i. Biography
French and Mediterranean cooking at Château Eza in Èze, France, carries the discipline of sauce work and citrus balance into a modern register. Under Executive Chef Justin Schmitt, the restaurant earned One Michelin star in 2023 for a cuisine built on precision, local flavor, and controlled acidity.
Training and Lineage
Station work across garde-manger, pâtisserie, communard, hot starters, and partie roles forms a practical apprenticeship in the mechanics of French kitchens. Justin Schmitt built that base as responsable du garde-manger, de la pâtisserie et du communard at Restaurant Gaya Rive Gauche (2001–2003), responsable entrées chaudes at Restaurant Lucas Carton (2003–2005), Demi Chef de partie at Restaurant Michel Guerard (2005–2005), and commis at Restaurant Le Grand Véfour (2005–2006). The progression continued through Chef de partie roles at Restaurant La Grande Cascade (2006–2008) and Le Bristol Paris (2008–2010), where discipline, finesse, and the demands of grand Parisian dining rooms shaped the repertoire. Senior kitchen responsibility at Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, moved from execution into direction. Justin Schmitt served as 1er sous-chef au restaurant Les Ambassadeurs (2010–2012), then Chef Adjoint au restaurant Les Ambassadeurs (2012–2017), before becoming Chef de la Brasserie d'aumont (2017–2019). The next post, Chef Exécutif at Restaurant Laurent (2019–2021), extended a career built through the capital’s established dining rooms.
At Work Now
French and Mediterranean cuisine at Château Eza is handled through an authentic and refined reading of Mediterranean flavors. As Executive Chef in Èze, France, Justin Schmitt works within that frame rather than outside it. The cooking is contemporary but keeps its classical structure. Tradition and creativity meet through local flavors, with sauces and citrus harmonies doing much of the technical work: line, brightness, balance, and control.
Awards and Standing
Justin Schmitt has received Michelin Guide — One Michelin star for Château Eza (2023). Recognition for the Château Eza kitchen includes One Michelin star in 2023 under Justin Schmitt.
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Justin
What is Justin Schmitt's day job?
Justin Schmitt is chef at Château Eza — French, Modern Cuisine.
Where did Justin Schmitt work before?
Earlier in their career, Justin Schmitt worked at Restaurant Gaya Rive Gauche, Restaurant Lucas Carton, and Restaurant Michel Guerard.
What recognition has Justin Schmitt received?
One Michelin star for Château Eza (2023).
