Best French Restaurant (2004, 2006 and 2007) –Gulfshore Life and
Michelin Guide

“40 Under 40” Youngest Chef/Owner (2005) –Gulfshore Business Review

The French are known for their passion.  And chef Sebastien Maillard is no exception.  In his own words, he does not go to a “job” when he wakes up.  He goes to his passion—for food and creating the most incredible experience for his diners every day.  Sebastien believes he was born a chef.  He’s a fifth generation cuisinier and proudly recalls that he celebrated his very first New Year’s Eve in a playpen in his father’s restaurant.  His mother was his first culinary teacher.

Le Lafayette is still very much a family restaurant.  Sebastien’s sister, Astrid, is also his sommelier and his parents helped him run the restaurant until they retired in 2003.  Devoted to the culinary traditions of his homeland, Sebastien also strongly believes in drawing his ingredients from sources close to the restaurant, here in Florida, which gives his cuisine its unique identity.

Sebastien and Astrid with Le Lafayette’s next generation, Oceane and Dimitri, Astrid’s children.