La Scène des Chefs at the Athletes' Village at Paris 2024 Games in Seine-Saint-Denis, France (2024).
Where They Are Now
The restaurant’s cited dishes show the kitchen’s interest in format, contrast, and controlled disruption: olive and parmesan ‘Oreo’ cookies with sardine creme filling, tomato salad with clear tomato jelly and vodka-lemon granita, rack of veal with squid ink sauce, and avocado espuma with banana crème. Alongside the Paris kitchen, Akrame Benallal is owner of Shirvan in Paris, while his principal chef role remains attached to his own name in the French capital.
Signature
Signature dishes include The charcoal pear and Flavored olive oil Caractère.
In Their Words “I really wanted to create a bridge between my restaurant and the Olympic Village. The dishes offered to the athletes are in the same spirit as my addresses, if not completely identical!”
Honors
Akrame Benallal has received 1 star for Akrame, Paris (2012). The recognition attached to the Paris restaurant includes One Michelin star for Akrame, Paris.
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Akrame
What is Akrame Benallal's current role?
Akrame Benallal is chef of his eponymous Restaurant Akrame in Paris.
Where did Akrame Benallal work before?
Earlier in their career, Akrame Benallal worked at El Bulli, Pierre Gagnaire, and Atelier Vivanda.
What recognition has Akrame Benallal received?
One Michelin star for Akrame, Paris.
