Léa Linster is a legend, the first woman ever to win the “Bocuse d’Or”, in 1989. As the Dallas Morning News put it, “From the famous French Chef Paul Bocuse, who once declared that a women’s place was in the bedroom, not the kitchen, came words of congratulation to the woman who proved him wrong, Léa Linster of Luxembourg.”

Linster opened her own restaurant in 1982, and five years later received a Michelin Star. In 1987, she was also the first woman to be named “Maître Cuisinier” of Luxembourg, being recognized by the government as one of the “masters of the profession.” The accolades have continued since, including winner of “Europe’s Businesswoman” in 1990, and the Gastronomic Golden Key from GAULT ET MILLAU in 1996, as well as the Michele Schumacher Award in October, 2002.

Even as a child, Linster was involved in the foodservice industry. Her parents owned a hotel and restaurant, and she helped with both the cooking and front-of-house duties. She studied in France, but returned to take over the family business in 1982. In addition to Restaurant Lea Linster, she owns Au Quai de la Gare in Luxembourg Grand Station, Kaschthaus in Luxembourg.

Chef Linster enjoys traveling and sampling the best restaurants in the world, accompanied by her son Louis.