Restaurant Lassey - Château Sainte-Sabine

Within the stone walls of a 15th-century Renaissance château, Château Sainte Sabine in Sainte-Sabine elevates Burgundian gastronomy to extraordinary heights, where Chef Thomas Braghi's innovative cuisine unfolds against panoramic views of the medieval village of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois and rolling countryside where deer roam freely through ancient parklands. Built upon historic abbey foundations, this Relais & Châteaux property has evolved into Burgundy's most distinguished culinary destination under the guidance of Chef Thomas Braghi, a protégé of three-Michelin-starred Jérôme Banctel who trained at the prestigious Institut Paul Bocuse. The restaurant Lassey, housed within the château's Renaissance halls, has earned Michelin Guide recognition and a coveted BIB Gourmand award for its masterful interpretation of regional terroir. Braghi's appointment follows the celebrated tenure of Benjamin Linard, whose "Savoir-faire 100% Côte d'Or" philosophy established the restaurant's reputation for transforming exceptional local ingredients into surprising yet harmonious compositions. The cuisine at Château Sainte Sabine embodies Burgundy's agricultural bounty through Braghi's weekly-changing seasonal menus that showcase "farm & lake" philosophy. Signature dishes include pikeperch with black garlic and Chablis sauce, smoked Bresse poultry with chanterelle mushrooms, and blue lobster enhanced with rich pinot noir jus. The chef's commitment to sustainability and local sourcing manifests in preparations featuring wild berries, fragrant herbs, and fermented ingredients that capture the essence of Burgundian terroir. Foie gras with fruit chutneys and tender lamb with vin jaune sauce exemplify the kitchen's mastery of classical French techniques elevated through contemporary innovation. Dining unfolds across multiple enchanting spaces, from the candlelit Renaissance dining room to the panoramic terrace overlooking the valley below. The château's cozy bar, anchored by a warming fireplace, serves the signature "Sainte Sabine" cocktail crafted with local Crémant alongside an extensive cellar of Burgundy's finest vintages. Service reflects the property's Relais & Châteaux pedigree, with maître d' staff delivering polished yet warm hospitality that enhances the romantic ambiance. The wine program celebrates regional terroir through carefully curated pairings that complement Braghi's seasonal compositions. Reservations at Château Sainte Sabine require advance planning, particularly for terrace dining during warmer months when the medieval village views are most spectacular. This destination represents the pinnacle of Burgundian hospitality, where centuries of culinary tradition meet contemporary innovation in one of France's most romantic château settings.