A tiny chef has made his home at the Arizona Biltmore, where the historic Phoenix resort is now the only place in Arizona — and one of just over 100 worldwide — to host Le Petit Chef. This immersive dining experience combines digital art with fine cuisine and runs through Dec. 31.

“What sets the Arizona Biltmore location apart is how seamlessly Le Petit Chef blends into the history and atmosphere of our resort,” Bertrand Daluzeau, director of food and beverage at the Arizona Biltmore said. “We’ve been welcoming guests for nearly a century, and this activation brings something truly unexpected and modern to our storied property.” 

From art installation to global phenomenon

Le Petit Chef’s story began not in a kitchen, but in a Belgian art studio. Created by Skullmapping founders Filip Sterckx and Antoon Verbeeck, the 3D projection was originally intended as a playful piece of digital art. The tiny chef, a little over two inches tall, gained international attention and evolved into a dining concept that blends storytelling, technology and cuisine. Today, Le Petit Chef has appeared in cities around the globe, each location adjusting the storyline to reflect its own sense of place.

The experience

Guests can choose from three menus. Le Grand Chef features dishes such as burrata with Duncan Farm beets, seared Mediterranean seabass, American wagyu, and Meyer lemon crème brûlée for dessert. There is also the Le Grand Chef Vegetarian menu, as well as the Le Petit Chef Junior Menu for children ages 6 to 12.

At each table, animated scenes unfold directly onto the plates and surfaces, showing the miniature chef chopping, sautéing, and dashing about in preparation for the next course. Moments later, the real dish is served, echoing the digital storyline.

“It’s an unexpected combination of theater and dining,” Daluzeau said. “We hope guests walk away having enjoyed not just a meal, but a story — something that sparks joy, conversation and a sense of wonder.”

Daluzeau encourages guests to come in with an open mind and ready to have fun. “It’s truly an adventure in the sense that it transports you. You can come with your partner or your children and every guest at the table becomes part of the show,” Daluzeau shared. “It feels like traveling somewhere completely new, even though you never leave the resort.”

Looking ahead

Since opening in May, the Biltmore’s version of Le Petit Chef has started to draw in locals curious about the global phenomenon. The goal is to continue raising awareness and invite more guests to enjoy the immersive restaurant. While the current experience is slated to end on Dec. 31, the restaurant does hope to extend the immersive experience, elevating the dining adventure with seasonal variations, new storylines and collaborations.

“Whether you’re celebrating something special or just looking for a new experience, Le Petit Chef brings people together in a really fun and memorable way,” Daluzeau said. “The desert has its own kind of magic, and this immersive dining experience really comes alive in such a distinctive setting.”

For more information about Le Petit Chef, visit lepetitchef.com/phoenix. Reservations are required.