Louis Bignon (26 June 1816 – 18 May 1906) was a famous French chef whose Café Riche became the most fashionable in Paris.

[2] The Café Foy, which later became the Paillard, was at the corner of the Rue de la Chaussée-d'Antin and the Boulevard des Italiens.

In 1847 Bignon handed over the Café Foy to his brother, who had recently married one of the directors of Les Freres Provencaux, another leading Parisian restaurant.

[3] Alexandre Dumas was a frequent visitor, and used many of Bignon's recipes in his Petit dictionnaire de cuisine.

[4] Louis Bignon was a pioneer in hygiene, and made this an important consideration in the design and operation of the kitchens of the Café Riche.

When questioned about this, he said that it was in the interests of his clientele, since the high prices kept out the vulgar and ensured an atmosphere of quiet intimacy.