Multi-Michelin starred chef Yannick Alleno chosen for Orient Express CorinthianMulti-Michelin starred chef Yannick Alleno chosen for Orient Express Corinthian

The appointment of one of the most innovative and prestigious chefs on the culinary scene is to combine the timeless heritage of the Orient Express brand with the very best of French haute gastronomy.

Having earned 15 Michelin stars, including three at Ledoyen in Paris and three at 1947 Cheval Blanc in Courchevel in the heart of the French Alps, Yannick Alleno, 55, is taking on another challenge: as executive chef for two Orient Express ventures. 

‘It is an honour to bring my vision of cuisine to this iconic universe, steeped in history,’ he declared. Menus and dishes will be ‘inspired by the terroirs crossed and unique landscapes of each journey’ and invite passengers to discover Alleno’s personal interpretation of ‘culinary heritages from around the world and, of course, from France.’ 

Exceptional talent

For Sébastien Bazin, chairman & CEO, Accor Group, ‘This collaboration with Yannick Alleno reflects Orient Express’ ambition to surround itself with the greatest talents to create a unique experience of travel and discovery.’ By becoming the culinary soul of the train and the ship, chef Alleno brings not only his creativity and keen sense of innovation, but also a philosophy of gastronomy that he will share in different ways, so that each restaurant has its own identity, Bazin explained. ‘This modern, multi-faceted approach blends perfectly with the brand's value of excellence, sophistication and escape.’ 

Passengers will discover Alleno's cuisine in the two restaurant cars on the train, and in the five restaurants on board Orient Express Corinthian, which will include ‘La Table de l'Orient Express par Yannick Alleno’ - a showcase of haute cuisine. Alleno is also to oversee its six bars.

A rendering of the Orient Express Corinthian (CREDIT: ORIENT EXPRESS)

Background

At its helm since 2014, Alleno has transformed the Pavillon Ledoyen, located near the Champs- Élysées, into the world's most starred independent gastronomic establishment (six stars), offering a complete immersion in the chef's world through Alleno Paris***, L'Abime**, sushi counter and Pavyllon*, a relaxed yet refined gourmet counter. 

Founded in 2008, the Yannick Alleno Group unites 17 restaurants around a contemporary and identity-driven cuisine in locations such as Paris, Courchevel and Saint-Emilion in France and Monte-Carlo in Monaco, as well as further afield: in London, Dubai, Seoul, South Korea and Doha. These total 15 Michelin stars. 

Inspired by the legacy of French chef, restaurateur, and culinary writer Auguste Escoffier and driven by a spirit of openness, Alleno has been tirelessly exploring culinary techniques and revolutionised the art of sauce-making through methods such as extraction, fermentation and cryoconcentration. 

The 1883-established Orient Express brand – famously known for its iconic train by the same name –  was acquired by the Accor Group in 2022. Accor aims to develop the brand and as such, formed a strategic partnership with LVMH in June 2024 through luxury hotels in Rome and Venice. 

The luxury travel experience will continue with the launch of La Dolce Vita Orient Express train in 2025, followed in 2026 by Orient Express Corinthian – the first of two sailing yachts – and the return of the legendary Orient Express train.