Exceptional addresses

They weave the Côte d'Azur a crown of gastronomic laurels, appear in all the guides and attract gourmets from all over the world. These restaurants have outstanding settings and high-flying chefs…

Charm adds an extra fillip of soul to mere luxury : as proven by these prestigious restaurants. An idyllic backcloth, impeccable menu, attentive service, everything combines to create the perfect meal and ensure a privileged experience. At the entrance to Saint-Tropez, the Résidence de la Pinède was born at the same time as paid holidays, back in 1936. Here, elegance has always been a rule of thumb, and this beautiful bourgeois house takes full advantage of its views over the Mediterranean and the Gulf of Saint-Tropez with its Citadelle and famous bell-tower. Manning the ovens, the young Arnaud Donckels from Normandy brilliantly passes from simple cuisine (grilled sea-bass with a drizzle of olive-oil) to audacious recipes, bold and unexpected combinations (peas and caviar, lobster, basil and black truffles from Carpentras). The Villa Belrose also hides away from the frenzied bustle of Saint-Tropez. Overlooking the Gulf and the rocks of the Estérel, it has counted, for the past 11 years, on an experienced chef, Thierry Thiercelin, to tempt the taste-buds of its guests. A disciple of Maximin, he proposes dishes based on local produce. Nestling in a 19th-century palace, the Eden-Roc on the superb Cap d'Antibes looks out at the Lérins Islands and nudges the sea and rocks. Lunch on the terrace under a parasol or beneath the stars, is a rare privilege. Chef Arnaud Poëtte practices classicism with brio, putting all his expertise into casseroled veal cutlets or red mullet pan-fried “à l’Antiboise”. At Le Saint-Martin in Vence it’s Yannick Franques, a student of Ducasse and winner of a star in the Michelin guide, who is responsible for subjugating our palates. The restaurant at this former Commanderie of the Knights Templar, a place steeped in history, opens out to a terrace with a unique view of the Mediterranean and the Estérel hills. On the menu, spit-roast pigeon, oven-baked sole, spicy squid with a hint of Espeletto... It was a food critic who best described La Réserve de Beaulieu : “The restaurant of kings and king of restaurants”. The hotel, whose terrace flirts with the sea, has maintained the style that made its reputation some 130 years ago. And at the helm in the kitchens, Olivier Brulard who did his apprenticeship with Chapel, Maximin and Guérard, and held the reins for a while at the Résidence de la Pinède. Those who have tasted it have not forgotten his sea-bass steamed in a Japanese wooden sieve. For this very inventive chef, the culinary art must be constantly renewed. In Eze, gastronomy aims for new pinnacles, obliging dedicated gourmets to climb the narrow streets of the village. Perched high above the sea, the Château de la Chèvre d'Or and Château Eza are well-earned treats. And what a view, once you’re seated at table ! At the Chèvre d'Or, Philippe Labbé interprets land-and-sea savours in major mode. While at the Château Eza, Axel Wagner, formerly of Georges Blanc, opts for simple tastes, precise cooking and seasonal products (iced velouté of white coco beans and summer truffles, veal sweetbreads...). To make it all sub-lime, a plunging view of the Mediterranean, unbelievably romantic. Let the charm cast its spell...

Carnet

At the Eden-Roc, the gastronomic restaurant at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden Roc, Arnaud Poëtte presents his guests with the dreamy experience they come looking for. He also shares his recipes in a book entitled “Cuisine et gourmandises de stars”, recently published by Assouline.

At the Eden-Roc, the gastronomic restaurant at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden Roc, Arnaud Poëtte presents his guests with the dreamy experience they come looking for. He also shares his recipes in a book entitled “Cuisine et gourmandises de stars”, recently published by Assouline.

Born at the same time as paid holidays, back in 1936, La Pinède at Saint-Tropez is still a bastion of charm and elegance.

Born at the same time as paid holidays, back in 1936, La Pinède at Saint-Tropez is still a bastion of charm and elegance.

“The restaurant of kings and king of restaurants”, so-called by an eminent food critic. It is, of course, La Réserve de Beaulieu.

“The restaurant of kings and king of restaurants”, so-called by an eminent food critic. It is, of course, La Réserve de Beaulieu.

Château de la Chèvre d’Or, rue du Barri, Eze (04 92 10 66 66). Menus Saveurs Senteurs Couleurs du Château (déjeuner) : 95 € and Accord Mets Vins : 135 €. For your "Plaisir Gourmand" : 210 €. Carte : environ 172 €. Château Eza, rue de la Pise, Eze (04 93 41 12 24). Carte : from 60 €. Eden-Roc, Hôtel du Cap, boulevard Kennedy, Cap d’Antibes (03 93 61 39 01). Carte : from 120 €. Le Saint-Martin, Château Saint-Martin & Spa, avenue des Templiers, Vence (04 93 58 02 02). Lunch : 62 €. Carte : approx. 130 €. Résidence de la Pinède, plage de la Bouillabaisse, Saint-Tropez (04 94 55 91 00). Carte : approx. 115 €. Villa Belrose, lotissement de la Grande Bastide, boulevard des Crêtes, Gassin (04 94 55 97 97). Carte : from 90 €.

By Cécile Olivéro