i. Biography
Richard Foster cooks with the sort of confidence that makes restraint feel luxurious. Now Executive Chef at Ibai in London, he has built his kitchen around French Basque cooking, a style that gives him room for boldness without excess. The result is food that feels considered and alive at once: inventive plates shaped by a disciplined instinct to take an ingredient, or a way of cooking, and allow simplicity to remain the centre of gravity. That clarity of intent is part of what defines Foster’s work. At Ibai, the cooking is not about ornament for its own sake, but about a sharper, more focused kind of expression, where flavour carries the story and the plate never strays too far from its essential idea. Before Ibai, Foster was Executive Head Chef at Chiltern Firehouse in London, where he helped guide a venue that has the pace and polish of a destination while still retaining the grounding of a neighbourhood address.
Signature
Foster’s signature dishes give a clear sense of his range and his priorities. Basque style turbot suggests his ability to work with precision and purity, allowing the ingredient to speak with quiet authority. Lamb & boudin noir vol-au-vent with broad beans brings a richer, more layered register, the kind of dish that balances depth with lift. Cherry gateau Basque nods to the pleasures of dessert with the same steady hand, while Galician Blonde beef and Croque Ibai point to a kitchen unafraid of comfort, richness, and recognisable forms, refined through technique and detail. Taken together, these dishes feel like a concise portrait: firmly rooted in French Basque cooking, but never rigid; bold, but not loud; inventive, while still a respect for clarity. They suggest a chef who knows the power of structure, and who understands that a memorable plate is often the one that says just enough.
In Their Words “We are a destination restaurant, but from the start our offer has been geared toward local people—to the neighbourhood. We’re a neighbourhood restaurant that has become destination.”
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Richard
What is Richard Foster's current role?
As of 2026, Richard Foster is Executive Chef.
What is Richard Foster known for?
French Basque cooking.
