Chef Marco Bianchi
Executive Chef & Co-Founder
Trained at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, Chef Marco brings 20+ years of classical French and Italian technique to every plate.
Our Story
About La Maison
A restaurant born from passion, built on community, and driven by flavor.
How It All Started
From a Dream to a Destination
In 2008, Chef Marco Bianchi returned to Springfield after training in Paris with one vision: to bring the soul of European fine dining to his hometown. With a borrowed kitchen and a handful of loyal friends, he opened La Maison in a converted brownstone on Elm Street.
The early days were humble — ten tables, a chalkboard menu, and Chef Marco personally greeting every guest. Word spread fast. Within a year, reservations filled weeks in advance. Within three, La Maison was recognized as the city's best restaurant.
Today, we seat over 80 guests nightly across our main dining room, private alcoves, and seasonal patio. But we've never lost sight of what made us special: honest cooking, local ingredients, and making every guest feel at home.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
Farm-to-Table
We partner with 18 local farms and artisan producers to ensure our ingredients are fresh, seasonal, and sustainably sourced.
Culinary Craft
Every dish is prepared using classic French and Italian techniques refined over decades — no shortcuts, no compromises.
Warm Hospitality
From the moment you walk in to the moment you leave, our team is dedicated to making you feel welcomed, valued, and cared for.
Sustainability
We're committed to zero-waste practices: composting, seasonal menus, reusable packaging, and renewable energy in our kitchen.
The People Behind the Magic
Meet Our Team
Sofia Reyes
Pastry Chef
Sofia's desserts are inspired by her travels across Europe and South America — bold flavors with delicate craftsmanship.
James Whitfield
Head Sommelier
With a WSET Diploma and a cellar of 200+ labels, James crafts pairings that transform a meal into a memory.
Isabella Montoya
General Manager
Isabella has led front-of-house operations for over a decade, ensuring every guest leaves with a smile and a reservation for next time.
Recognition
Awards & Accolades
Best Fine Dining
2023 & 2024
City Food Awards
Editor's Choice
2022
Midwest Dining Guide
Best Wine Program
2021
Wine Spectator
Top 10 Restaurants
2020–2024
Illinois Monthly
Come Experience It Yourself
Every great story deserves a great meal. We'd love to be part of yours.
Reserve a Table View Menu