Discover the best food towns in the French Riviera, from Nice to Saint-Tropez, with top restaurant recommendations for local dishes like bouillabaisse, tarte tropézienne, and salade niçoise. Explore Michelin-starred dining and charming bistros in these picturesque coastal towns.
Where to Eat
The French Riviera is home to some of the most delicious culinary experiences in France, with each town offering its unique flavors and specialties. Here are some of the best food towns in the French Riviera, along with suggestions on where to eat:
Nice
Known for its blend of Provençal and Italian influences, Nice is a food lover's paradise with its vibrant markets and local specialties like Socca and Salade Niçoise.
Where to Eat:
La Merenda: A small, cozy restaurant known for serving authentic Niçoise dishes like Daube Provençale and Pissaladière. No phone or credit cards, so make sure to bring cash.
Chez Pipo: The go-to place for Socca, Nice's famous chickpea flatbread. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, it’s the perfect local snack.
Le Safari: Located on the lively Cours Saleya, this spot is great for sampling regional dishes like Petits Farcis (stuffed vegetables) and seafood.
Cannes
Famous for its glamour and film festival, Cannes is also a haven for food enthusiasts, offering refined dining as well as casual Mediterranean cuisine.
Where to Eat:
Astoux et Brun: A seafood institution known for its fresh oysters, seafood platters, and Bouillabaisse. It’s perfect for an authentic Côte d’Azur seafood experience.
Le Mantel: For fine dining, this Michelin-recommended restaurant serves refined Mediterranean dishes, including exquisite seafood preparations with a modern twist.
Marché Forville: A vibrant market where you can taste and buy local cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh produce. Grab some goodies and have a picnic on the beach!
Antibes
This charming town offers a blend of traditional and modern dining options, with a focus on seafood, Provençal cuisine, and beautiful views.
Where to Eat:
Le Figuier de Saint-Esprit: A Michelin-starred restaurant located in the Old Town, offering creative Mediterranean dishes with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
Le Brulot: An authentic restaurant in the heart of Antibes serving traditional dishes like Ratatouille and Fougasse.
Saint-Tropez
While Saint-Tropez is known for its glitz, the town also offers some fantastic places to eat, from chic eateries to bakeries known for their famous Tarte Tropézienne.
Where to Eat:
La Vague d’Or: A three-Michelin-starred restaurant located at Cheval Blanc Saint-Tropez. Chef Arnaud Donckele offers exceptional haute cuisine inspired by the Mediterranean.
Le Girelier: A seafood lover's dream, this harborside restaurant serves delicious fresh fish, shellfish, and specialties like Loup de Mer (sea bass).
La Tarte Tropézienne: For the legendary local dessert, visit the original bakery founded by Alexandre Micka. Try the light and creamy Tarte Tropézienne.
Menton
Known for its lemon trees and Mediterranean flavors, Menton offers a blend of French and Italian culinary traditions, resulting in flavorful dishes.
Where to Eat:
Mirazur: Consistently ranked among the best restaurants in the world, this three-Michelin-starred restaurant by Chef Mauro Colagreco offers an incredible seasonal tasting menu inspired by the sea, gardens, and local markets.
Port Garavan: A charming restaurant serving seafood and Italian-inspired Mediterranean dishes, overlooking the sea near the Italian border.
A Braijade Meridionale: A hidden gem where you can enjoy traditional Mentonnais and Provençal dishes in a casual, welcoming setting.
Villefranche-sur-Mer
This small, picturesque town just outside Nice is perfect for seafood lovers, with its stunning views of the Mediterranean.
Where to Eat:
La Mère Germaine: A legendary seafood restaurant that’s been around since 1938, known for its fabulous lobster, Bouillabaisse, and other seafood delicacies.
Les Garçons: Tucked in the Old Town, this bistro offers a charming atmosphere and delicious Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on fresh, local produce.
Le Cosmo: Overlooking the harbor, this casual spot offers fresh seafood, traditional Provençal dishes, and a great selection of local wines.
Eze
Perched high above the sea, the medieval village of Eze offers breathtaking views along with Michelin-starred dining.
Where to Eat:
La Chèvre d’Or: A two-Michelin-starred restaurant with some of the best views on the Riviera. Chef Arnaud Faye’s menu is inspired by the Mediterranean, with dishes like Pigeon Roasted in Fig Leaves.
Château Eza: Another high-end option, offering gourmet French cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. The terrace has spectacular panoramic views of the coast.
Le Nid d’Aigle: A more casual spot within the medieval village, serving simple but well-executed French classics and seafood dishes.
Mougins
Known for its gastronomic scene and art galleries, Mougins has become a hotspot for fine dining.
Where to Eat:
L’Amandier de Mougins: Located in the heart of the village, this restaurant offers classic Provençal cuisine in a historic setting with stunning views.
Le Mas Candille: A luxury hotel and restaurant where you can dine on gourmet French cuisine surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Grasse
Known primarily for its perfume, Grasse also offers some wonderful dining options in its historic streets.
Where to Eat:
La Bastide Saint-Antoine: A Michelin-starred restaurant by Chef Jacques Chibois offering elegant Provençal dishes with an emphasis on olive oil and fresh herbs.
Le Café des Musées: For a relaxed meal, this charming café offers delicious local fare with a rotating menu of seasonal specialties.
These towns offer a diverse culinary journey across the French Riviera, with options ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to casual eateries that capture the region's flavors and traditions.
French Riviera Specialties
The French Riviera, or Côte d'Azur, offers a delightful culinary experience rooted in Mediterranean flavors, fresh ingredients, and Provençal traditions. Here are some of the standout local dishes and specialties to try when visiting the region:
Salade Niçoise
A classic from Nice, this salad is a must-try. It’s made with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, green beans, and peppers, hard-boiled eggs, olives, anchovies, and sometimes tuna, all drizzled with olive oil. It perfectly reflects the Mediterranean influences of the region.
Socca
A beloved street food in Nice, socca is a chickpea flour pancake or flatbread, crispy on the outside and soft inside. It's often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, seasoned with pepper, and served hot. You’ll find socca stalls and vendors all around Nice.
Pissaladière
This is a local version of pizza, but without the tomatoes. Pissaladière is topped with caramelized onions, olives, and anchovies on a thick dough base. It’s a popular savory snack in markets and bakeries.
Ratatouille
Originating from Provence, ratatouille is a vegetable stew featuring eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes, all simmered in olive oil with garlic and herbs like thyme and basil. It's served either as a side dish or as a main course with bread.
Bouillabaisse
A famous Provençal fish stew, bouillabaisse comes from nearby Marseille but is widely enjoyed along the French Riviera. It’s made with a variety of local Mediterranean fish, cooked with garlic, saffron, and tomatoes, and served with crusty bread and rouille (a garlicky mayonnaise).
Daube Provençale
This is a rich, slow-cooked beef stew with red wine, garlic, onions, and herbs. Sometimes olives or mushrooms are added for extra flavor. It’s often served with fresh pasta or potatoes, reflecting the rustic, hearty nature of Provençal cuisine.
Tarte Tropézienne
A sweet treat from Saint-Tropez, this brioche cake is filled with a creamy custard and whipped cream filling, often flavored with orange blossom or vanilla. It was reportedly named by actress Brigitte Bardot during the filming of a movie in the area.
Pan Bagnat
A sandwich version of the Salade Niçoise, pan bagnat consists of the same ingredients (tuna, vegetables, olives, and anchovies) served inside a round, crusty bun. It's a popular and convenient meal on the go.
Fougasse
This Provençal flatbread is similar to Italian focaccia and is flavored with olives, herbs, cheese, or even anchovies. It’s often shaped into intricate patterns and makes for a tasty snack or accompaniment to a meal.
Stuffed Vegetables (Petits Farcis)
A dish commonly found in Nice, Petits Farcis are vegetables like tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers stuffed with a mixture of ground meat, rice, and herbs, then baked until tender and flavorful.
Aioli
Aioli is a garlicky mayonnaise served as a dip or accompaniment to seafood, boiled vegetables, or even roast meat. It’s a simple yet essential part of Provençal cuisine, known for its strong flavors.
Loup de Mer (Sea Bass)
Fresh fish from the Mediterranean is a staple in Riviera cuisine. Loup de Mer, or sea bass, is often grilled or baked with local herbs and olive oil, served with vegetables or potatoes. The simplicity of the preparation highlights the freshness of the catch.
Rosé Wine
The French Riviera is renowned for its light, refreshing rosé wines from the surrounding Provence wine region. These wines pair beautifully with the local dishes, especially seafood and salads, and are perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon.
Tapenade
This Provençal spread is made from finely chopped olives, capers, anchovies, and olive oil. It’s served as an appetizer on bread or crackers, often accompanying a glass of local wine.
Bourride
Similar to bouillabaisse, but less famous, bourride is a white fish stew typically made with monkfish and flavored with garlic, saffron, and aioli. It’s heartier than bouillabaisse but equally delicious.
Clafoutis
A simple dessert often enjoyed in the Riviera, clafoutis is a flan-like batter filled with seasonal fruit, typically cherries, and baked until golden. It’s a light, sweet way to finish a meal.
The cuisine of the French Riviera perfectly blends the richness of Provence with the freshness of the Mediterranean, making dining here an unforgettable experience!
