Luxurious, bewitching, inspiring, spell-binding… Our selection of addresses is aimed at pleasure and ideas ! From absolute essentials to wonderful surprises, new experiences to enjoy and share.
Designed by the Bryan O’Sullivan Studio of the UK, this bar celebrates everything that contributes to the beauty of the Deep Blue Sea. “Le 300”, whose name is a reference to the altitude separating it from sea level, welcomes guests from noon to enjoy its wonderful cocktails. Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. 1551, route de la Turbie. (04 93 37 50 00)
The only gastronomic Chinese restaurant in Monaco and on the Riviera, Song Qi presents dishes to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit, the symbol of good fortune, patience and elegance, against a background of festiveness and tradition. Highly original dishes such as lobster with creamy red curry, Yee Sang Salad and delicious “shumai” with shrimps and salmon caviar. Monaco. 7, avenue Princesse Grace. (00 377 99 99 33 33)
Inaugurated in December after four years of refurbishment, the new Anantara Nice Plaza offers 151 rooms and suites, a spa of 300 m2 and several dining possibilities. On the top floor, a roof-top restaurant-bar offers a sublime view, in the evening Le Seen with Chef Olivier Da Costa embodies a glamorous, contemporary concept and, finally, Les Colonnades, a restaurant inspired by sym- biosis between gardens and the sea, will be the lobby’s gourmet rendez-vous. Executive Chef Denis Gamard is at the helm for all the kitchens in this new 5-star address on the Côte d’Azur. Nice. 12, avenue de Verdun. (04 93 16 75 75)
Nestling in the creek of Callelongue in Marseille, the restaurant La Grotte has been an iconic address in the Phocean city since the 1900’s. Today, this landmark proposes a new gastronomic departure with Johann Lupo and Benjamin Mathieu at the helm. They have succeeded in preserving the spirit of the setting while offering cuisine of excellence, between Marseillais tradition and modernity. Marseille 8e. 1, avenue des Pebrons. (04 91 73 17 79)
In decor with Impressionist colours, the restaurant-bar Le Môka, prolonged by a generous, sheltered terrace, is an invitation to enjoy warm get-togethers with friends. Inspired by literary cafés, this arty address decorated by Laura Gonzalez welcomes clients from breakfast to dinner with a tempting menu of meat, fish, salads, pasta, and chic sandwiches with sun-blessed flavours. Cannes. 9, rue du Commandant André.
This address dedicated to Epicureans has donned its winter cloak and now plays a generous, gourmet score. Chef Alexandre Martin welcomes refined palates for both lunch and dinner with festive dishes such as “foie gras en cocotte” and fillets of John Dory Meunière from the day’s catch, in a farandole of carrots. As you can see, everything here is about sharing and poetry. Mandelieu-la-Napoule. 6, rue Jean-Honoré Carle. (04 93 49 95 52)
In a setting imbued with magic and enchanting animations, the Peninsula Paris treats its guests to gastronomic delicacies anticipating year-end celebrations. Fans of top-notch gastronomy meet up at L’Oiseau Blanc where Chef David Bizet and Pastry Chef Anne Coruble have dreamt up unforgettable menus and dishes offering perfect presentation. Paris 16e. 19, avenue Kléber. (01 58 12 28 88)
For the first time, the hotel Les Roches Blanches in Cassis is welcoming guests in winter to celebrate year-end festivities in an idyllic setting on the Mediterranean shore. In sumptuous Christmas decor designed by architect Monika Kappel, Les Roches Blanches is an invitation to disconnect. Perched on the rocks of the legendary creeks of Cassis, it is a treat for the tastebuds and a sight for sore eyes. Cassis. 9, avenue des Calanques. (04 42 01 09 30)
To celebrate its 150th anniversary, the king of French caviar has revamped its iconic address on Avenue Victor-Hugo. At the helm, interior architect Alexandra Saguet backed by Studios Gohard and L’Atelier du Mur, who have restored the sublime Art Deco decor of this restaurant listed as an Historic Landmark. And to boost the legend, this icon of French gastronomy has invited 3-star Chef Yannick Alléno to sign a menu offering delicate recipes in which caviar reigns supreme. Divine ! Prunier, 16 avenue Victor Hugo, Paris 16 (01 44 17 35 85).
In velvety decor set off by touches of colour and designed by Necchi Architecture, the chic brasserie Alfred immediately makes you want to take your seat. Then comes joyful discovery of a menu compiled by Alexia Duchêne, a talented young “toque” discovered on “Top Chef” who presents classics of French cuisine impeccably retweaked. Comforting, homely dishes will whet your appetite : egg mayo, pepper steak, potato gnocchi, Croque Madame with Reblochon, “dunes blanches” with chocolate sauce... Yes ! Alfred, 8 rue du Mont-Thabor, Paris 1 (01 40 26 46 27).
After a total facelift, the prestigious Maison de Beauté Carita has reopened its doors and now hosts a restaurant within its walls with Chef Amandine Chaignot at the helm. Introducing Rosy, a black-and-white setting designed by Studio REV, where elegance has found its place in the decor and on a menu proposing healthy, gourmet dishes from lunch to tea-time. A special mention for adorable “petits choux” for fingertip snacking. Rosy, Maison de Beauté Carita, 11, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris 8. (01 44 94 11 11).
To celebrate his 10th anniversary, Pastry Chef Christophe Adam has opened his first coffee shop at the heart of the 2nd arrondissement. For those with a sweet tooth, exquisite pastries, voluptuous “viennoiseries”, plus savoury treats, all going beyond the concept of the éclairs accounting for the chef’s renown. High-end coffees and teas accompany your break, while a grocery corner gives precedence to chocolate : bars, candies, cookies and irresistible marshmallow Bears to take home. L’éclair de Génie Café, 122 rue Montmartre, Paris 2. Ouvert du mardi au samedi de 8h30 à 19h.
Now become a Japanese delicacy adored by Parisians, the sando attains excellence at Yakuza Katsu Sando & Coffee. Made as per the rules of art the with ultra-soft bread, we owe these delightful little sandwiches to Franco-Japanese Chef Walter Ishizuka (ex The Hoxton Paris). As for garnishings, the recipes give priority to top-notch ingredients : perfectly matured Wagyu beef, Scottish salmon, farm-raised chicken... Plus sugary versions with hazelnut chocolate or black sesame flavouring. Stylish ! Yakuza Katsu Sando & Coffee, 3/5 rue des Quatre Vents, Paris 6. Sur place ou à emporter, de 12h à 22h du mardi au samedi.
Tucked away at the heart of town in the historic Villa Rocamare, this new shrine to well-being plays host to a Spa of 1,000 m² with a team of experts proposing the latest techniques for care treatments (Hydrafacial, Helight Pro, Icoone...), together with a fitness area and dietetic restaurant. Cannes. 2, rue Brougham, Square Mistral. www.hotelbelleplage.fr
At the foot of Notre Dame de la Garde, La Bonne Mer is first and foremost the tale of four friends with a passion for the finest products offered by the Mediterranean : fish, seafood and shell-fish. Both a fishmonger and a restaurant, this address serves wonderful platters of seafood, as well as the catch of the day, cooked with intuitive talent. Marseille 6e. 13, rue Fort du Sanctuaire Vauban. www.labonnemer.fr
Created by the Head Barman in this palatial hotel in Monaco to help collect funds for Reforest’Action, an enterprise whose mission is to preserve, restore and create forests, Rain Forest and Green Forest cocktails are to be discovered in the Metropole’s elegant Lobby Bar. Monaco. 4, avenue de la Madone. www.metropole.com
Nestling at the end of the little Rue Florian in Cannes, Mido has been decorated by interior architect Samy Chams in charming shades of green (“Midori” meaning “green” in Japanese). An invitation to travel to several continents, this refined new restaurant proposes gastronomic cuisine with the flavours of Japan and South America, concocted by Christopher Brugnaux and sushi chef Han Nguyen. Cannes. 5, rue Florian. www.lamomegroupe.com
Cosiness and elegance in perfect stylistic harmony characterize this new restaurant seating 50 guests and directed by Pierre Baldelli. In the kitchens, Chef Stéphane Goudé prepares fine French cuisine and a few international dishes. A plush address promising a memorable gastronomic experience. Monaco. 4, avenue de la Madone. (00 377 99 92 07 92)
An iconic, insider address on Avenue Junot, the enchanting Hôtel Particulier has been treated to new decor with architect Pierre Lacroix at the helm. Redecorated throughout, the five suites in this noble building are now even more enticing. And in the restaurant Le Grand Salon, a new menu gives a place of honour to bourgeois cuisine, tasty and comforting, sheer delight for refined palates (“foie gras” from Le Périgord, “sole meunière”...). A special mention for the divine vanilla millefeuille. Hôtel Particulier, 23 avenue Junot, Paris 18 (01 53 41 81 40).
When 2-star Bruno Vergus supervises a restaurant’s menu, the address immediately joins the most desirable top tables. It is now Cavalieri in the chic 16th arrondissement that expresses its joy of living and its love of large tablefuls of guests in decor blending Parisian chic with the colours of the South. Conjured up by brothers Kevin and Christian Stradaioli, the cuisine is an ode to enjoyment, fresh produce and all the bounty of the Mediterranean. A blissful experience for the senses, making us feel far from Paris... Cavalieri, 71 avenue Paul Doumer, Paris 16 (01 40 50 91 17). Ouvert 7j/7.
