Where moon-influenced menus, art-strewn auberges and overwater tables make every bite a moment to remember.
Dining on the Côte d’Azur: More Than a Meal
The French Riviera has long been a playground for creatives, aristocrats and jet-setters—and its culinary scene reflects just that. Here, every table tells a story, from a clifftop tasting menu inspired by lunar rhythms to a seafood feast served atop a rocky outcrop with the waves crashing below.
Whether you’re island-hopping to a private beach club, sipping wine beneath Matisse paintings, or dancing after dinner under the stars, these six restaurants offer something beyond just a meal—they offer an experience.
Mirazur, Menton – A Michelin Star Between Earth and Sky
It’s hard to put Mirazur into words—it must be felt. Perched between sea and mountain in the postcard-perfect town of Menton, this three-Michelin-star restaurant is a pilgrimage for lovers of nature, flavour and artistry.
Chef Mauro Colagreco takes inspiration from the lunar cycle, crafting dishes in sync with the cosmos. Expect edible poetry: Gillardeau oysters with citrus, Bordighera squid, spiny lobster and rack of lamb with red miso. Every plate is a reflection of the moon, the land and the sea—visually stunning and soul-stirring.
JAN, Nice – A South African Love Letter to Fine Dining
Tucked into the Old Port of Nice, JAN is an intimate 20-seat restaurant from Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, the first South African chef to earn a Michelin star. Here, heritage meets haute cuisine.
His tasting menu is seasonal and sustainable—South African staples reimagined for a Riviera audience. Dishes like scallops with orange blossom and rooibos, mielie pap with tomato and caviar and sago pudding with buchu elevate comfort food to art. The result? A journey that’s as warm and thoughtful as it is technically masterful.
La Guérite, Cannes – Island Dining with Soul
Set on the island of Sainte-Marguerite, La Guérite is only reachable by boat—and all the more magical for it. What began in 1902 as a fisherman’s hideaway has transformed into one of the Riviera’s most exclusive beach clubs and restaurants.
Executive Chef Yiannis Kioroglou channels his Greek heritage into a soulful, open-fire menu: chargrilled lobster, smoky lamb, and market-fresh vegetables kissed by the flames. The atmosphere is relaxed yet radiant, with glittering sea views and champagne flowing into the sunset.
La Colombe d’Or, St-Paul-de-Vence – Where Art and Appetite Meet
Dining at La Colombe d’Or is like stepping into a secret chapter of French history. Nestled in the hillside village of St-Paul-de-Vence, this humble auberge has hosted some of the greatest artists of the 20th century—from Picasso to Calder—many of whom paid with their work.
Today, Matisse and Miró still look on as you enjoy Provençal classics on the terrace: grilled rabbit, ratatouille, cheese-laced gratins, and full-bodied regional wines. The art is priceless. The cuisine is simple perfection.
Le Plongeoir, Nice – Dining Above the Sea
Suspended above the Mediterranean on a rocky outcrop, Le Plongeoir is part restaurant, part Riviera fantasy. Its iconic structure—perched where a diving board once stood—makes this one of the most photographed restaurants in France and for good reason.
But beyond the setting, the food is beautifully fresh and evocative of summer: zucchini flower beignets, marinated octopus, pan-seared tuna, and hand-cut Iberian ham. Come for the views, stay for the food—and if romance is on the itinerary, consider this your golden-hour must.
Bâoli, Cannes – Where Dinner Turns Into a Dance floor
Start with dinner, end on the dancefloor—that’s the Bâoli promise. Set in glamorous Port Canto, Bâoli Cannes delivers a dynamic trio: destination dining, rooftop lounging, and an electric nightlife scene.
Chef Rémi Solaz presents bold Asian-Mediterranean fusion dishes—summer truffle risotto, pad Thai, sushi platters, and veal cutlets. After your meal, ascend to Cloud Nine, the chic rooftop bar with sweeping views of the bay. By nightfall, the restaurant transforms into a pulsing club where DJs and dancers keep the Riviera spirit alive until dawn.
Let Travel Seen Curate Your Côte d’Azur Escape
Craving more than just a table reservation? At Travel Seen, we craft seamless, multi-sensory getaways that match your taste—whether that’s a boat ride to a beach club or a Michelin-starred sunset dinner for two. Call us on 0333 305 9912 to let us design your ultimate French Riviera journey.