Richard Olney (1927–1999) was an American food writer and cookbook author. He was born in Iowa, but spent most of his adult life in France. For more than a decade he wrote a column, "Un Americain (Gourmand) à Paris" for Cuisine et Vins de France. His most well-known works are The French Menu Cookbook (1970) and Simple French Food (1974). He also edited the acclaimed cookbook series The Good Cook for Time-Life Books. Olney was a friend of James Beard, and taught a series of cooking classes in Beard’s West Village apartment. His culinary philosophy, which focused on the simple ingredients of the French countryside, made him an influential member of the nouvelle cuisine food movement. He was a mentor to Alice Water of Chez Panisse, and in 2010, Observer Food Monthly voted The French Menu Cookbook their favorite cookbook. Olney’s other publications include Provence: The Beautiful Cookbook, Ten Vineyard Lunches, Richard Olney’s French Wine and Food, and his memoir, Reflexions.