L'En-but

The story

L'En-but in Clermont-Ferrand – Modern Cuisine at Stade Marcel Michelin | WATTAFORK

L'En-but: Modern Cuisine at the Heart of the Stadium

In Clermont-Ferrand, the restaurant L'En-but occupies an unusual address: inside the Stade Marcel Michelin, the home of ASM Rugby. Its name, a rugby term for a try, signals a kitchen that plays to win. The dining room, described as both gastronomic and panoramic, offers views over the pitch, creating a setting that is as distinctive as the cooking itself.

At the stoves is Chef Stéphane Ranieri, a figure whose career has been shaped by a deep connection to the region. A member of the Académie Nationale de Cuisine and named a Toque d’Auvergne, Ranieri also serves as an Ambassador for Volailles Fermières d’Auvergne, reflecting a commitment to local, quality ingredients. His path, which has taken him from Michelin-starred houses to the kitchens of a rugby stadium, is the subject of a book, Un Chef au cœur de la mêlée, which weaves together his Italian heritage, his culinary journey, and the life of the club.

The menu, which evolves with the seasons, is a showcase of modern cuisine. Offerings like the “Brennus” menu present a multi-course progression—from amuse-bouche through fish, meat, cheese, and dessert—while the more concise “En-Avant” menu keeps the focus on a clean entrée, plat, and dessert. The cooking is precise, ingredient-driven, and bears the mark of a chef who has earned recognition from the Michelin guide, which lists L'En-but as Recommended.

The restaurant’s presence inside the stadium creates a natural link to match days, but it also operates as a standalone fine-dining destination, welcoming guests for business lunches, group events, and private parties. With free parking inside the stadium and wheelchair access, it is an accessible spot for both locals and visitors. L'En-but is a place where the energy of the oval ball meets the discipline of the kitchen, and where Chef Ranieri’s modern cuisine takes center stage.