Rabat – Moroccan-born chef Nawal Rezagui has been awarded her first Michelin star in the Michelin Guide 2026 edition, marking a major milestone in her culinary journey.
At the helm of her restaurant L’Alcôve, she is being recognized for her bold, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and an unconventional path shaped between Morocco and France.
Proudly wearing her newly embroidered chef’s apron, the 43-year-old celebrated the distinction awarded in mid-March.
According to France Bleu, she is among only three women to receive a Michelin star this year, an achievement that highlights both her talent and the still limited representation of women at this level of gastronomy.
A lifelong passion for cooking has driven Rezagui through a journey marked by resilience and reinvention.
Today, she offers a borderless cuisine at the Hostellerie Briqueterie & Spa in France’s Champagne region, where her dishes blend refined techniques with the warmth of Moroccan flavors.
Her culinary roots trace back to her childhood in Morocco, where she developed a love for slow-cooked meals prepared by her mother and grandmother.
She learned how to make bread at the age of six, alongside her mother and grandmother.
Arriving in France fourteen years ago with plans for long academic studies, Rezagui ultimately followed a different path.
It was during a temporary return to Morocco that her calling became clear.
Working alongside her pastry chef husband, she rediscovered the aromas and spices of her childhood, especially the memory of her very first tagine, which she describes as an emotional turning point.
Determined to succeed, she went on to complete professional training and gain experience across Europe, from Marseille to Germany. Guided by a deep love for gastronomy.
Since March 2024, Rezagui has been showcasing her talent in the Champagne-Ardenne region.
