Since Paris is already one of the top food capitals in the world, people hardly pay attention to the culinary scene in Cannes anymore. Sure, this Mediterranean destination is known for its glamorous film festival, warm weather, and luxury lifestyle, but it's not fair that the many exceptional places to eat here often get sidetracked. Especially since there are also a ton of Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Cannes. La Palme d’Or, Paloma, and Le Figuier de St-Esprit are just a few of the shining examples of how far the culinary scene in Cannes has gone. If you're lucky, you might even bump into a celebrity or supermodel while you dine in any of these incredible foodie hotspots!
La Palme d’Or
Named after the coveted highest award in the Cannes Film Festival, La Palme d’Or has a lot to live up to. And it's sufficient to say that it doesn't disappoint. The restaurant did earn two stars from the Michelin Guides, after all. Located along Boulevard de la Croisette, the most famous area in Cannes, it's no surprise that this hotspot eventually became the most popular in the city. Gastronomical genius, Christian Sinicropi, heads the kitchen here, whipping up haute cuisine made out of fresh local produce. The menu boasts a myriad of Mediterranean favorites, ranging from salty seafood to sugary French sweets.
Source: La Palme d’Or
La Passagère
As the in-house restaurant of Hôtel Belles Rives, it's not necessarily surprising that La Passagère is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Cannes. Firstly, its ambiance is unlike any other. Situated by the coast, you can look out into the
yacht-filled Mediterranean sea and enjoy a scenic view as you indulge in their sumptuous French dishes. Head chef Aurélien Véquaud, alongside patissier Steve Moracchini, consistently knock it out of the park with their exceptional multi-course set lunch and dinner menus. You might have to order a lot, though, since the place is notorious for its small portions!
Source: Hôtel Belles Rives
Le Mas Candille
Technically speaking, Le Mas Candille isn't in Cannes. This hotel & restaurant is actually located in Mougins, another town along the French Riviera. But because it's near Cannes, it's been considered a must-try foodie hotspot in the cinematic city. It also helps that Le Mas Candille has earned one Michelin star, adding to their already high-class reputation. But why is it so famous? Firstly, its mountaintop location offers an unbelievable ambiance that's almost other-worldly. Its French cuisine is also second to none, delicious enough to rival even the
Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris. Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait until they reopen in 2023 before you can eat here.
Source: Le Candille Instagram Page
Le Figuier de St-Esprit
Gourmet extraordinairre Christian Morisset heads the kitchen at Le Figuier de St-Esprit, a Michelin-starred in Antibes. Just like Le Mas Candille, this place is technically not in the city of Cannes as well. But because it's located in a nearby
French Riviera town, many of the locals and tourists staying in Cannes can easily get here. For Le Figuier de St-Esprit's menu, Morisset continues the culinary tradition of Old Antibes, largely focusing on sumptuous poultry, seasonal dishes, and provincial flavors. The rustic space alludes to that old-world charm, making it a perfect spot for a romantic date for two!
Source: Le Figuier de St-Esprit Facebook Page
Le Park 45
Located in Le Grand Hôtel Cannes, Le Park 45 guarantees culinary excellence in multiple courses. It didn't earn its one Michelin star for just anything, after all. This place is all about high-quality Mediterranean seafood at its finest. Think creamy risotto with cuttlefish ink as a starter, whetting your appetite for more sumptuous dishes ahead. Traditional bouillabaisse—complete with mussels, white fish, and more!—is a chef's signature, steaming as it tantalizes your taste buds. And if you truly want a luxurious delicacy, there's always the grilled lobster with coral butter! Now that's a French Riviera favorite!
Source: Grand Hotel Cannes
Les Pêcheurs
Les Pêcheurs is another gastronomical delight in a luxurious hotel, this time in the Cap d'Antibes Beach Hotel. Though technically not in Cannes, its close proximity to the city makes it a worthwhile foodie hotspot nonetheless. Offering a coastal view unlike any other, you get to enjoy a feast for the eyes as you yourself, feast on amazing dishes and delicacies made by Nicolas Rondelli, a chef that's also recognized by the Michelin Guides. With the perfect ambiance, incredible food, and a stunning view to boot, you can't go wrong with Les Pêcheurs for your next meal!
Source: Cap d'Antibes Beach Hotel Facebook Page
Paloma
Paloma is a Cannes culinary staple. Located on Boulevard Jean Hibert, it's a coastal brasserie that also offers a beautiful view of the Mediterranean sea. The place itself is pretty scenic, cinematic enough to be part of a movie or TV series set in Cannes. But what about their food? It's European cuisine at its finest. They serve crispy veal rice and foie gras, Chicken Parmigiana, Escargot, sirloin with béarnaise sauce, and more. And for dessert, you can indulge in chocolate fondant or lemon pie. What's not to love?
Source: Paloma Cannes Facebook Page
Villa Archange
Boasting two Michelin stars under its belt, Villa Archange is a
French Riviera staple. Prominent French chef Bruno Oger opened this hotspot in the hopes of combing dishes from both Brittany and other Mediterranean cuisines, both with distinct flavors you won't find anywhere else. As a result, many Cannes locals love going here. They get to enjoy traditional dishes and delicacies mixed with other incredible tastes that are also from the nearby regions. Over time, Villa Archange has become a must-try restaurant for anyone and everyone who's in the coastal city.
Source: Bruno-Oger.com
Up for a fabulous meal on the French Riviera? Then why not choose among the many amazing Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Cannes? The culinary experience you'll get in any of these incredible places would be second to none!