Meet our Co-founder and Head Chef, Antoine Darquin
Tell me about yourself and your background?
I’m Antoine Darquin, a French kid who was supposed to become a physical trainer, rebelled, and ended up in kitchen instead. My journey began in Lyon and Paris, where chefs yelled more than they spoke… and somehow, I fell in love with the energy there. I got the opportunity to learn beside incredible Michelin star chef. From there, I travelled kitchens across France and Asia, always chasing flavor over fame. I opened Bisou Bangkok to bring a slice of that soulful, unpretentious, kiss of French indulgence to Bangkok.
What cuisines or styles have influenced your cooking the most?
French roots first. But over the years, Mediterranean generosity, Japanese precision, and punchiness snuck into my DNA. My style today is what I call “naughty bistro”, technique-driven cooking with a playful spirit and zero snobbism.
Tell me about the exciting project, Giselle?
Giselle is our restaurant in Bali, she’s inspired by the Mediterranean seaside lifestyle, think fresh catch and dishes that taste like summer flings feel: never too serious.
How would you describe the concept and culinary identity of the restaurant?
Giselle is a Mediterranean seafood playground. Fresh, local fish from Bali’s coast cooked with European creativity and simplicity. It’s not about reinventing the wheel: it’s about reminding people how damn good the wheel tastes when the product is top and the mood is honest. Casual elegance with a bit of cheek.
What sets this restaurant apart from others in the area?
We don’t do “fusion” to be trendy. We do clarity of flavour, exceptional sourcing, and a warm atmosphere where you’re treated like a regular even on your first visit. It’s a restaurant with a soul (and a little attitude). Our secret sauce? We cook like we’re inviting you to our home, except the wine is colder and the music is better.
Tell us about the menu and how it was created?
The menu was born from the fresh catch and French savoir-faire. The idea: let the product speak, don’t shout over it. Every dish is three things: seasonal, sexy, and shareable. Because food tastes better when you steal it off someone else’s plate.
What excites you the most about Giselle?
Honestly? The energy. It’s a restaurant you feel before you even taste it. Plus, watching people fall in love with simple things done right…
Can you share one or two dishes you’re most excited for people to try?
The Madai Sashimi, Yuzukosho Vinaigrette, dressed directly on the fish bones with citrus yuzukosho, and our Seabass in Salt Crust, Flambéed, Beurre Blanc Noilly Prat.
