Oxana Crețu: the Moldovan woman conquering France with history and flavors in gastronomy
Cooking is about more than taste and technique; it is about memory, identity, and expressing who you are to the world. When talent meets passion, the results can cross borders. Oxana Crețu, originally from the Republic of Moldova and living in France for nearly two decades, is a testament to this.
A Moldovan woman has made her mark on the French culinary scene, earning recognition for her Bordeaux restaurant. Her dishes blend the precision of French cuisine with flavors and memories of her childhood in the Republic of Moldova.
“Our clients come from France and other European countries, as well as from America. We offer fine dining with a Moldovan touch, placing a strong emphasis on local produce. My story is like that of many people who leave their home country at some point in search of a different path—a journey marked by hard work and many sacrifices,” Oxana Crețu said on Radio Moldova’s Zi de Zi program.
She entered the culinary world seven years ago. She also studied the arts and linguistics and holds a degree in applied languages.
Although her French cuisine draws on European traditions, it remains deeply rooted in her Moldovan heritage.
“It took about ten years to get to where we are today. We have developed our own signature style, a distinctive flavor profile shaped by our childhood memories. The smoky aromas we associate with home—those of frigărui (grilled meat skewers) and mici (traditional grilled minced-meat rolls)—naturally find their way into the dishes we serve. It is an intense craft that demands perfectionism. We share our history, our flavors, and a level of expertise that has caught people’s attention. That is when the rewards begin to come,” Oxana Crețu told journalist Veronica Scorpan.
Her talent and dedication have earned her international recognition, and her Bordeaux restaurant has earned a place in the Michelin Guide.
