Read reviews of the best Antibes restaurants
Le Nacional is a THE Beef and Wine restaurant in the heart of historical Antibes.
Find loads of top tips and local insights in our Antibes Restaurants.
Relax with your toes in the sand and your hands on a chilled drink
If your idea of paradise is basking under the sun whilst sipping on a cocktail; or nibbling on seafood before refreshing yourself in an infinity pool or the crystalline waters of the Mediterranean, then this guide is for you.
We have handpicked our favourite beach clubs on the glamorous coastline of Antibes. All you need to do now is choose which day and where.
During a recent biking trip to the Côte d’Azur my friend Katie and I decided to ditch our lycra and homemade sandwiches for the evening and treat ourselves to a gourmet dinner at Les Pêcheurs Michelin star restaurant, part of the 5 star Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel.
We did worry that we would be slightly under-dressed (flying with only hand luggage and biking gear doesn’t leave much room for the most glamorous of outfits), but we needn’t have worried, the atmosphere was classy but relaxed, and when greeted by the friendly staff we were immediately put at ease.
What makes Les Pêcheurs so special is it’s situation overlooking the bay of Golfe-Juan. We were lucky enough to visit on a beautiful May evening and we were invited onto the terrace to watch the sunset over the Mediterranean and to whet our appetites with a chilled glass of rosé and some delicious amuse-bouches. The wine list was extensive and so the waiter provided us with helpful recommendations on what to choose. We weren’t disappointed with his suggestions; the wine was delicious.
The staff were attentive but not intrusive so we were left to sip our wine, watch the sunset and peruse the Mediterranean inspired menu. There is the option to either order à la carte, or a tasting menu of three or six courses for the whole table.
Once our order had been taken we headed inside and were seated at our table, appropriately positioned so take full advantage of the 180 degree ocean views the large glass windows at the front of the restaurant afforded us.
To start I decided on the scallops served with seaweed, caviar and a Granny Smith apple jus, the flavours were delicately balanced to make the most of the freshest of seafood, whilst the apple jus provided a modern and tasty edge to the dish. Katie opted for the asparagus roasted with lemongrass, squid and smoked piquillo sabayon, which was light, refreshing and very flavoursome.
We shared our two main courses: John Dory cooked with basil, courgette and clams which was beautifully presented, well seasoned and very tasty; and to mix it up a little bit (and because it’s my absolute favourite) rare roasted saddle of lamb, which came out tender and delicious, perfectly accompanied by marjoram, aubergine caviar and artichokes, highly recommended by both of us.
For dessert we had chocolate with sea salt shortbread and black cherry sorbet (think black forest gateau with a twist) which won me over with its clever design and rich chocolaty taste, followed by coffee soufflé with coffee ice cream, slightly lacking in presentation but smooth and creamy with a fabulously punchy coffee kick. It was a great alternative to an after dinner coffee. Be wary, that caffeine hit can keep you up for hours.
After dinner we walked off our meal with a stroll back along the coast with full bellies and slightly fuzzy heads, the sure signs of a fabulous evening. Whilst Les Pêcheurs is on the expensive side of fine dining, I would recommended a visit if you want to splurge and really treat yourself to something special. Make sure you visit on a beautiful evening (there are many on the Côte d’Azur) to take full advantage the terrace and outstanding sea views.
If ever find myself back on the Côte d’Azur I will be sure to visit again, maybe this time with a hunky man in tow for what could be a proper romantic evening in an absolutely stunning setting.
For the French, the idea of 'café culture' goes back centuries, when the great thinkers, poets, philosophers, artists and even the revolutionaries of France would gather in their local café to debate, share and plot.
Further developed in the 19th century, the Café Society as it was then known, was the description for the 'beautiful people' and 'bright young things' who gathered in fashionable cafés and restaurants in New York, Paris, and London. In the late 1950s, this crowd became the 'jet set', replacing the 'café society' and travelling further afield to throw their parties and gather together.
Regardless of what we call them today - jet set or café society - the French Riviera has them and is most definitely where the elite come to meet, to see and to be seen. The quintessential French café in Antibes has seating indoors and out with small round tables where locals and tourists flock to soak up the atmosphere and sip on a small cup of coffee.
A freshly baked buttery croissant and a good coffee is a real treat when you are on holiday anywhere on the Côte d'Azur.
For some reason, it makes us feel very continental and sophisticated to sit back and relax at a café overlooking the Antibes harbour, checking out the morning joggers as they trot past. And nothing beats a long and lazy Sunday brunch with family or friends where you can eat good food and enjoy great company. We have a few favourites, but this is just scratching the surface of the great places to eat in Antibes.