Portrait of Philippe Gelfi
i. Biography
French Contemporary cooking at Grenache in Lisbon, Portugal, is built from Modern French cuisine, age-old techniques, and a direct homage to local Portuguese produce. Philippe Gelfi is the Executive Chef / Owner of the restaurant, which earned One Michelin star from the MICHELIN Guide in 2025.
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The Trajectory
Classical French kitchen training, Paris executive responsibility, and hotel fine-dining discipline sit behind the work at Grenache. Early in his career, Philippe Gelfi worked with Chef Christian Etienne at Restaurant Christian Etienne in Avignon, France, before taking on the role of Executive Chef at Pierre Sang in Gambey in Paris, France. He went on to work with Chef Jérôme Banctel at Le Gabriel, Hotel La Réserve in Paris, France, refining a career now expressed in his role as chef of Grenache.
The Work Today
French Contemporary cuisine at Grenache is French-inspired cooking shaped by Portuguese ingredients. Gelfi is chef at the Lisbon restaurant, where he is also Executive Chef / Owner. The restaurant’s frame is a deliberate pairing of tradition and modernity. Modern French cuisine uses age-old techniques while paying homage to local Portuguese produce, giving Grenache its identity through both method and place. Consistency, quality, and price are part of the restaurant’s stated measure.
Gelfi and his team are described as consistently producing high-quality fare at an honest price; in a dining room recognized by MICHELIN, that standard speaks to value as well as execution.
Recognition
Recognition for Grenache includes One Michelin star from the MICHELIN Guide in 2025, awarded to the restaurant led by Philippe Gelfi.
FAQ
Asked of Philippe
What does Philippe Gelfi do now?
Philippe Gelfi is Executive Chef / Owner.
Where did Philippe Gelfi work before?
Earlier in their career, Philippe Gelfi worked at Restaurant Christian Etienne, Pierre Sang in Gambey, and Le Gabriel, Hotel La Réserve.
What recognition has Philippe Gelfi received?
One Michelin star for Grenache (2025).
The Sunday email
Read about chefs like Philippe Gelfi in the Sunday email.
Every Sunday we send a lead story and up to four more about the chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and hoteliers behind the restaurants, bars, wineries and hotels we cover.
Recent stories
Free. One email a week, and you can unsubscribe from any issue.