Along the sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera, Cannes and Antibes exude glamour, elegance, and timeless beauty. Beyond golden sands and glittering marinas lies a rich culinary scene infused with the region’s Mediterranean spirit. From bustling markets brimming with local produce to Michelin-starred restaurants, the aroma of fresh seafood, Provençal herbs, and sun-ripened produce fills the air. Savour handcrafted dishes in the cobbled streets of Antibes’ Old Town, or sip chilled rosé at a vibrant beach club in Cannes.
Here, fine dining meets coastal charm in perfect harmony. Explore this gourmet guide to discover your next unforgettable dining experience on the Riviera.
Fine-dining in Cannes
This Michelin-starred restaurant immerses guests in a world of Hollywood glamour, creating a cinematic dining experience overlooking the iconic La Croisette. The menu showcases the very best of Mediterranean seafood, while adding a theatrical twist. With its unique interiors and signature storytelling style, La Palme d’Or is a must-visit for those seeking creativity and refinement on the Riviera.
Established in 1960, Restaurant Le Vesuvio has become a renowned favourite on La Croisette. Serving a fusion of Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, Vesuvio welcomes you into a warm and relaxed atmosphere. A favourite for its wood-fired pizzas, classic pasta dishes and seasonal specialities, Vesuvio is the spot for a long, relaxed lunch while you soak in the Riviera charm.
The go-to destination for seafood lovers, Fred l’Ecailler is known for its ultra-fresh shellfish platters, grilled fish and regional dishes. Unwind on the spacious terrace and enjoy excellent service, a warm and relaxed setting and the taste of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
With a modern blend of Thai, Korean, Vietnamese and Japanese flavours, Mr Nakamoto has quickly become the destination for fresh, local, and seasonal flavours. With an Art Deco dining room and elegant seafront garden terrace, Mr Nakamoto pairs exceptional cuisine with a sophisticated setting. The bar is renowned for its inventive, Asian-inspired cocktails, making it a spot to dine and socialise all night long.
At the Riviera restaurant at the Hotel Carlton Cannes, refinement, sophistication and elegance exude from every corner. Enjoy the very best of Mediterranean cuisine created by Chef Laurent Bunel, where dishes like grilled squid and black risotto take centre stage. The definition of classical Riviera charm, the restaurant treats guests to stunning sea views as they dine either indoors or on the spacious terrace. A refined establishment offering a true taste of contemporary French cuisine.
Fine-dining in Antibes
Giovannis at Hotel du-Cap-Eden-Roc
Beneath a vine-covered pergola and surrounded by maritime pines, Giovannis offers guests an intimate al fresco dining experience. Celebrating authentic flavours crafted by chef Marco Tringali and world pizza champion Jeremy Viale, Giovannis delights diners with stone-baked pizzas, osso buco, and decadent desserts. Surrounded by breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, Giovannis transports guests to a world of romance and charm.
Nestled on the cobbled streets of Antibes’ Old Town, between the Picasso Museum and Marché Provençal, Le Figuier de Saint-Esprit is a family-run, Michelin-starred gem led by chef Christian Morisset. In a charming Provençal house shaded by its namesake fig tree, guests savour dishes such as squid-ink cuttlefish cannelloni and saddle of lamb cooked in Vallauris clay. This elegant spot perfectly blends creative flair with the authentic flavours of Provence.
Steeped in history, Mamo Michelangelo’s has been serving up Italian-Provençal dishes for over 30 years. Located in the old cellar of the Ott estate, the restaurant has a rustic atmosphere with terracotta floors and vaulted ceilings setting the stage for generous, authentic dishes such as truffle ravioli and wood-fired lamb shoulder. With an emphasis on quality ingredients, Mamo Michelangelo ensures that all its dishes are fresh, authentic and crafted with passion.
Nestled in the picturesque streets of Old Antibes, L’Arazur presents a seasonal menu of innovative gourmet cuisine. Opened by Chef Lucas Marini and his partner Jeanne Martin in 2016, L’Arazur has established itself as a must-visit destination for food lovers seeking an intimate setting and impeccable fine dining in the heart of Antibes.
Where to eat by the water in Cannes
Accessible only by boat, La Guérite has been impressing diners with its exclusive clientele, Mediterranean charm and exceptional cuisine since 1902. This celebrated Mediterranean-seafood restaurant offers fresh, locally-sourced dishes, like grilled lobster and the catch of the day, cooked on the grill or barbecue in aromatic herbs and signature marinades. With live DJs, stunning sea views and an adjoining private beach club, La Guérite is the ideal destination for a sun-soaked, stylish lunch or a sunset soirée.
An icon of the French Riviera, Môme La Plage is recognisable for its blue chairs and sleek design. Perched on a private stretch of La Croisette, Môme La Plage invites you to indulge in their vibrant Mediterranean menu carefully crafted by Chef Alexandre Elia. Offering everything from grilled seafood and seasonal pasta to sushi and sharing platters, Môme La Plage is the perfect spot for enjoying a casual lunch or a vibrant evening, with views of the sparkling Mediterranean.
Located on iconic La Croisette, Mademoiselle Gray offers sophistication and effortless relaxation in this beachfront haven. The soft sand underfoot and the gentle sea breeze sets the stage for Lebanese-inspired cuisine, creatively presented as sharable plates and reimagined classics. From sunrise to sunset, this elegant retreat comes alive with music, refined service, and an atmosphere of Riviera glamour.
Restaurants by the water in Antibes
Maison de Bacon offers a refined dining experience with panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Led by Chef Nicolas Davouze, the restaurant specialises in Mediterranean and seafood cuisine, including wood-fired fish and traditional dishes like bouillabaisse and millefeuille. Set in a beautifully renovated space with panoramic views of Old Antibes, the Mercantour Massif and Cap d’Antibes, Maison de Bacon is an ideal destination for elegant meals, scenic lunches, or special events overlooking the Riviera.
Bathed in natural light, the dining room of La Passagère is a grand and opulent setting, inviting guests into a world of glamour, from its entrance all the way through to its breathtaking terrace. La Passagère stands as a testament to its surroundings, emphasising the bounty of local seafood in its culinary offerings. Awarded one Michelin star, La Passagère serves up imaginative seafood dishes before delighting guests with creative desserts. The perfect balance of elegance and imagination, every dish is striking yet sophisticated.
Since 1988, the gourmet restaurant Le César has opened its doors to guests on the edge of Keller Beach. With panoramic views over the Bay of Angels, Le César is a glamorous yet intimate setting perfect for enjoying beachfront dining. Expertly led by head chef Olivier Condat, the restaurant specialises in exceptional French and Mediterranean cuisine, showcasing regional dishes and seafood specialities. Complementing the outstanding cuisine, Le César boasts a well-stocked wine cellar, perfect for pairing with fine-dining delights.
Les Pêcheurs is a Michelin-starred restaurant nestled within the Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel, offering an exceptional dining experience along the French Riviera. Helmed by Chef Nicolas Rondelli, the menu celebrates the Mediterranean’s rich flavours, featuring locally sourced seafood and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant’s elegant design, inspired by early 20th-century yachts, provides a refined setting with panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Guests can indulge in dishes like artichoke bao and Sisteron lamb, reflecting a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary culinary artistry.
A Great Culinary Journey
With every restaurant, every glass of wine, and every sunset view, Cannes and Antibes prove that the French Riviera is as much a culinary destination as it is a visual one. Whether you’re here for Michelin stars or market-fresh simplicity, your gourmet journey awaits — bon appétit!
