You’re probably heading to the South of France with one eye on its glistening shorelines and another on its chic beach clubs. But let this article serve as a reminder that this sunny region is also home to some of the world’s finest restaurants – from Nobu Matsuhisa’s St Tropez outpost to a seafood spot only accessible by boat. Our selections cover Cannes, Antibes, Saint Tropez, and Ramatuelle – bon appétit.
Île Sainte-Marguerite, 06400 Cannes
La Guérite, Cannes
You’ll find this trendy restaurant and beach club just off the coast of Cannes on Île Sainte-Marguerite. It’s known for being one of the world’s most exclusive dining destinations – for starters, it’s only accessible by boat, and has hosted some of the world’s most famous faces over the years (often at some of the world’s most glamorous parties). Nowadays, diners flock here for fresh seafood in blissfully chilled surroundings.
Louroc, Antibes
A Michelin-starred mishmash of Mediterranean and Provence influences, Louroc is the place to celebrate a special occasion. Creative dishes draw from a pantry stuffed with vegetables grown in the hotel’s kitchen garden and meats sourced from local markets – expect to eat the likes of stuffed baby squid and scorpion fish with confit courgette. As an added bonus, the views over the Antibes seascape are spectacular – especially at sunset.
Bd J. F. Kennedy, 06160 Antibes
43 Bd Patch, 83350 Ramatuelle
Le Club 55, Ramatuelle
One of the bastions of Pampelonne beach’s food scene, Le Club 55 has been a must-visit for South of France holidaymakers’ since opening in 1955. After all, it was where Brigitte Bardot hung out whilst filming And God Created Woman in the ‘50s, and it still has a celebrity appeal – Elton John, Jennifer Lopez, and Beyoncé have all been spotted here. Try the cooked artichokes and Tarte Tropezienne – they're both excellent.
Kinugawa, Ramatuelle
Even though it only opened a couple of years ago, Kinugawa is already a key part of Ramatuelle's dining scene. It feels a bit like a secret garden, thanks to the greenery creeping over practically every (marble) surface. So, it’s a relaxed place to sit back, order your tipple of choice from a 100-strong wine list, and sample elegant Japanese dishes – and then get back up again to dance when the nightly DJ set gets underway.
2452 Route des Plage Road 93, 83350 Ramatuelle
71 Bd du Général de Gaulle, 06230 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Le Cap, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Chef Yoric Tièche didn't set out to do much when he took over the kitchen at Le Cap. Only to reinvent Provençal and Mediterranean cuisine completely. However, he's managed it (and won a Michelin star in the process) with creative dishes like grilled white asparagus with thyme jelly and sea lettuce-perfumed veal. Our tip? Sit out on the pine-shaded terrace – and don’t even think about skipping dessert.
La Voile at La Rèserve, Ramatuelle
A French chef who cooks without butter and cream? It can only be Eric Canino, whose coastal restaurant at La Rèserve has been awarded two Michelin stars for its innovative approach to fine dining. The flavour in his dishes comes from special techniques (like poaching fish in seawater) and embellishing fruits and vegetables with aromatic herbs and olive oils. The result is some truly astounding dishes served with a side of sea views. Très bien.
736 Chem. des Cretes, 83350 Ramatuelle
1050 Chem. des Barraques, 83350 Ramatuelle
Gigi, Ramatuelle
Gigi describes itself as an oasis of calm – and once you see its elegant pool and beach house-style décor, you’ll definitely understand why. Kick off your afternoon by kicking back with a spa treatment before settling in for some classic Italian dishes (the truffle pizza is particularly good). And if you want to add a little energy to your afternoon, book one of the later slots to sing – and swing – along to a live saxophonist.
La Vague d’Or, St Tropez
Enclosed in the pine-scented Cheval Blanc St-Tropez hotel, this triple Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its rare ingredients and original pairings – although its tree-framed vistas are also hard to beat. It's from the mind of chef Arnaud Donckele, who has dreamt up dishes that’ll have you speaking in superlatives – like rabbit with absinthe and turbot cooked in salt, seaweed, and lime peels.
Plage de la Bouillabaisse, 83990 Saint-Tropez
Château de La Messardière, 2 Route de Tahiti Airelles, 83990 Saint-Tropez
Restaurant Matushisa Saint-Tropez, Ramatuelle
Perched atop a hill looking over pines, vines, and beaches sits a palace of a hotel: Château de la Messardiere. And it is indeed home to culinary royalty, as this is where you’ll find Matsuhisa – the St Tropez outpost of chef Nobu Matsuhisa's famed pre-Nobu restaurant. Expect to eat now-iconic Nobu dishes like yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño and miso black cod, as well as a selection of bespoke French-inspired plates.
La Môme Plage, Cannes
Just steps from its sister restaurant, La Môme, this yacht-inspired spot is situated on a private beach – ideal if you want to soak up the sun (and sea) before or after your meal. Most dishes are designed to share – making it a great place to come with friends – and the atmosphere is practically joyful, thanks to live music that blares all day long.
Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes
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