Segundo Guaman

Executive Chef

Chef Segundo Guaman has been part of Le Monde since its very first service in 1999 — and at the helm as Executive Chef since 2016.

A native of Ecuador with nearly four decades of experience in New York City’s French dining scene, Chef Segundo discovered his passion for cooking as a teenager working alongside his uncle at a midtown pizzeria. That early spark led to a lifelong culinary journey, beginning under the mentorship of renowned chef Jean-Michel Diot. He trained in classical French techniques while helping to build iconic restaurants like Park Bistro and Brasserie Les Halles, and later studied in France under Daniel Boulud.

Over the years, he has honed his skills at beloved institutions including La Goulue, Pastis, and Balthazar, gaining a reputation for precision, consistency, and calm leadership. At Le Monde, Chef Segundo has helped shape the restaurant’s identity from day one — guiding the kitchen through its natural evolution, introducing new menus, mentoring staff, and building a strong foundation for continued excellence. Known for his steady presence and guest-first mindset, he always finds a way to say yes, no matter how busy the night.

Chef Segundo’s devotion to craft, discipline, and hospitality runs deep — and it’s the heart of what makes Le Monde feel like home to so many.