The Chef
The culinary passion of Christophe Pulizzi
Christophe Pulizzi
A son of Sicily, a land of sunshine and generosity, Christophe Pulizzi grew up surrounded by lemon trees, traditions and the scents of the sea. From an early age, cooking was an obvious choice, inspired by family traditions and a love of authentic produce. Trained at the Sisteron hotel school, where he graduated top of his class, he forged his culinary identity in a variety of establishments: traditional and gourmet restaurants, family-run inns and châteaux.
His rich and demanding career path has also encouraged him to open up to the world. In Ireland and Australia, he developed an insatiable curiosity for flavours from elsewhere, while always returning to his Mediterranean roots. He worked alongside renowned chefs such as Emmanuel Renaut, Mathias Dandine and Julien Legoff. He learns the rigours of haute gastronomy, excellence down to the smallest detail.
He then became executive chef at Saint Estève* before settling down at L’Olivier, a place in perfect harmony with his sensibility. There, between the restaurant’s vegetable garden overflowing with flowers, herbs and colours, and the carefully selected local produce, every day he returns to the essence of his cuisine: lively, bold and generous.
At just 28, Christophe Pulizzi embodies a generation of chefs who place emotion, respect for the product and personal identity at the heart of every plate. His cuisine tells a story: the story of a child of Sicily who became a chef, a man of sun, memory and high standards.
As well as cooking, he is passionate about sport, balance and surpassing himself. His constant quest is to offer a cuisine that is sincere, inventive and accessible, capable of moving as well as astonishing.
Culinary philosophy
The art of creating emotions through gastronomy
Excellence
Every dish is the result of meticulous, precise, and deeply thoughtful work. Chef Christophe Pulizzi crafts his cuisine with both rigor and passion, spending hours refining a sauce, perfecting a balance, choosing just the right seasoning. Nothing is left to chance: every detail matters, every gesture aims for perfection. A total commitment to a refined, sincere, and masterfully executed cuisine.
Creativity
Chef Christophe Pulizzi’s cuisine is fueled by boldness, instinct, and curiosity. He breaks the rules, imagines unexpected pairings, and creates new harmonies. Blending Mediterranean heritage with inspiration from elsewhere, his creativity shines through each plate like an invitation to a sensory journey.
Sharing
The chef surrounds himself with young talents whom he trains, guides, and inspires every day. In the kitchens of L’Olivier, learning is at the heart of the mission: sharing know-how, values, and a true passion. Together, through kindness and high standards, culinary emotion is born.
Awards
Recognition for a quest for excellence
MAITRE RESTAURATEUR
Less than a year after his arrival, Christophe Pulizzi elevated L’Olivier to the ranks of fine dining establishments by earning the title of Maître Restaurateur. This state-awarded label of excellence recognizes his commitment to a 100% homemade, authentic cuisine rooted in local traditions. It guarantees guests a demanding culinary experience, built on high-quality products and recognized expertise.
COLLÈGE CULINAIRE DE FRANCE
Since April 2023, L’Olivier has proudly been among the Quality Restaurants certified by the Collège Culinaire de France. This distinction, upheld by renowned chefs, honors establishments that champion an artisanal, sincere, and committed approach to cuisine.
TERITORIA
By joining Teritoria, we reaffirm our dedication to promoting a local, authentic, and responsible cuisine. We proudly highlight the producers, artisans, and farmers who embody the uniqueness of our region.