Meet the team
Behind every dish is a team of passionate people, dedicated to offering you a memorable culinary experience. Led by Bafodé Sila, Master Restaurateur, our kitchen team works with creativity and precision to elevate fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Our front-of-house team welcomes you with warmth and professionalism — each member is an essential link in our chain.
Mathieu Limon, the patriarch and founder of the restaurant, is a colorful character who truly thrives in a refined and elegant atmosphere. Théo, our maître d’hôtel and wine enthusiast — efficient, attentive, and endlessly patient — will turn your meal into a delightful, festive moment.
Push open the door, and his smile will brighten your meal.
We take pride in creating a friendly atmosphere and thoughtful service. Every day, our team shares the same ambition: to make you feel “right at home.” We look forward to welcoming you and sharing our passion for great cuisine.
The team
- Owner
Mathieu
Mathieu is Mr. Papounet – our very own Yoda. Calm wisdom (well… usually), a sharp eye, and a mystical ability to be everywhere at once. He has trained, guided, straightened out, and inspired (almost) all of us. He leads with humanity, high standards, and kindness — when Yoda speaks… the padawans listen. - Restaurant Manager
Théo
Théo is the padawan at the Papounet school (aka Mathieu). He left the nest only to return stronger — grown, sharpened, and ready for action. Calm, curious, and dedicated — a subtle balance of rigor and creativity. He leads (almost) as well as his master, with a flow that’s uniquely his. And if you’re looking for him… he’s probably already in the future. - Chef
Bafodé
Bafodé is the maestro from Guinea-Bissau. He started as an apprentice under the Papounets and became a Master Restaurateur with talent and heart. In the kitchen, he blends rigor, creativity, and passion, orchestrating each service like a real musical score. And when Gims plays (a famous French-Congolese artist), his whole world comes alive. - Head waiter
Alexis
Assistant maître d’hôtel with a sharp eye and a traveler’s soul, he traded geopolitics for the art of hospitality. The son of farmers, he proudly carries the values of the French terroir, convinced that every dish can tell a story. Between services, he dances tango or escapes in black ink across white pages. - Sous chef
Diongnima
Diongnima is class personified behind the stove. Starting at the dish pit, he climbed each step with determination and talent. Now a Chef de Partie, he aims higher — the chef’s jacket clearly in sight. Always impeccably dressed, he sends out his dishes with the style and groove of an MHD track (French-Guinean artist). - Kitchen's hand
Mamadou
Mamadou, who arrived in France in 2018, is our tireless dishwasher. Always motivated and serious, he transforms each plate into a mission accomplished, with a smile and contagious energy. - Apprentice
Lamarana
Lamarana is the next generation, made in Guinea. A dedicated and passionate apprentice, he learns fast, always with a smile and the desire to do things right. Between services, he talks football with the same enthusiasm he shows when chopping his vegetables — precise, focused, and ready to score points in the kitchen. - Kitchen's apprentice
Lucas
- Apprentie Salle
Madinath
- Apprentie Salle
Lou