Paul and Laura Magu

960 Moraga Road ~ (925) 385-0793

Talking with Paul Magu is “a little bit of Paris in Lafayette.” Our community’s French chef was born in Gabon, adopted by French diplomats and trained at the prestigious Ferrandi Culinary School in Paris.

After mastering his craft at Le Bristol and Gerard Besson in Paris, he was offered a job at the Ritz Carlton in San Francisco. It was here where he met his lovely wife, Laura. His culinary path took him eventually to the St. Regis, but when Chevalier went up for sale in Lafayette in 2016, he decided to work closer to home and bring his French cuisine to our community. The restaurant is tucked away next to Lafayette School, but you will be amazed at the beautiful, open, and festive ambiance of fine and family dining behind the gated entrance.

There is an intimate outdoor patio, bursting with fresh herbs, art installations and gorgeous roses. The menu changes seasonally and the produce is locally sourced and complemented with an array of French and Californian wines. Yes, you can order chocolate mousse, rabbit, veal, lamb or caviar off the menu, but you can also taste Chef Paul’s now-famous Gougères cheese puffs in the restaurant or sold on the shelves of Diablo Foods. Paul’s daughters are often at the front desk, and Laura runs the front of the house. There is no wonder why Reve’s reviews are sprinkled with words like “sublime” and “welcoming.” You will feel the hospitality the minute you step in the garden and leave culinarily delighted.