Everyone knows that some of the finest cuisine in the world comes from France.
It’s key to remember that much like any nation that’s known for its food, the region can completely change the style of food you are eating.
From the backstreets of Paris to the vineyard-lined fields of Burgundy, incredible restaurants can be found all over France, and the south of France is absolutely no exception.
Here, diners get to enjoy some of the finest produce with fish from the Mediterranean, and wine from Bordeaux and Provence. It’s a landscape designed for dining. So it’s no surprise that it’s also an area that some of the best chefs in the world call home.
While finding your own favorite restaurant can be a rewarding process, it can be a long an arduous one. So we have taken the time to simplify the search. Here is our list of the best restaurants in the South of France.
Bagatelle
Roots
- Ramatuelle, France
Bagatelle in Ramatuelle brings a festive spirit to the shores of Pampelonne Beach. With crisp white linens, bold blue accents and music-infused afternoons, the setting is equal parts elegant and energetic. The menu favors Mediterranean sharing dishes – truffle flatbreads, fresh fish and seasonal vegetables – all served with a splash of champagne and sunshine. Bagatelle is a destination for celebration, offering a vibrant beachfront experience that captures the joie de vivre of the French Riviera.
La Chèvre d’Or
Roots
- Èze, France
Set within a clifftop castle in the medieval village of Èze, La Chèvre d’Or offers a dramatic dining experience with commanding views of the Côte d’Azur. Surrounded by manicured gardens and stone terraces, the restaurant’s open-air setting is as memorable as the cuisine. The menu celebrates Mediterranean flavors with seasonal ingredients presented in artful compositions. With its fairytale backdrop and peaceful ambiance, it remains a standout destination for elevated Riviera dining.
Nammos
Roots
- Cannes, France
Situated on Boulevard de la Croisette, Nammos Cannes delivers a glamorous beachside dining experience. The design mirrors the brand’s Mykonos roots – light woods, linen fabrics and a sense of Mediterranean ease. The menu offers upscale seafood and international favorites, complemented by chilled wines and lively service. It’s a destination for sun-soaked afternoons that transition into music-filled, celebratory evenings.
Eden-Roc Restaurant
Roots
- Antibes, France
At the edge of Cap d’Antibes, the Eden-Roc Restaurant offers timeless Riviera dining with panoramic views of the sea. The terrace sits just above the water, lined with crisp white tablecloths and attentive service. The menu is classically Mediterranean, spotlighting grilled fish, seasonal produce and elegant desserts. It’s a serene and iconic destination for long lunches, leisurely dinners or celebratory meals by the coast.
La Guérite
Roots
- Cannes, France
Accessible by boat from the mainland, La Guérite is tucked into the rocky coastline of Sainte-Marguerite Island, just offshore from Cannes. The setting is natural and breezy, with driftwood decor, an open kitchen and panoramic sea views. The Mediterranean menu emphasizes grilled meats, fresh seafood and garden vegetables prepared with aromatic herbs. As the afternoon fades, the energy builds with music and dancing, making it both a culinary escape and a social hotspot.
Matsuhisa
Roots
- Saint-Tropez, France
Located within the Château de La Messardière, Matsuhisa Saint-Tropez brings Nobu-style Japanese-Peruvian cuisine to the heart of the Riviera. The setting is elegant and contemporary, with a minimalist indoor dining area that opens out on to a sleek outdoor terrace. Signature dishes like black cod miso and yellowtail sashimi reflect a fusion of precision and creativity. With refined service and a cosmopolitan atmosphere, it’s a sophisticated option for upscale dining in a vibrant part of town.
L'Opera
Roots
- Saint-Tropez, France
L'Opera in Saint-Tropez blends upscale dining with theatrical flair in a vibrant village center setting. Designed like an arena, the space comes alive with dramatic lighting, curated performances and high-energy music. The menu features international cuisine with a Mediterranean touch – fresh seafood, prime cuts and indulgent desserts. Known for its glamorous crowd and dynamic ambiance, L’Opera is where fine dining meets Riviera nightlife.
Baoli
Roots
- Cannes, France
Baoli in Cannes fuses upscale dining with glamorous nightlife in a lush garden setting just off the Croisette. Tall palm trees and mood lighting set the tone for a sultry evening, whether you're seated indoors or on the expansive terrace. The menu draws inspiration from Asia and the Mediterranean, featuring sushi, grilled meats and inventive small plates. As the evening progresses, the restaurant seamlessly shifts into a lounge, where music and cocktails keep the energy high late into the night.
Byblos Beach
Roots
- Ramatuelle, France
Byblos Beach in Ramatuelle is the coastal outpost of the famed Saint-Tropez hotel, offering elegant dining right on Pampelonne Beach. Natural wood tones and flowing fabrics create a breezy, upscale atmosphere with the sound of waves as a backdrop. The menu is rooted in Mediterranean simplicity, featuring fresh seafood, garden vegetables and generous shared plates. Ideal for both serene lunches and festive dinners, it strikes a balance between Riviera glamour and laid-back beach style.
La Petite Maison
Roots
- Cannes, France
La Petite Maison in Cannes offers a sunlit take on classic Niçoise cuisine. Tucked near the coast, the space is warm and welcoming, with crisp white decor, fresh flowers and Mediterranean accents. The menu highlights Provençal staples like ratatouille, grilled langoustines and lemon-accented pastas, all designed for sharing. It’s a relaxed yet stylish spot, ideal for casual lunches or celebratory dinners in true Riviera fashion.
Zuma St. Tropez
Roots
- Saint-Tropez, France
Zuma Saint-Tropez mirrors the international brand’s signature style with a dynamic dining experience in the heart of the Riviera. Found in the chic Hotel Byblos, the space is modern and elegant, with an outdoor terrace and ambient lighting creating a warm, lively feel. The menu showcases high-quality Japanese cuisine, from sashimi and maki rolls to miso-marinated meats and seasonal vegetables. It’s a polished, energetic venue that draws a fashionable crowd for dinners that turn into nights out.
Alain Llorca
Roots
- La Colle-sur-Loup, France
Alain Llorca sits high above the Provençal coast in La Colle-sur-Loup, offering sweeping views of olive groves and the Mediterranean Sea. The terrace setting is peaceful and open, surrounded by vineyards and sunlit stone walls. The menu leans into regional classics with a refined edge, emphasizing fresh, local vegetables, herbs and seafood. With its elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, it’s an ideal spot for a slow afternoon meal or a sunset dinner just moments from Saint-Paul de Vence.
NESPO Restaurant
Roots
- Nice, France
Nespo brings a trendy vibe to central Nice with its striking interiors and expansive terrace. The setting is energetic yet stylish, combining contemporary design with classic French architecture. The menu is Mediterranean in spirit, with modern twists on brasserie-style dishes and an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Get the cherries on ice.
