Where to Eat on the French Riviera

Continuing our gastronomic itinerary, we take a panoramic tour through some cities on the French Riviera, where restaurants boasting one or even more Michelin stars are certainly not lacking. Just beyond the border, in Menton, at 30 avenue Aristide-Briand, Argentine chef Mauro Colagreco leads “Mirazur,” with a stunning view—true to its name—over the Mediterranean. It proudly holds three Michelin stars. The menu’s distinctive feature, constantly changing, is that it follows the lunar calendar, with ingredients gathered and dishes prepared according to the lunar phases, an ancient practice revived by proponents of biodynamic agriculture. Excellent options include fish, shellfish, and meat. Amenities include air conditioning, vegetarian dishes, and accessibility for people with disabilities.

“La Chèvre d’Or” (Rue du Barri) is located in Èze, an enchanting medieval hillside village between Monaco and Nice. It has been awarded two stars and is celebrated for its masterful culinary techniques: rich and intense sauces, beautifully styled plating. This kitchen offers intriguing dishes that mix notes of vegetables, herbs, and seafood; Mediterranean red mullet, grilled shrimp with basil; cherry tomatoes, green melon, myrtle, and summer purslane water; sardines, sea fennel, and shades of green. This location also features air conditioning, accessibility, and a breathtaking view.

Also in Èze is “Château Eza” (Rue de la Pise, one star), where chef Justin Schmitt operates. Schmitt, who is no stranger to working in fine restaurants, is an expert in preparing modern dishes with character, such as roasted octopus with satay, creamy corn, and smoked whiskey, or John Dory with zucchini flowers, shrimp, and verbena. Desserts are equally notable, and the view from the terrace is splendid!

“Flaveur” (25 rue Gubernatis) is a two-star restaurant in Nice, owned by inseparable brothers Gaël and Mickaël Tourteaux. The cuisine is refined and somewhat daring, as it combines Mediterranean flavors with exotic touches. For example, Nice scorpionfish is paired with a fish broth enhanced with vadouvan, a richly aromatic blend of Indian spices. The result is unusual but satisfying. There’s air conditioning, accessibility, and an especially curated wine list.

Still in Nice, “L’Aromate” (2 rue Gustave-Deloye, one star) is masterfully run by chef Mickaël Gracieux, who has years of expertise. The modern decor matches the cutting-edge, creative cuisine, elegantly presented and crafted with top-quality ingredients from Nice and the Mediterranean (San Remo shrimp, trombetta zucchini, local green crab, calamari, and citrus). Alongside air conditioning, there is also a vegetarian menu.

Nice also offers a unique all-vegetarian restaurant: “Racines” (3 rue Clément-Roassal, one star), by Bruno Cirino. The menu is economically very accessible and is composed entirely of local or owner-grown organic fruits and vegetables. Mediterranean ingredients such as garlic, olive oil, and basil are particularly emphasized. Popular dishes include red scallion and basil soup; purple artichoke with cheese emulsion and grilled spiny artichoke; root vegetables in “César Baldaccini” style; mini baked apple ice cream and toasted barley… The selection of vintage wines is excellent as well.

Lastly, for those staying in Nice, we recommend “Le Chantecler” (37 Promenade des Anglais, one star), located in the prestigious “Le Negresco,” a grand hotel along the Nice seafront. Directed by Norman chef Virginie Basselot, “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” in 2015, diners can choose between two fixed menus (with no options except for dessert) and an à la carte menu featuring top-quality ingredients. The winning formula lies in simplicity: for instance, poultry, white cabbage, kumquat, and pistachio, or the delicate use of olive oil in sweet dishes.

For now, feeling rather satiated, we pause our journey here. But there are still countless venues and stars to explore along the shores of the French Riviera.