A Restaurant's Story

Raphaël Sutter – Owner - 718 Restaurant

Raphaël Sutter is a long time resident of Astoria, Queens where he moved shortly after arriving to New York from France, 18 years ago.

He was born and raised in Alsace, France where he began his pastry studies at the early age of 16. He studied and apprenticed under Master Chef Bannwart and while attending Roosevelt College in Alsace where he worked towards perfecting his skills in Pastry, Chocolate, Ice Cream and Candy.

To further sharpen his pastry skills, he went to work for Chef Jean-Yves Shillinger at “Shillinger” (a 2 star Michelin restaurant) in Alsace for 2½ years. Chef Shillinger eventually sent Raphael to work at his flagship restaurant in New York City, “La Cote Basque” where he worked for 3 years as the Executive Pastry Chef.

Raphaël made his mark on the NY French cuisine scene when he started as the Executive Pastry Chef at the wildly successful “L’Absinthe” restaurant.

Raphaël eventually moved on to work for Chef Jean-Yves Shillinger’s “Destinee” and “Olica”, a NY Times, 3 star restaurant. In November of 2003, Raphaël, and partners opened 718 Restaurant.

Since he moved to New York and settled in Astoria with his wife Mina, 3 daughters and his son, it has been a Raphaël Sutter’s dream to open a restaurant. His vision was a place where his friends and family could meet, eat and enjoy great cuisine in a fun, warm environment.