Guillotine Bakery founders Alizé Bikard and Vincent Didry, alongside head baker Vince Le Bec, bring a modern vision of Parisian bakery culture to West Town.
Photo courtesy of Guillotine Bakery
A new French bakery has opened its doors in West Town. Founded by Vincent Didry and Alizé Bikard, alongside head baker Vince Le Bec, Guillotine Bakery has arrived at 1711 W. Chicago Ave., bringing classic French techniques and modern Parisian sensibilities to the neighborhood.
Didry honed his craft at acclaimed Parisian institutions, including Ladurée and Pierre Marcolini, before opening and managing concepts for the celebrated boulangerie The French Bastards. It was there that he connected with Bikard, and together they later enlisted Le Bec, whose experience spans renowned French, Swiss and American kitchens. United by a shared passion for craftsmanship and gastronomy, the trio set out to bring an authentic taste of Paris to Chicago through a bold, contemporary bakery concept.
Baguettes and pain de campagne are among the freshly baked staples available daily at Guillotine Bakery.
Photo courtesy of Guillotine Bakery
“Not a bakery, not a coffee shop, not a bar or a restaurant, Guillotine is a space to enjoy a French style of living: a little crazy, modern, reactive, bold!” Didry says. “Guillotine embraces innovation. Cuisine is not static; food is a living, breathing revolution. Of course, we still honor French savoir-faire—no shortcuts, no compromises. But that doesn’t mean we can’t turn some traditions on their heads.”
Sourcing flour and butter directly from France, the restaurant features a selection of breads, pastries and craft coffees, along with sandwiches like classic ham and cheese. Traditional French fare, including croissants and kouign-amanns are also on the menu—subtle nods to Le Bec’s childhood in Brittany—in addition to playful renditions of classic American pastries.
A fruit-topped pastry showcases Guillotine Bakery’s blend of classic French savoir-faire and contemporary creativity.
Photo courtesy of Guillotine Bakery
Bread anchors the menu, including both French and American pain de campagne (sourdough) and baguettes, served alongside coffee selections from Sparrow Roasters, including a lineup of lattes, espressos and morning staples.
As guests arrive, they are greeted by a warm, vibrant space brought to life by interior design firm Siren Betty Design, the force behind Brasero’s design. The interiors channel the sophisticated, high-energy nature of Parisian cafes with a breakfast bar overlooking the display kitchen, where diners can watch as dough is rolled, bread is fired and bakers craft menu specialties. For more information, follow @guillotinebakery on Instagram.
The open kitchen offers a front-row seat to the artistry and craftsmanship behind Guillotine Bakery’s breads and pastries.
Photo courtesy of Guillotine Bakery
