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BEST RESTAURATEUR IN THE U.S. 2008
Sirio Maccioni

Sirio Maccioni of Le Cirque in New York

Sirio Maccioni
Le Cirque

New York

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Sirio Maccioni passed away April 20, 2020.

Known by his first name, Sirio, he commands an attention and respect that's larger than any of his grand restaurants. "Sirio" strode into New York in March, 1974, opening Le Cirque in the Mayfair Hotel, and the city along with the rest of the restaurant world have never been the same since. It became the first privately owned hotel-restaurant in the Big Apple and quickly grew into the city's most favored restaurant, frequented by those featured in the society pages, from politicians and entertainers to artists and royalty.

Le Cirque gained even more of a following when it picked up and moved to the Palace Hotel on Madison Avenue—and then again, the legendary restaurant continued its evolution, changing locations to the Bloomberg building on East 58th Street. Regardless of site, the spirit of Le Cirque translates to entertainment and living life fancy free.

As the family business has expanded to Las Vegas and Mexico (editor's note: Le Cirque Mexico closed in late 2009), the rest of his immediate family (Sirio's wife, Egidiana, and their three sons, Mario, Marco and Mauro) have gotten in on the act. Sirio fascinates us as he has so many, due to his animated speech, his straight-shooting opinions, his uncanny ability to charm his way around a room, and his ceaseless drive and ability to make the headlines. We are proud to honor this living legend of restaurants.


The dining room at Le Cirque in New York

Le Cirque in New York




Best Restaurateur 2019: Suzanne Goin

Best Restaurateur 2018: Nobu Matsuhisa

Best Restaurateur 2017: José Andrés

Best Restaurateur 2016: Jean-Georges Vongerichten

Best Restaurateur 2015: John Besh

Best Restaurateur 2014: Daniel Boulud

Best Restaurateur 2013: Thomas Keller

Best Restaurateur 2012: Jean Joho

Best Restaurateur 2011: Michael Mina

Best Restaurateur 2009-2010: Wolfgang Puck

PLH101708

 



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