Imagine having lunch by the sea or experiencing the blue hour in a vibrant location. The Cote d’Azur has re-emerged as one of the hottest summer holiday destinations, renowned for its international-standard dining scene that recalls the glamour of the Roaring Twenties.
This summer saw the grand opening of Palm Beach Cannes, an iconic Riviera destination and social hotspot since the 1920s. The long-awaited launch introduced a private members club, as well as France’s first Zuma and Nammos restaurants and La Petite Maison.
Palm Beach also boasts the Riviera’s first 43-metre saltwater swimming pool, famously depicted in Henri Verneuil’s film ‘Any Number Can Win’. This beautifully restored pool offers stunning views over the Bay of Cannes.
In a region where the South of France excels at reinventing itself while retaining its distinctive charm, there’s always more to discover.
Here are some of the best places to wine and dine.
LA PETITE MAISON CANNES
La Petite Maison in Palm Beach Cannes is renowned for its fantastic food, vibrant atmosphere and warm Mediterranean hospitality. The restaurant features elegant architecture, contemporary art and a botanical terrace with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, accompanied by live music.
ANNA CANNES
After its success in Paris, the renowned Greek restaurant Anna has opened in Cannes, led by Athenian-born Chef Yiannis Kioroglou. Situated on Boulevard de la Croisette, Anna offers a Mediterranean menu designed to foster togetherness, featuring sun-drenched plates inspired by Kioroglou’s childhood dinners and memories of Greece. Highlights include feta filo with honey and sesame, moussaka croquettes, and grilled octopus, complemented by their signature “Calypso” cocktails, a blend of Skinos Mastika and prosecco with cucumber and mint.
BABA, CAP D’ANTIBES BEACH HOTEL
Situated on the seafront between Port Gallice and Port du Crouton, the Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel has opened its new restaurant, aptly named Baba. After Jerusalem, London and Paris, Israeli chef Assaf Granit has set up shop in Cap d’Antibes, inviting guests on a journey from Yaffo to the Riviera. A menu full of spices and flavours to be savoured in an idyllic setting. Everything has been carefully thought out, from the friendly waiters to the crockery (specially made by an artisan from Yaffo, a small port town north of Tel Aviv), not to mention the music playlist and the visual identity of the menu and logo, designed by the artist Franck Lebraly.
HÔTEL BELLES RIVES À JUAN-LES-PINS
It exudes the glamour of the Riviera’s Golden Age, having hosted literary legends like F. Scott Fitzgerald in the 1920s. Guests can enjoy unique amenities such as water-skiing from a private pontoon and savoring macarons during teatime jazz. With its exclusive beachfront the hotel stands out in a country where public coastlines are the norm. Michelin-starred dining offers a more formal option, while the beachside Le Cap offers a more relaxed dining experience.
ELSA, MONTE CARLO SPORTING CLUB
Monaco is synonymous with excellent wine and fine Mediterranean cuisine – this is also evident in the restaurants at Monte-Carlo Beach. ELSA stands out here, where chef Mélanie Serre creates dishes that impress with passion, creativity and a variety of flavours. The green concept behind the dishes is also appealing: ELSA is ECOCERT-certified for its 100% organic and wild-caught fish and also boasts numerous vegan dishes.
