Mougins is a charming hilltop village in the hinterland of the Côte d’Azur, between Cannes and Antibes. Cradle of Michelin-starred chefs (Roger Vergé, Alain Ducasse…), this small Provencal town attracts lovers of haute cuisine. They come to taste refined creations that sublimate the flavors of the Mediterranean terroir.
In this little jewel box for discerning taste buds, we’ve selected a few fine addresses that will ensure you have the kind of generous, gourmet moments we love.
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 L’Amandier de Mougins
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…
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.
Practical information:
- Type: gastronomic
- Capacity: 120 covers indoors, 120 outdoors
- Price range: Menu from 45€.
- Provence specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservation
2. Restaurant La Place de Mougins
Restaurant La Place de Mougins is the den of chef Denis Fétisson, a creative and passionate child of the South. We loved its chic, sober and warm setting, and its friendly atmosphere, with a veranda overlooking the central square.
The creative spirit of the owner brilliantly sublimates Mediterranean flavors with an original concept: “the product in the spotlight”. Each month, a seasonal product is featured, from starter to dessert. The dishes are rigorously chosen, the execution is precise and the creativity teems. To the delight of our taste buds. A marvel!
Practical information:
- Type: gastronomic
- Capacity: 60 place settings
- Price range: Menu from 46€.
- Provence specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no, but special dog menu: €25
- Reservation
WHERE TO STAY IN Cannes
Option 1: Downtown
Enjoy the charm of the old town and all its restaurants.
We recommend..:
- Five Seas Hotel – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel BW Le Mondial – prices, pictures and availability
Option 2: on the Croisette
Along the seafront promenade and beaches.
We recommend..:
- Hotel Le Carlton – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Martinez – prices, pictures and availability
Option 3: The Suquet and surrounding area
On the heights of the old town, with lots of charm.
- Hotel le Suquet – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Canopy by Hilton – see prices, pictures and availability
3. Restaurant Le Petit Fouet
Restaurant Le Petit Fouet is a renowned Mougins establishment. Located in a lively alleyway in the center of the village, we loved the warm atmosphere and the familiar, bric-a-brac decor.
A friendly welcome and attentive service. The cuisine is traditional and tasty. It celebrates all the flavors of Provence in family dishes such as cassoulet, blanquette de veau or chou farci à la niçoise. Everything here is homemade. The ideal place to enjoy local specialities in a friendly atmosphere, from breakfast to dinner.
Practical information:
- Type: traditional
- Capacity: 60 covers, 30 on terrace
- Price range: dishes from €23 to €49
- Provence specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservation
4. Restaurant Resto des Arts
Restaurant Resto des Arts is a very pleasant address, run by 3 childhood friends. A young, dynamic team that contributes greatly to therelaxed atmosphere of the place.
We liked the originality of the menu in this typically Provencal village. It offers Mediterranean fusion cuisine with Asian influences. The products are fresh, local and in season. The menu changes accordingly. Everything we love. Sunday brunches are also available.
Practical information:
- Type: fusion
- Capacity: 50 covers, 30 on terrace
- Price range: Around 50€.
- Provence specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservation
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.
Other fine restaurants in Mougins
During our visit, we weren’t able to go everywhere, but here are a few addresses that we didn’t try out, but which are making the news:
- Restaurant Bohême: within the walls of the famous former Restaurant Paloma, an ode to high-quality meat by Peruvian chef Manuel Rondan.
- Restaurant Laflora: in a chic, understated setting, Mediterranean cuisine by renowned Master Chef Xavier Malandran. Bonus: a gourmet menu for younger guests.
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
Other restaurants around Mougins
Our best addresses in Cannes
Cannes is only a ten-minute drive away, and there’s no shortage of restaurants. An opportunity to spend some quality time on the coast. We’ve devoted an article to them, where you’ll find all the addresses of our top restaurants in Cannes.
Among them, our favorites:
- Restaurant Table 22, a stone’s throw from the old port: fresh local produce cooked by chef Noël Mantel.
- Restaurant La Môme, near the Croisette: a Provencal address where you can also enjoy tasty cocktails.
- Restaurant Mademoiselle Gray, on the Plage Barrière: Lebanese flavours with a sea view.
Our best addresses in Antibes
If the stars of Cannes dazzle you too much, but you still want to dine with your feet in the water, opt for Antibes. It’s a little further from Mougins. Allow 20 minutes by car. Among our top addresses in Antibes, two are on the seafront:
- Restaurant Les Pêcheurs (1 star), at the Beach Hôtel du Cap d’Antibes: an old fishermen’s house with panoramic views of the coast and Mediterranean cuisine by chef Nicolas Rondelli.
- Restaurant La Maison de Bacon, just off Plage de la Salis: an institution founded in 1948, with seafood under the guidance of chef Nicolas Davouze.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the typical dishes of the Mougins region?
Typical Mougins dishes are those of Provence, rich in fresh produce and colourful vegetables, perfect for the ratatouille or pistou soup . Seafood products are very present, in the fish soup or the bouillabaisse . But there is also daube and Niçois stuffing . In Mougins, you’re likely to try socca, polenta, panisse, fougasse and pissaladière not forgetting the famous pan-bagnat . So, bon appétit!
Who are the top chefs in Mougins?
In the 90s, Mougins was France’s most awarded commune: 7 Michelin stars for 25km2! Among the chefs who have made the village famous are Roger Vergé, who created Mougins’ L’Amandier restaurant, and Alain Ducasse, whom Vergé trained and who also worked at L’Amandier.
Today, it’s Denis Fétisson and his restaurant La Place de Mougins that attracts the most discerning palates. Since 2006, Les Étoiles de Mougins, the international festival of gastronomy and the art of living, has brought the world’s greatest chefs to Mougins. Find out more here.
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
