The South of France is well known for its many Michelin star restaurants such as Bastide St Antoine in Grasse, the Colombe d’Or in St Paul de Vence and of course the Moulin de Mougins. But the area is bursting with undiscovered gastronomic talent in the form of quaint and quality restaurants and bistros. Here are a few we have tried and tested and believe its time to share the wealth!
In Cannes you have a plethora of restaurants of varying food types but one that we love is Le Salon des Independents, hidden at the top of the old town area of Le Suquet. The food is Mediterranean and delicious and the atmosphere warm and welcoming. The idea is you pay 35 euros and it is all included. You immediately get served you glass of champagne and first of two starters and then the food just keep coming! You choose you main course and dessert and the colour of your desired tipple and then that’s it. You do not spend ten unsociable minutes looking through the menu; you just get straight in to a good night. There is a music played in the form of a small band walking through the restaurant and the ambience is really wonderful!
In the narrow streets of picturesque Valbonne, there is a great little restaurant called Cadran de Solaire, which is also a great find. The food is again local but with a twist such as Tarte Tatin with duck and honey! The service is again a real bonus and never to be underestimated in the whole dining experience. The menus are from 25 to 30 euros and include starter, mains and dessert.
In Mougins, we simply adore Place de Mougins which is something a little bit different but exquisite food in a luxury setting. It is more expensive than our other choices but nevertheless a must visit when in the area. The chef has come from the Louis IXX in Monaco and brings with him his twist on gourmet food using local and seasonal ingredients. It is definitely recommended to sit on the terrace when possible as this gives you the best view over the old town on Mougins with its century’s old fountain and bougainvillaea lined streets.
In Antibes, you have many restaurants on offer and can sit out on the terraces or snug in the cave of a quaint restaurant. One we particularly love, is Le Brulot, in the centre close to the Provencal Market. It is only a stones throw away from the Cap d’Antibes so easily accessible from your luxury villa! It is again reasonably price and wood oven cooks the food giving its duck breast a fantastic smoky flavour.
We at Exclusive Riviera Homes, hope that those of you who love the South of France for its gourmet offerings can enjoy our suggestions!