Mauro Colagreco named Honorary President of Judges 2026
The Roux Scholarship has been privileged to welcome some of the world’s best chefs as Honorary President of Judges and, for the tenth anniversary of the position, the Roux Family is delighted to announce that Mauro Colagreco will lead the panel of judges for The Roux Scholarship Final 2026.
Known for his passion for his craft and his commitment to protecting the planet, Argentinian chef Mauro Colagreco founded Mirazur in Menton, France, in 2006 and won its first Michelin star within a year of opening. By 2019, it had won its third Michelin star and was voted Best Restaurant in the World (No.1) by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Set in a 1930s modernist building with sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea, the restaurant puts environmental concerns at the heart of his cuisine, championing the emergence of a circular gastronomy that respects the cycles of nature. It was the first restaurant to obtain Plastic Free Certification in 2020 and the B Corp label in 2024.
Nourished by his journeys, discoveries and encounters, Mauro Colagreco’s cuisine is deeply respectful of the environment, and his global vision means he now runs more than 25 restaurants around the world, including Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at the OWO. In 2022, he was recognised by the French government for his services to the hospitality industry and was awarded the rank of Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur. The same year, he became the first chef to be appointed by UNESCO as a Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity. He is also Vice President of Relais & Chateaux, taking the lead on the organisation’s World Culinary Council and its commitments to sustainability.
Mauro Colagreco said: “To guide, nurture, and celebrate the next generation of chefs is not only a privilege but a vital responsibility. To inspire and encourage young culinary talents is to plant seeds of imagination and passion that will blossom for decades. By fostering their creativity, curiosity, and dedication, we help shape the future of our craft and ensure that the spirit of excellence, innovation, and generosity continues to flourish in kitchens around the world.”
Alain Roux said: It’s a privilege to welcome Mauro Colagreco as our Honorary President of the Judges for 2026. As one of the world’s most exciting and respected chefs, his global outlook, extraordinary achievements, and commitment to excellence embody the values of The Roux Scholarship. At Mirazur, his uniquely crafted contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, shaped by French, Italian and Latin American influences, celebrates the vegetables, fish and bounty of the French Riviera, as well as the meat and game of the Côte d’Azur, creating food that is nothing short of magical. His generosity and dedication to nurturing young talent will inspire our judges and help mentor the next generation of Roux Scholars.”
Michel Roux Jr said: “Our Honorary President of Judges Mauro Colagreco needs no introduction and it’s so exciting to have him with us for the Roux Scholarship final. I am fortunate enough to have dined at his beautiful destination restaurant in Menton where his philosophy and character shine through. His artistic flair and imagination mean that every plate is a feast for the eyes.”
Judging panel
Chef Colagreco will lead the judging panel alongside fellow Roux Scholarship judges: Chairman Alain Roux, Chairman Michel Roux, Honorary Patron Brian Turner CBE, Emily Roux, Sat Bains (Scholar 1999), André Garrett MCA (Scholar 2002), Simon Hulstone (Scholar 2003), Adam Smith MCA (Scholar 2012), Lisa Goodwin-Allen and Mark Birchall (Scholar 2011), James Martin, Rachel Humphrey and Angela Hartnett OBE.
