Margot and Guillaume Fribault, the Artichoke duo
Few people, like Guillaume and Margot Fribault, manage to combine their private and professional lives. But for this tandem, everything seemed written from the moment they met in a kitchen on the Côte d’Azur. Since 2013, the couple have been a close-knit pair: “We’re like two people in one body, with four legs and four hands!” confides Guillaume.
Two inseparables
When, in 2020, they were asked to work in the kitchens of L’Artichaut alongside a certain Jan Bertiaux, they were adamant: “If you want one of us, you’ll have to deal with the other as well.” This is how they made their mark in Geneva, after a stint in the three-starred Assiette Champenoise restaurant alongside Arnaud Lallement. From that moment on, they imposed their vision: authenticity, benevolence and simplicity.
Their adventure on the banks of the Arve took a new turn in 2023, when Jan Bertiaux entrusted them with the keys to the establishment. It was a real challenge for the couple, who discovered the world of entrepreneurship – with all its joys and difficulties. Margot became emancipated outside the kitchen: “It was important to me that one of us should be in the dining room. And as I had experience in the kitchen, I had no trouble serving the customers.”
The project is evolving, but retains the spirit of its creator. In the kitchen, Guillaume pushes the envelope of creativity: “A must-try for us? Hare ravioli à la royale! But don’t miss the artichoke confit either,” says the chef. The menu is constantly evolving, and everyone is pulling their weight. In this small, close-knit team, the couple work in complete transparency with their employees, just like a family.
A simple but demanding approach
Over the years and with equal parts panache and passion, Margot and Guillaume have carved out a place for themselves on Geneva’s gastronomic scene. But what really sets them apart is the atmosphere they have created and maintained. The bistro spirit remains, with a personal style adapted to the place and the neighborhood. Little by little, they have added their own touch: a new decor, a constantly updated wine list and a personalized customer approach.
Above all, L’Artichaut is a human and sincere place, where people come to enjoy the moment. To this end, Margot makes it a point of honor to treat all her guests with the same high standards, whether they are food critics or anonymous guests: “We want everyone to feel at home here and to leave more relaxed than when they arrived,” she confides. It’s a good thing we share this philosophy.
Today, the duo are moving forward at their own pace, far from the pressure. Proud of their achievements, they continue their story hand in hand, admitting to us that they are aiming for a distinction… when the time comes.
