On a luxury yacht charter, experience the finest cuisine prepared by top chefs, both onboard and on land. Explore different culinary experiences as your vessel cruises between marinas. The French Riviera has one of the greatest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, so fine dining in Côte d’Azur marinas is an unforgettable gourmet journey through a world of super-chefs, superb ingredients and stunning dining locations.
From the dizzying three Michelin star heights of Monaco and Saint Tropez to the highly celebrated restaurants of Cannes and Antibes, here are our top picks for fine dining near Côte d’Azur marinas.
Monaco:
3-star: The glittering principality of Monaco is awash in Michelin-starred restaurants, but the ultimate culinary crown is held by the Louis XV-Alain Ducasse at the iconic Hotel de Paris. Alain Ducasse was the first hotel restaurant on earth to be awarded three Michelin stars in 1990—and it has retained all three. Expect fresh, delicate, seasonal food, executed magnificently and served impeccably in lavish surroundings.
2-star: Chef Joël Robuchon has a staggering 26 Michelin stars, which is more than any other chef in the world. At his namesake restaurant at Hôtel Métropole you can watch his chefs prepare stunning French cuisine with immense skill and imagination in the open kitchen.
1-star: Other Michelin-starred restaurants in Monaco include the excellent Elsa, which serves organic and innovative Mediterranean cuisine at the Monte Carlo Beach club. La Vistamar on the terrace at the Hotel Hermitage offers a sophisticated seafood feast, with a selection of signature dessert soufflés. For a sensational fusion of Japanese and Western cuisine, take a table at Yoshi at the Hotel Metropole, imagined up by Joël Robuchon. Be amazed by the skilful marrying of Mediterranean and Caribbean flavours by chef Marcel Ravin at Blue Bay restaurant.
Nice:
2-star: The undisputed highlight of the Niçois dining scene is the Chantecler restaurant at the majestic Hotel Negresco. Royals and celebrities have been dining here since the hotel opened to great fanfare in 1913. The restaurant serves up spectacular Provençal gastronomy in a regency-style dining room of rich wood panelling and damask.
1-star: A short distance from Nice’s Marina, Flaveur is operated by two brothers and offers culinary escapism. From the inventive interior design to the unusual menu, which is inspired from an eclectic mix of cuisines, every aspect of this restaurant is designed to invigorate the senses. Restaurant Jan is located within close proximity to Nice’s port and serves up a selection of dishes that are inspired by the Head Chef’s South African heritage. The restaurant’s chic décor provides an elegant space in which to enjoy fine food.
Antibes:
1-star: This beautiful French town has one of the world’s great superyacht marinas, and has two Michelin-starred restaurants to its name. Le Bacon is an elegant restaurant on the Cap d’Antibes, offering magnificent views across the Bay of Angels to the Alps. This family-run institution serves refined French cuisine with an emphasis on delicious seafood. Back in town, the Le Figuer de Saint Esprit is a beautiful little restaurant by the ramparts, with a courtyard and a beautiful ambience in which to enjoy the unique menu. Other restaurants of note are at the famous Eden Roc restaurant on Cap d’Antibes, serving ‘haute couture cuisine’ overlooking the Mediterranean, and Michelangelo’s, which has been drawing diners to Antibes for decades.
Cannes:
2-star: It is impossible to discuss the best Cannes restaurants without mentioning Le Palme d’Or, an art deco jewel at Hotel Grand Martinez with stunning views across the Mediterranean. This establishment, run by celebrity chef Christian Sinicropi, earned two Michelin stars in 1992 for its spectacular French gastronomy, retaining both ever since.
1-star: Many restaurants with one Michelin star exist in Cannes, a host of which are located within a short walk from the marina. Le Park 45 at the Grand Hotel has a glorious setting, looking out over lush gardens and the sea; the head chef, Sébastien Broda, is doing exciting things with seasonal French cuisine. For an ultra-chic Cannes experience, climb to the rooftop of the Five Senses hotel and enjoy a gourmet meal on the poolside terrace at Sea Sens, finishing up with a decadent dessert from the world pastry champion, Jerôme De Oliveira.
Saint Tropez:
3-star: Disembark in St Tropez to find the second of the French Riviera’s 3 Michelin-starred restaurants: the splendid La Vague d’Or at the Residence de la Pinede. Dine among the pine trees on the terrace overlooking the Gulf of Saint Tropez, or take a table in the grand dining room. This is French food at its absolute finest, delivered by the inventive chef, Arnaud Donckele, who was declared the best chef in France in 2013.
1-star: Offering a particularly dazzling setting in the Hotel Villa Belrose, the restaurant of the same name offers excellent French food and overlooks the sea. The nearby medieval village of Ramatuelle provides sumptuous organic food at La Voile.
Matthew Scott
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