Michel Roux Jr has named 29-year-old Gaetano Farucci as the head chef of the two-Michelin-starred Le Gavroche in Mayfair, following the departure of former head chef Diego Ferrari.
Ferrari left Le Gavroche earlier this year, and last week opened his first restaurant Caractère with his wife, Michel’s daughter, Emily Roux.
Gaetano will work alongside Michel and executive chef Rachel Humphrey, with responsibility for developing seasonal menus, delivering on quality and the day-today running of the kitchen.
“I’m delighted that Gaetano will be taking the reins of Le Gavroche from Diego,” said Roux Jr. “Over the past five years, he has proven himself to be an exceptional chef, a dedicated employee, and a great mentor for our junior chefs. Rachel and I are looking forward to seeing what he’ll bring to the kitchen in his new role.”
Italian-born Gaetano joined Le Gavroche in 2013, having joined from Novikov, initially as first commis and working his way up through the ranks to head chef.
“I’m thrilled to be leading the team with Michel and Rachel. Le Gavroche is an iconic restaurant and I’m excited to continue delivering the standard of excellence the restaurant has become known for over 51 years,” he said. “When I joined five years ago, I never thought I’d be in this position but it’s testament to the amazing training and opportunities given to the staff.”
The now legendary restaurant was opened in 1967 by brothers Albert Roux OBE and Michel Roux OBE. Now helmed by Albert’s son, Michel Roux Jr, in 2017 the restaurant celebrated its 50th anniversary.
