There’s no shortage of restaurants in Bandol. The picturesque charm and ideal location of this Mediterranean seaside resort attract visitors all year round. So we’ve gone out of our way to seek out the good and the beautiful, to share in this article what we think are our top places to eat in Bandol.
Our selection criteria were: fresh produce, the chef’s assertive personality and an atmosphere conducive to a fine culinary experience.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
1. Restaurant Au Clair de la Vigne (Bib)
We loved the cosy yet simple atmosphere of this discreet bistro, just a stone’s throw from the port. White walls, untreated wood and green plants create a warm, welcoming atmosphere where you’ll feel right at home.
The menu did not disappoint, far from it! Made with fresh produce, the bistronomic cuisine on offer is of the highest quality. The meats come fromAveyron, the fish from the Mediterranean and the vegetables are selected in a short circuit. All homemade. You’ll love the simple, delicate flavors that combine tradition and modernity. A beautiful address. The Michelin Guide has made no mistake!
Practical info:
- Neighborhood: in the old town, above the harbor
- Type: bistronomic
- Capacity: 20 covers, 30 on terrace
- Price range: €40 menu
- Mediterranean specialties: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservations here.
2. Restaurant Céciliano (Italian)
The warm colors of the zelliges drew us inside this very pretty restaurant located in an alleyway near Bandol church. Enjoy fresh homemade pasta and many other Italian flavors.
Chef Cécilien Marongui trained at Villa Aurora in Soiano del Lago on Lake Garda. At Céciliano, he delivers a gastronomic version of the trattoria. We wanted to try everything, as the menu is so tempting. We finally settled on the spaghetti with artichokes and bresaola. And we did the right thing. The toasted focaccia cubes, to share as an appetizer, had whetted our appetites.
Practical info:
- Neighborhood: veille ville
- Type: Italian cuisine
- Capacity: 25 covers, 30 on terrace
- Price range: dish around €20
- Mediterranean specialties: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Booking: 04 94 29 65 92
WHERE TO STAY IN Bandol
Option 1: near the center
- Hotel Splendid – See prices, photos and availability
- Hotel & Spa Thalazur – See prices, photos and availability
- Hotel la Villa Florida – See prices, photos and availability
Option 2: near Grand Valata beach
- Hotel Les Galets – See prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Eden – prices, pictures and availability
3. Restaurant Le Shardana (Michelin-starred)
We discovered this beautiful address nestled in the narrow streets of the old town. It is dedicated to the flavours of Sardinia. Another mouth-watering version of Mediterranean cuisine.
Chef Thomas Cristiani loves Sardinia. Its menu is a modern, light-hearted ode to the flavors of the other island of beauty. It is renewed every month according to local products and Sardinian ingredients. We loved this combination of Sardinian products and traditional French cuisine. A great success! The cheerful atmosphere of the place is also a major asset, partly due to the smile that greets you. A joy!
Practical info:
- Neighborhood: old town
- Type: Italian cuisine
- Capacity: 16 covers, 24 on terrace
- Price range: €50 menu
- Mediterranean specialties: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Booking: 04 94 32 17 79
4. Restaurant L’Espérance (Michelin-starred)
We strayed a little way from the port to discover this pretty restaurant in a side street, with a name full of promise. The room’s green wall gives a pleasantly fresh feel, contrasting with the warmth of the reception area.
The Basque origins of chef Gilles Pradines are also a promise. They are the assurance of a love of quality products and local know-how. Unsurprisingly, at L’Espérance we found 100% home cooking, rigorous and creative, made with fresh, seasonal produce. The menu changes regularly according to the market.
Practical info:
- Neighborhood: in the old town, above the harbor
- Type: gourmet cuisine
- Capacity: 30 place settings
- Price range: menu from €38
- Mediterranean specialties: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservations here
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
5. Restaurant L’Atelier du Goût (gastronomic)
From its shady terrace, L’Atelier du Goût has chosen sobriety as the setting for its vegetable menu. We liked its “workshop” ambience, with a hint of industry, matched by a refined elegance in neutral tones.
Chef Christophe Mesnard gives pride of place to fresh, seasonal vegetables (AMAP culture). He creates bouquets of flavours. Enhanced with spices and aromatic herbs, they add a delicate, light touch to meat and fish dishes. We enjoyed this simple, refined cuisine that can also be shared with the whole family (mini gastronome menu for children under 10).
Practical info:
- Neighborhood: old town
- Type: gourmet cuisine
- Capacity: 30 place settings
- Price range: menu at €44
- Mediterranean specialties: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Booking: 04 89 66 61 37
6. Restaurant Le Bistrot de Pauline (fish)
Le Bistrot de Pauline is a small seasonal bistro with old-fashioned charm. The furniture and crockery are vintage and therefore mismatched. That’s probably why we felt so at home here.
The à l’ardoise menu offers just a few dishes, but everything here is homemade. This is the place to try the famous fish soup or the no less famous fisherman’s plate. And because we’re on the Côte d’Azur, don’t miss the lemon meringue pie. The formula is simple but effective: local products, traditional cuisine, a friendly atmosphere and reasonable prices. It’s a popular address, and places are few and far between!
Practical info:
- Neighborhood: in the old town, above the harbor
- Type: fish dishes
- Capacity: 16 covers in the dining room, slightly more on the terrace
- Price range: fisherman’s plate at €25
- Mediterranean specialties: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Booking: 07 82 79 78 23
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
- Great kayak trips in:
Saint-Tropez to the Ramatuelle reserve
Cassis to the calanques - Helicopter flight from Cannes
- Shuttle service along the coast between Nice and Saint-Tropez
- Bike tours: eBike in Nice – Mountain biking in the Esterel massif
7. Restaurant De la Terre au Vin (wine bar)
Last on our list, but by no means least, we fell for this wood-fronted mini-bistro. Located in a less touristy part of town, Restaurant De la Terre au Vin guaranteesauthenticity.
Just look at the clientele, where a few tourists mingle with local regulars, and you’ll know you’ve come to the right place for a true local culinary experience. The restaurant serves regional dishes. The à la carte menu features cassolettes, platters and tapas. They accompany a 100% organic, biodynamic and natural wine list. The welcome and service are perfect, and the bill is very reasonable. A nugget!
Practical info:
- Neighborhood: downtown, near train station
- Type: traditional cuisine
- Capacity: 30 place settings
- Price range: dishes from €20
- Mediterranean specialties: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Booking: 04 94 25 03 16
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8. Maison Gavroche ice cream parlour
On the harbor, after admiring the pointus, don’t miss a taste of artisanal ice cream at Maison Gavroche. We loved its shady terrace overlooking the waves. It’s theideal place to take a break between all the activities the city has to offer.
The ice creams are delicious and served generously. Alongside classic flavors, others borrow from the flavors of the Mediterranean: lemon-basil, marron de Collobrières, lemon meringue pie, strawberry-geranium… You can also customize your cone. La Maison Gavroche also offers crêpes and waffles. “The best way to resist temptation is to give in to it,” said Oscar Wilde.
Practical info:
- Neighborhood: port
- Type: ice
- Mediterranean specialties: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Bandol
- What to do in Bandol (coming soon)
- Best hotels to stay in Bandol (coming soon)
- Best restaurants (coming soon)
- Bandol’s most beautiful beaches (coming soon)
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
