The Côte d’Azur has a wide and popular choice of restaurants, with excellent dining options to suit all tastes. We enjoyed a cuisine of land and sea based on local Provençal products, combined with Mediterranean notes and flavours, but not only! In our view, culinary discovery is an integral part of travel and experience, so treat yourself, even on vacation!
In this article, discover our selection of the best restaurants on the Côte d’Azur, which combine characterful gastronomy with artisanal know-how. These are our favorite tables so far. We hope to test more soon!
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. JAN Restaurant
The essentials
- City: Nice
- Type: starred gourmet
- Distinction: 1 Michelin star
About the atmosphere and the story
Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen invites us to this confidential place to savor inventive cuisine just a stone’s throw from Port Lympia. To share memories of his childhood, the chef revisits South African specialties, where he is originally from, and marries them with French gastronomic savoir-faire. Using local produce from Provence and South Africa, the menu takes the senses on a journey. Each dish is a work of culinary art, presented and created with quality ingredients, subtle flavors, some of them surprising.
About flavours
He’s an artistic culinary director, even a chemist in his approach, who plunges us into his universe and shares his sources of inspiration. The capital of the Côte d’Azur is certainly one of them, as we found some of Nice’s specialties throughout the dishes. The chef’s work is almost like that of a chemist, the fruit of in-depth, even scientific research to find the right dosage, the right combination of textures and flavors in the mouth. The classic 7-course menu and the signature 8-course menu feature dishes that tell a story for your taste buds. Our dinner was punctuated by a gentle waltz of plates and many surprises from the chef, who was very attentive throughout the evening.
The sommelier gave us excellent advice on food and wine pairing to help us choose between the many French, South African, Corsican and Italian wines.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Port Lympia
- Type: starred gourmet
- Capacity: less than 25 covers
- Price range: between €165 and €195 per person (excluding drinks)
- Niçoise specialities: yes, but revisited
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservations required here
If you’d like to find out more about our experience at this must-visit venue in Nice, read our review and more photos in our JAN Restaurant article here.
You can also check out our tips on the best things to do in Nice 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.
2. Restaurant des Rois
The essentials
- City: Beaulieu-sur-Mer
- Type: starred gourmet
- Distinction: 1 Michelin star
About the atmosphere and the story
This Michelin-starred restaurant is truly our favorite in Beaulieu-sur-Mer. It is set in the exceptional surroundings of the 5-star Hôtel La Réserve. In fact, we’ve listed it among the best places to stay in Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Restaurant des Rois was founded in 1880 by restaurateur Pierre Lottier, originally from Nice. With its exceptional sea views and daring cuisine, the restaurant quickly became a Côte d’Azur staple, welcoming Hollywood stars such as Frank Sinatra! The main room is very chic and luxurious, in the Belle Époque style. We preferred to dine on the terrace, to make the most of the view!
About flavours
The graphic, precise cuisine of chef Julien Roucheteau, Meilleur Ouvrier de France 2019, trained in Paris (restaurant at the Hôtel Lancaster…), won us over! We really enjoyed the floral, invigorating aspect of our dishes. We also found the desserts succulent. To extend the experience, why not stay at this superb establishment and its impressive wellness center? – see prices, availability and book now!
Practical information
- Neighborhood: port
- Type: starred gourmet
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: dishes from €85, menu from €215 per person (excluding drinks)
- Mediterranean specialities: yes, but revisited
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservations highly recommended here
Planning a trip? Read our article on the best activities in Beaulieu-sur-Mer here.
3. Restaurant Colette
The essentials
- City: Saint-Tropez
- Type: starred gourmet
- Distinction: 1 Michelin star
About the atmosphere and the story
We fell in love with Restaurant Colette at Hotel Sezz. As well as being the best 5-star establishment on the Côte d’Azur, it is also home to a table of excellence. We were delighted by our 6-act dinner, which took us on a journey for the duration of the meal. We received a superb welcome from the staff, which helped to make our experience unforgettable.
About flavours
The gourmet menu focusing on fruit and vegetables proved inventive, extremely well presented and rich in flavor. It was a real treat, both for the eyes and the palate. You can also choose from à la carte dishes: lobster, Saint Pierre, pigeon and other quality products.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: east of downtown on Route de la Plage des Salins
- Type: starred gourmet
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €100 and €180 per person (excluding drinks)
- Tropezian specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservations recommended here
Planning a trip? Extend your luxurious getaway by staying one or more nights at Hotel Sezz – see prices, availability and book.
You can also check out our article on the best things to do in Saint-Tropez here.
WHERE TO STAY ON THE Côte d’Azur
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
4. Restaurant Le Pavyllon
The essentials
- City: Monaco
- Type: starred gourmet
- Distinction: 1 Michelin star
About the atmosphere and the story
Our culinary escapade in the Principality began with our favorite Michelin-starred restaurant in Monaco: Le Pavyllon. This is the table of three-starred chef Yannick Alléno, thanks to whom the Pavyllon Ledoyen was awarded 3 stars in Paris in 2014. The establishment offers an exceptional setting, with a large terrace located in the Hôtel Hermitage overlooking Port-Hercule. A counter offers a glimpse of the brigade as they prepare their dishes, in a chic, contemporary setting.
About flavours
We really enjoyed our meal, especially our main course and the savory appetizers. We were able to discover all the modern techniques used by the chef (cold extraction, emulsion, fermentation…). Our starter, beet and carrot ravioli in a celery and cucumber extraction sauce, was surprising and delicious. The flavors of our turbot with spinach were subtly enhanced by nori seaweed. We can’t recommend this resolutely creative cuisine enough!
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Monte-Carlo
- Type: starred gourmet
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Price range: dinner menu from €150 per person, à la carte dishes from €39 (excluding drinks)
- Local specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservations required here
Planning a trip? You can extend the experience by staying at the Hôtel Hermitage (5 stars) – See prices, photos and availability
You can also see our article on the best things to do in Monaco here.
5. Restaurant Casa Fuego
The essentials
- City: Menton
- Type: gastronomic
- Distinction: Mention in the Michelin Guide
About the atmosphere and the story
On the heights to the east of the town, just 2 steps from the Italian border, Restaurant Casa Fuego offers an exceptional setting overlooking the sea. It is the second restaurant of renowned Italian-Argentinian chef Mauro Cogreco, whose three-starred Restaurant Mirazur is just across the street.
About flavours
Restaurant Casa Fuego is a grill that Mauro Colgreco wanted to give the look of a hacienda opening onto the sea and the port. And it’s just like being there! The cuisine is faithful to the chef’s origins: typically Argentinian fire cooking with a hint of Mediterranean inspiration. We loved the authenticity of Argentinian conviviality, and enjoyed a perfectly seared onglet with a Mediterranean vegetable compote. Absolutely perfect after the fresh melon carpaccio we chose as a starter!
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Garavan Est
- Type: fusion
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Price range: dishes from around €30
- Mediterranean specialties: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservations here
Planning a trip? You can also see our article on the best things to do in Menton here.
A LITTLE MORE patience
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6. Restaurant L’Amandier
The essentials
- City: Mougins
- Type: gastronomic
- Distinction: a fine restaurant nestled in a typical Provencal village
About the atmosphere and the story
We’ve fallen under the spell of Restaurant L’Amandier in Mougins. Its old stone walls and terrace with panoramic views over the hills of Provence set the scene for one of France’s finest historic addresses. Because the place is a reference. Located right in the center of the village, it was once owned by one of the greatest chefs of the 20th century, Roger Vergé, who trained another, no less famous chef, Alain Ducasse! With a history like this, the house’s reputation is up for grabs. Many great names have dined here: Picasso, Fernand Léger, Picabia, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Winston Churchill, Catherine Deneuve…
About flavours
We were not disappointed. L’Amandier remains L’Amandier. The current chef, Sébastien Zunino, trained by Denis Fétisson, remains faithful to the spirit of the place, masterfully interpreting the traditional culinary specialties of Provence. His cuisine continues to bring out all the flavours of local produce. We succumbed to several dishes such as pork filet mignon with roasted beet, long turnip cream and coffee granola. Or just-roasted scallops with pumpkin ravioli sprinkled with turmeric, creamed scallop fumet. A delight!
Practical information
- Type: gastronomic
- Capacity: 120 covers indoors, 120 outdoors
- Price range: menu from €45 per person (excluding drinks)
- Mediterranean specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservations here
Planning a trip? Discover all the must-do activities in Mougins and our tips!
7. Restaurant Table 22
The essentials
- City: Cannes
- Type: gastronomic
- Distinction: Mention in the Michelin Guide
About the atmosphere and the story
We were delighted with our experience at Restaurant Table 22. In addition to the elegant decor, we had a very good meal. From aperitif to dessert, Chef Noël Mantel’s work was extremely precise. We had a wonderful time in this chic, friendly establishment.
About flavours
Being gourmets, we went for the full meal: aperitif/starter/main course/dessert. We liked the reasonable quantities and the Provencal flavors. It was well-balanced. The à la carte dishes showcased local know-how and produce. If you love fine cuisine, you’ll love this table. We also appreciated the interesting selection of wines, highlighted by the sommelier.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Le Suquet
- Type: gastronomic
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Price range: between €50 and €80 per person (excluding drinks)
- Local specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations recommended here
Planning a trip? Don’t hesitate to check out our article on must-do activities in Cannes , in which we mention this excellent address!
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8. Restaurant Brasserie du Corton
The essentials
- City: Cassis
- Type: bistronomic
- Distinction: a sumptuous sea view
About the atmosphere and the story
Don’t be fooled by the name “Brasserie”, because this restaurant is much more than just a brasserie! Located above the Michelin-starred restaurant La Villa Madie in Cassis, we loved tasting the sumptuous dishes prepared by the chef, while admiring the sea. We highly recommend this restaurant, whose dishes are delicious, whose wines are meticulously selected, and whose seafront setting is idyllic!
About flavours
This restaurant offers refined, modern French cuisine, using local seasonal produce. The emphasis is on the freshness and quality of ingredients, enhanced by original and tasty combinations of land and sea.
During our visit, we were treated to a delicious soft-boiled egg. We continued with a delicious dish of octopus and local seasonal vegetables, perfectly cooked. Finally, we couldn’t resist the call of the lemon tart, which rounded off this fabulous meal perfectly!
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Near Plage du Corton
- Type: bistronomic
- Capacity: approx. 40 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: approx. €60 per person (excluding drinks)
- Provençal specialities: no
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservations recommended here
Planning a trip? See also our article on the best things to do in Cassis.
9. Restaurant Céciliano
The essentials
- City: Bandol
- Type: gastronomic
- Distinction: a sublimated version of the trattoria
About the atmosphere and the story
The warm colors of the zelliges drew us inside this very pretty restaurant located in an alleyway near Bandol church. Chef Cécilien Marongui trained at Villa Aurora in Soiano del Lago on Lake Garda. Enjoy fresh homemade pasta and many other Italian flavors.
About flavours
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 information
- Neighborhood: old town
- Type: Italian cuisine
- Capacity: 25 covers, 30 on terrace
- Price range: dish around €20
- Mediterranean specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservations on +33 (0) 4 94 29 65 92
Planning a trip? See our article on the best things to do in Bandol here.
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
10. Restaurant Clos Séméria
The essentials
- City: Saint-Raphaël
- Type: gastronomic
- Distinction: inventive cuisine under a charming glass roof
About the atmosphere and the story
This gourmet restaurant offers elaborate, inventive cuisine using products from local producers. We enjoyed eating there. You’ll appreciate the luminous ambience provided by the glass roof over the entire room. In this establishment, the menu is à l’ardoise, with fresh, seasonal products. We think this is a very good sign! We enjoyed the appetizers offered as a preamble to the meal, 4 different creations offering us a varied palette of aromas and textures.
About flavours
For dinner, we chose a mushroom-based starter that we loved for its freshness and lightness. We were surprised by the dish based on poached guinea fowl, seasoned with passion fruit, seaweed and pea shoots. A flawless symphony on the plate. We have a sweet tooth, so we couldn’t resist the call of the red fruit, white chocolate and lime dessert. It was the perfect end to a delicious meal!
We highly recommend this establishment, where we had a great time.
Practical information
- Location: in the center of Saint-Raphaël, near Place Gabriel Péri
- Type: bistronomic
- Capacity: approx. 30 place settings
- Terrace: no
- Price range: between €50 and €90 per person (excluding drinks)
- Provençal specialities: no
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservations recommended here
Planning a trip? You can also check out our article on the best things to do in Saint-Raphaël.
11. Restaurant Le Figuier de Saint-Esprit
The essentials
- City: Antibes
- Type: starred gourmet
- Distinction: 1 Michelin star
About the atmosphere and the story
The modest façade of this establishment hides an enchanting setting in Antibes: an intimate cobbled courtyard with stone walls. With its garlanded trees, roses and candles on the tables, the atmosphere is intimate and poetic. It’s an ideal setting for discovering the creative and authentic cuisine of chef Christian Morisset. This pastry chef-turned-chef decided to open his own restaurant, Le Figuier de Saint-Esprit, in 2005. He was then joined in the kitchen by his 2 sons, one specializing in gastronomy, the other in pastry-making.
About flavours
So, in a way, it’s a home cooking experience that you can enjoy in this restaurant. It is, however, highly technical, rigorous and refined. We opted for the 8-course discovery menu, and although we were full, we weren’t disappointed! For example, we tasted a succulent foie gras with a pear chutney and acacia honey emulsion.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Vieil Antibes
- Type: starred gourmet
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Price range: €70 (lunch) to €170 (dinner)
- Mediterranean specialities: yes, but revisited
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservations required here
Planning a trip? You can also check out our article on the best things to do in Antibes!
12. Restaurant Le Patio
The essentials
- City: Saint-Tropez
- Type: bistronomic
- Distinction: a lovely terrace with swimming pool
About the atmosphere and the story
We highly recommend that you sit out on the outdoor terrace by the pool. As you feast, you’ll enjoy a privileged view of the climbing plants that nibble at the walls of the establishment. We had an exquisite time in the idyllic setting of Hôtel Le Yaca, featured in our article on the best hotels in the resort.
About flavours
Set in a charming mansion just a stone’s throw from the port of Saint-Tropez, we were seduced by Restaurant Le Patio. Part of Hôtel Le Yaca, you’ll enjoy elaborate, tasty Italian dishes made with quality ingredients imported directly from Italy.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: downtown
- Type: Italian bistro cuisine
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €50 and €130 per person (excluding drinks)
- Tropezian specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservations recommended here
Planning a trip? You can also check out our article on the best things to do in Saint-Tropez here.
Other Michelin-starred restaurants on the Côte d’Azur
- Restaurant La Vague d’Or (Hôtel Le Cheval Blanc) in Saint-Tropez
- Restaurant La Villa Madie in Cassis
- Restaurant Le Récif in Saint-Raphaël
- Restaurant Le Louis XV in Monaco
- Le Blue Bay restaurant in Monaco
- Restaurant La Table d’Antonio Salvatore at Rampoldi in Monaco
- Restaurant Mirazur in Menton
- Restaurant Couleurs de Shimatani in La Ciotat
- Restaurant Table de Nans in La Ciotat
- Restaurant La Passagère (Hôtel Belles Rives) in Antibes
- Restaurant Le Louroc (Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc) in Antibes
- Restaurant Le Chantecler (Hôtel Le Negresco) in Nice
- Restaurant La Chèvre d’Or in Èze
- Restaurant Château Eza in Èze
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE Côte d’Azur
- Inspiration
The most beautiful landscapes in 30 photos
Best things to do on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful villages
Best beaches on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful gardens
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Most beautiful islands
Secret places
- Practical advice
Successful travel on the Côte d’Azur (coming soon)
Rent a car in Provence – in Nice – in Cannes – in Marseille – in Aix-en-Provence.
Itineraries: 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
Weekend ideas: best-of – romantic – luxury – unusual
- Where to stay
Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur
Best luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur
Hotels by the sea
Best boutique-hotels
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
