Planning a trip to the French Riviera this summer? Whether you’re dreaming of sipping rosé on the beach in Saint-Tropez, enjoying fresh seafood overlooking the Mediterranean in Villefranche-sur-Mer, or hunting down the best cocktail bars and restaurants in Cannes, you’ve come to the right place.
The South of France is famous for its incredible food scene. From Michelin-starred restaurants and glamorous beach clubs to hidden local bistros and waterfront cafés, there’s something for every budget and every appetite.
Why the French Riviera is a Food Lover’s Paradise
One of the best things about visiting the French Riviera is that every town has its own personality—and its own incredible restaurants.
You’ll find fresh Mediterranean seafood, handmade Italian pasta, Provençal classics, wood-fired pizzas, rooftop cocktail bars, glamorous beach clubs and family-run cafés serving dishes that have been perfected over generations.
The hardest part? Deciding where to start.
Cannes: Chic Restaurants, Beach Clubs & Sunset Cocktails
If you’re spending time in Cannes, prepare yourself for long lunches, glamorous beach clubs and evenings that somehow always end with “just one more drink.”
Best Restaurants in Cannes
Bobo Bistro
A favourite with both locals and visitors, Bobo Bistro serves Mediterranean dishes with an Italian twist. Think fresh burrata, homemade pasta, grilled fish and beautiful outdoor seating just moments from the famous shopping streets.
La Môme
One of Cannes’ most iconic restaurants. Expect elegant French cuisine, an energetic atmosphere and celebrity spotting during the summer months.
Da Laura
Authentic Italian food that regularly tops visitors’ lists. Their truffle pasta is legendary.
Le Caveau 30
A hidden gem specialising in fresh seafood and Provençal cuisine in Cannes’ charming old town.
Best Beach Clubs in Cannes
- Carlton Beach Club
- Lucia Beach
- Hyde Beach Cannes
- Rado Beach Helen
Perfect for spending the day on a sun lounger with cocktails arriving directly to your bed.
Nice: Incredible Food Without the Monaco Price Tag
Nice combines traditional French cuisine with strong Italian influences, making it one of the best places to eat on the Riviera.
Restaurants You Can’t Miss
Peixes
Fresh seafood served tapas-style in a trendy setting.
La Petite Maison
Probably Nice’s most famous restaurant. Mediterranean flavours done exceptionally well.
Chez Acchiardo
A family-run institution serving authentic Niçois cuisine since 1927.
Le Plongeoir
Built dramatically on rocks above the sea, it’s one of the most unique dining experiences on the Riviera.
Best Beach Clubs in Nice
- Bocca Mar
- Blue Beach
- Castel Plage
Spend the afternoon swimming in the crystal-clear Mediterranean before enjoying sunset cocktails.
Saint-Tropez: Luxury Dining Worth Every Penny
Saint-Tropez might be famous for its superyachts, but it’s also home to some of Europe’s most iconic restaurants.
The Best Restaurants
L’Opéra Saint-Tropez
Dinner and entertainment rolled into one unforgettable evening.
Dior des Lices
Stylish lunches in beautiful gardens.
Le Girelier
Arguably the best seafood restaurant overlooking the harbour.
Sénéquier
One of the Riviera’s most photographed cafés and a must-visit for breakfast or people-watching.
Legendary Beach Clubs
No visit to Saint-Tropez is complete without spending at least one afternoon at one of Pampelonne Beach’s famous clubs.
Book well in advance during July and August.
Monaco: Elegant Dining with Incredible Views
Monaco is packed with world-famous restaurants and glamorous cocktail bars.
Best Restaurants
Café de Paris
An iconic stop overlooking Casino Square.
Amazónico Monte-Carlo
A vibrant Latin American-inspired restaurant with spectacular interiors.
Beefbar
Consistently ranked among Monaco’s best restaurants.
Rampoldi
A favourite with Formula One drivers and celebrities alike.
La Marée
Fantastic seafood close to Port Hercule.
Beach Clubs
- La Note Bleue
- Nikki Beach Monte Carlo
Tips for Eating Out on the French Riviera
- Reserve restaurants several weeks in advance during July and August.
- Lunch is often the best value meal of the day.
- Don’t skip local specialities like salade niçoise, bouillabaisse, pissaladière and fresh seafood platters.
- Many beach clubs require reservations for both sunbeds and lunch.
- The easiest way to explore multiple towns is by private transfer, avoiding busy trains, expensive parking and crowded summer roads.
Ready to Taste the Best of the French Riviera?
The French Riviera isn’t just one destination—it’s dozens of unforgettable seaside towns, each with its own unique food scene.
Whether you’re enjoying cocktails in Cannes, seafood in Villefranche-sur-Mer, beach clubs in Saint-Tropez, rooftop dining in Monaco or discovering hidden gems along the coastline, you’re guaranteed to find somewhere you’ll want to visit again.
So arrive hungry, leave room for dessert, and don’t be surprised if your favourite holiday memory turns out to be the meal you almost didn’t book.
We’ve rounded up some of the very best places to eat, drink and soak up the atmosphere across the Côte d’Azur.
