Cazenove closes: Pierre Orsi bids farewell

Nell Giroir | 2/17/25, 3:21 PM

A gastronomic legend bids farewell. After more than 40 years at the helm of his brasserie Cazenove, Pierre Orsi is retiring and closing the doors of his iconic establishment for good.

A key figure on Lyon's culinary scene, Pierre Orsi has marked generations with his exacting standards and his attachment to the great classics of French cuisine. After closing his Relais & Châteaux gourmet restaurant in April 2023, the 85-year-old 2-toque chef is now putting an end to his career. His restaurant Cazenove, a brasserie opened in 1979, will serve its last service on February 28, 2025, marking the end of a gastronomic era in Lyon.

A career marked by excellence

A former apprentice of Georges Bocuse, then his son Paul Bocuse, Pierre Orsi is one of those chefs who have shaped French gastronomy. Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 1972, he perfected his art in a number of prestigious establishments, including Lucas Carton and Maxim's in Paris, before returning to Lyon, where he opened his own restaurant on Place Kléber. Quickly recognized for his refinement and savoir-faire, his cuisine won over a host of celebrities, including François Mitterrand, who sat at his table. His exemplary career and exacting standards inspired a whole generation of chefs.

The end of an era for Lyon

Initially conceived as a waiting bar for customers of his gastronomic restaurant, Cazenove became a veritable institution. In an elegant setting, this cosy brasserie perpetuated the art of French service, with a menu faithful to Lyon's traditions. But the recent departure of its restaurant manager and head sommelier Patrick Desmurs heralded the end of a cycle. Following Pierre Orsi's retirement, Cazenove is preparing to close its doors for good. While the future of the place remains uncertain, one thing is certain: the chef's imprint and the Belle Époque atmosphere will remain indelible.

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