About
Christophe Bellanca
Chef Christophe Bellanca grew up in the mountainous region of Ardèche, France, and has built a distinguished career in some of the world’s most acclaimed kitchens. He gained formative experience at esteemed French institutions including Georges Blanc in Vonnas, La Pyramide under Patrick Henriroux in Vienne, Régis Marcon in Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid, and over six years with Anne-Sophie Pic at Maison Pic in Valence.
In 2004, Chef Bellanca moved to the United States, where he was named “Best New Chef” while at L’Orangerie in Los Angeles. A pivotal meeting with Chef Thomas Keller led him to New York City, where he served as Executive Chef at Le Cirque and later as Corporate Executive Chef for the BLT restaurant group.
From 2011 onward, Chef Bellanca served as the Culinary Director for Joël Robuchon USA, overseeing L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in New York and Miami. Under his leadership, the New York location earned two Michelin stars. During this time, he helped preserve and evolve Robuchon’s legacy while mentoring the next generation of culinary talent.
In 2022, Chef Bellanca opened Essential by Christophe on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The modern French restaurant quickly earned critical acclaim, receiving one Michelin star and establishing itself as a destination for refined, ingredient-driven cuisine guided by the philosophy of “only the essentials.”