WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN ANTIBES
François Ropert lives in Antibes. He eats at the best restaurants on the French Riviera and other major food destinations around the world. From street food to Michelin-starred restaurants, his critical thinking is sharpening over time. Testing a restaurant is not simply about eating and feeling full but is a multi-faceted exercise. It includes the venue’s history, examination of the chef’s career, his/her knowledge of quality ingredients, the presentation of the food, service skills and the holistic experience.
Food is about sharing. In the spirit of the Danish movie Le Festin de Babette Francois shares his thoughts on restaurants and bars in Antibes
www.francoisropert.com • instagram @francoisropert
Bonne dégustation !
COFFEE SHOPS
La Torref de fersen
Although La Torref de Fersen is tucked away on a small side street near the popular Rue James Close shopping street, we think this store has the best ground coffee in Antibes. The owner, Franck, roasts fresh beans daily right in the store and the fragrance of the roasting coffee is mesmerising. This avant- garde shop stocks only the best coffee from Ethiopia, Rwanda, Brazil, Costa Rica, etc. Franck also offers espressos, flat whites, cortados, cappuccinos, pour-over coffee, and even cold-brewed iced coffee for the warmer season. If you have ever been interested in becoming a barista or wanted to make the perfect latte-art, Franck offers workshops upon request.
Copenhagen Coffee Lab
Located next to the Provencal Market, Copenhagen Coffee Lab is a great addition to the food scene in Antibes with its hearty dark Danish bread, sourdough boule, and variety of baguettes. The shop also has a variety of sweet Scandinavian pastries such as cinnamon and cardamon rolls. They also offer a good variety of sandwiches and breakfast sets to enjoy in the restaurant or for take away. Enjoy people watching in the terrace in front of the shop with a cup of espresso or cappuccino made with roasted beans from Peru or Guatemala.
Merry Mary
Patrice opened his 100% organic, vegan and gluten free coffe shop in 2019 and has already gained popularity among locals. The atmosphere of the coffee shop is cosy and we advise visitors to book before coming for teatime. Guests can enjoy a smoothie, eat pain perdu or a “supreme raw” made of pear and chocolate on the terrace during breakfast or lunch. Try specialties like the buddha bowl or savoury pancakes with salmon, cottage cheese, poached egg and avocado.
Nomads Coffee
After operating a very successful coffee shop in Vienna, Evelyn decided to open her own coffee shop here in Antibes in 2019 near the Marché Provençal. The atmosphere is minimalist and cosy with seven wooden tables and benches. You can sip a traditional espresso, a flat white or savour a filtered coffee from Ethiopia or Colombia brewed using a V60 pour-over pot. You can accompany your coffee with a homemade brownie, cheesecake, pie or a croissant if you are a little hungry. The coffee shop also sells coffee beans and ground coffee to brew your own coffee at home. We feel Nomads will become one of the favourite spots in town for coffee lovers.
Choopy’s Cupcakes & Coffee
Choopy’s is a gluten-free coffee shop that also offers a wide selection of vegan sandwiches, vegan salads and cakes (such carrot cake and vegan brownie). It is definitely the place to visit in the old town for cupcake fans. Their pancake served with maple syrup is also simply the best in town. The eggs benedict is prepared with fresh, organic eggs. The venue is very popular for brunch so we recommend reserving a table. Choopy’s also recently opened a takeaway shop called “All Things Good” on Rue de la République in 2018.
Fleur de Thé
Fleur de Thé has a cosy and warm atmosphere for breakfast, lunch or for a break during the day. Patrons can enjoy one of the 25 teas on offer accompanied by delicious macaroons prepared by Bruno Laffargue. Fleur de Thé also prepares homemade savoury tarts and salads.
DRINKS
Jeanne
Jeanne is a small wine bar is near the Marché Provençal and the owners’ love of what they do is plain to see. Choose between one of the two wines offered by the glass or go for a bottle. It is also possible to buy a bottle of wine to go. The two owners, Elsa and Marine, are sisters and are clearly passionate about culinary experiences. They offer the best advice in Antibes for natural and organic wines.The sisters are genuine people and their service is top notch. Marine prepares delicious dishes with local ingredients which are beautifully paired with the wines. Being truly passionate about cooking, Jeanne occasionally organises pop-up events with chefs such as, Mathieu Moity, who was crowned Jeune Talent Gault & Millau in 2016.
Melting Pot
Melting-pot is owned by François, a former fine arts professor. The shop has a few tables for two or four clients and a big room downstairs for larger groups. Across from the entrance, Melting-pot has a few seats under the trees. This bar offers the highest quality beers in town. For example, we recommend trying St Peter’s Brewery beers (from England) that have whisky or caramel flavours. Also, check out Fuller’s London Porter. This beer obtained a 100/100 on the RateBeer website and will absolutely blow your mind. François also has grand cru wines on offer such as Margaux from Bordeaux to accompany local tapas.
Le Troquet des Milliardaires
Olivier started his career as a bartender at Hotel Martinez in Cannes then he went abroad to work in Denmark and Switzerland. Now, he is back in Antibes to share his talents in cocktails at Le Troquet des Milliadaires. We recommend giving Olivier free reign and go for his “surprise me“ cocktail. The atmosphere at the bar has a nautical motif since it is located in front of the Quai des Milliardaires (Billionaire Quay). The bar frequently organizes events like its “fire demonstration.” You can share a pizza prepared by Gusto, a true Italian pizzeria in the neighborhood, coupled with a creative cocktail prepared by Olivier.
Absinthe Bar
On the corner of rue Sade and the Marché Provençal is the Absinthe bar. Follow the stairs down to the world of “la fée verte” (the green fairy) and Baudelaire, Van Gogh or Picasso. Take a seat, don a hat, and listen to the pianist while sipping a glass of Absinthe. We recommend going early as this very friendly venue is quite small and fills up quickly. During the day, the boutique upstairs sells bottles of absinthe, farigoule (thyme liqueur) and other Provençal products.
Fitzgerald Bar
The five-star Belles Rives Hotel has one of the most beautiful terraces in Antibes Juan-Les-Pins; it is absolutely perfect for a lovely cocktail or glass of rose while watching the sunset. Inside the Fitzgerald Bar (named after the famous American author, F Scott Fitzgerald who stayed at the hotel when it was a villa in the summer of 1925), the space is elegant with an Art Deco vibe. In the late afternoon and evenings, there is often live piano music playing in the bar. Cocktails here are delicious and served with fleshy olives and nuts. The bar and restaurant at the Belle Rives Hotel organise special food events throughout the year. The hotel’s pastry chef Steve Moracchini prepares scrumptious cakes and pastries with his elite team. Try his signature dessert “La Rose Belles Rives”.
Bam
Michel’s bar named BAM is located just between the restau- rant l’Arazur and the Happy Face Bar. The bar’s name stands for either Boîte A Musique (MusicBar) or Bar A Manger (Bar with Food) and is a perfect place to spend a fun evening with friends. BAM is located at the heart of the most festive part of the old town. Besides the main bar on the ground floor, there is also a room downstairs for groups and partying when the DJ comes in and cranks up the music. For tasty food options, try BAM’s famous Pomme Ginnette or a generous tapas platter. In the summer months, this lively bar also has some tables outside.
Pablo’s
We recommend Pablo’s for small groups looking to share a cocktail or a glassofwine. Thebarismostfamous for its delicious and wide range of cocktails. Located just down the street from the Marché Provençal, Pablo’s has a lovely outdoor terrace with shady trees during the high season. When the weather is cooler or for a more intimate experience, Pablo’s indoor bar and dining area has a very nice atmosphere and good service. This is definitely the place to go for a chilled evening.
Café Brun
We recommend Le Café Brun for couples looking for a glass of wine or a cocktail. Café Brun appears small when you first enter but the cafe has several rooms behind the bar which are perfect for an aperitif, cocktail or a light meal. This café/bar has a great vibe and is beautifully- decorated with mid-century furniture and accessories. The service is friendly and attentive.
MICHELIN-STAR RESTAURANTS
Eden Roc & Lou Roc Restaurant
For guests looking for a high- end gastronomic experience, we recommend trying Hotel Eden Roc’s Louroc Restaurant which received its first Michelin Star in 2020. This restaurant is exclusively open for dinner in an elegant and contemporary dining room with stunning views of the Mediterranean. The team at Louroc includes Arnaud Poëtte (Executive Chef), Sébastien Broda (Chef), Lillian Bonnefoi (Pastry Chef), Jérémy Berthon (Head Sommelier) and are provided further guidance by Eric Frechon, Executive Chef of the three-star Michelin restaurant at Le Bristol in Paris.
This team utilizes the best local seasonal products (including an amazing selection of fresh seafood) to create a modern take on Mediterranean and Provencal cuisine. Some of the highlights include red mullet, langoustines, lamb from Provence, and the best local artichokes. The restaurant is also known for its excellent selection of premium chèvre from Provence. The elegantly presented desserts are created by Lillian Bonnefoi and include both fruit and chocolate- based options.
Les Pêcheurs
Located within the Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel in Juan Les Pins, Les Pêcheurs is a fine-dining restaurant with a one-star Michelin rating with beautiful décor and soothing classical music. Nicolas Rondelli began his culinary career at Les Pêcheurs and returned in 2016 as head chef. Given the name of the restaurant, it is not surprising that seafood is the main focus and much of the fresh fish is sourced directly from local fishermen. We recommend trying the Red Mullet, Saint Pierre, Turbot or choose between the sea and the land for two persons: line-caught bass roasted “à la Niçoise” or a farmer’s veal chop. The restaurant is ideal for a romantic sunset dinner with stunning views of the French Riviera.
La Passagère
La Passagère is very popular one-star Michelin restaurant that has breath-taking views of the Mediterranean from its outdoor terrace. Although the restaurant has an indoor dining room for the off-season, we highly recommended dining here during the summer season to take full advantage of the sunset over the Mediterranean while enjoying a delicious, multi-course meal alfresco. The chef, Aurélien Véquaud, previously worked with Arnaud Donckele, a 3-star Michelin chef located in Saint-Tropez. At La Passagère, guests will discover Aurélien’s Mediterranean fresh seasonal seafood dishes with ingredients such as langoustine, red mullet or pigeon.
Le Figuier Saint-Esprit
Le Figuier is a Michelin-starred restaurant near the Picasso Museum and Antibes’ Cathedral. It is one of the best places for a classical French dining experience in a romantic setting. The dining room features a large fig tree which provides the backdrop for the magical setting. The roof of the atrium of main dining room retracts in the warmer months to provide a sensation of dining alfresco while maintaining the elegance of the space. We recommend the chef’s signature dish, a saddle of lamb baked in an earthenware pot. Other popular dishes include the baby cuttlefish, clam cannelloni and roasted turbot. The head chef, Christian Morisset, enjoys discussing his cuisine with his diners. If you see a tall, mustachioed man at the end of your meal, get ready for a chat.
GASTRONOMIC RESTAURANTS
Le P’tit Cageot
Le P’tit Cageot is a popular French restaurant located on a small side street in Antibes. Arnaud, the chef has worked with famous chefs such as Yoric Tièche in the past. He focuses on seasonal ingredients and has a popular lunch and dinner fixed-price menu. The atmosphere is cosy with rustic décor and the presentation of the food is stylish. The restaurant is known for its “surprise” menu. If you take this option, the waiter will not let you know what will be served—you will find out when the dish arrives. Just be sure to indicate any dietary restrictions. It is essential to book a table as Arnaud prepares just enough food based on the number of customers for that day. In fact, often tables are booked well in advanced and we recommend calling several weeks ahead of time. The restaurant is labelled “Maître Restaurateur” and earned a Michelin Plate.
L’Arazur
At the corner of a hidden street in the old town, there is a “Maître Restaurateur” restaurant which definitely deserves a visit. The name of the restaurant is a combination of the chef’s daughter’s name (Lara) and the restaurant’s location on the Cote d’Azur. The head chef, Lucas, teams up with his wife, Jeanne who works as a waitress. From amuse bouche to dessert, l’Arazur respects fresh, seasonal ingredients and each course is beautifully presented. The five-course seasonal tasting menu at €60 is a must. We recommend calling ahead for a reservation as the restaurant is very popular.
La Cafetière Fêlée
Before opening La Cafetière Fêlée, Julien Fiengo has worked at both Les Pêcheurs and La Passagère restaurants in Juan Les Pins. The restaurant is known for fusion Asian and traditional French cuisine. It is a perfect setting for a romantic lunch. The makis stuffed with foie gras and risotto with shiitake mushrooms and pan-fried scallops are some of our recommended dishes. Be sure to book ahead as the restaurant often fills up./span>
Michelangelo Mamo
Michelangelo a.k.a. “Mamo” is a well-established old-town Italian restaurant. Owner/chef Mamo is very well-connected and his restaurant attracts celebrities from around the world. During the Cannes Film Festival famous actors such as Julia Roberts, George Clooney and Leo DiCaprio have been seen dining here. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating during the summer months. The design is rustic but well put together. The service is engaging and courteous. The restaurant is best known for its classic Italian dishes including seafood, pasta and pizza. Mamo also has valet parking service. Given the restaurant’s popularity, we recommend booking a table in advance.
La Taille de Guêpe
La Taille de Guêpe has been a part of the restaurant community in Antibes for many years and continues to attract guests with its seasonal French menu with each course containing fresh, edible flowers. The atmosphere is relaxed, cosy and the waiters are pleasant. Presentation is interesting and we recommend trying the flower set menu to fully enjoy the experience.
Ti Toques
Although it has been open since 2011, Ti Toques in Juan les Pins is not well-known – even by locals. The dining room has a rustic setting with a big wooden boat at its centre. Dominique Evrard is a passionate chef who earned the “Maître Restaurateur” title in 2016. Given the presentation of the dishes, the quality of the food and excellent customer service, we think Ti Toques is one of the best restaurants in Juan les Pins.
Le 44
Although the restaurant has only been open since 2016, Jerome Clavel quickly earned the title of “Maître Restaurateur” very shortly after the restaurant opened. The atmosphere is clean, warm and offers a discrete setting for its diners. We recommend trying the Le 44 Menu which includes three amuse-bouches, a starter, a main course, a dessert and a post-dessert. The ingredients here are fresh, the dishes are full of flavour and well balanced with interesting textures. We believe Le 44 is one of the best restaurants in Antibes given the quality of the dishes and the attentive service provided by its staff. Vegan and children’s menus are also available.
Côté Terroir
Côté Terroir opened in June 2018 with a husband and wife team of chef Thibaut Brillon and his wife Christelle Giry in the front of house. As Thibaut won a French dessert championship in 2007, his desserts are not to be missed. However, all of his dishes including starters and main courses are well prepared and with generous portions. The restaurant has a set lunch menu that changes every week with fresh, local ingredients. The dining room includes 10 seats near the bar and 20 seats under the pergola. Remember to book, especially for dinner as the restaurant is popular.
Le Bistrot Terrasse
In the Hotel Juana, Le Bistrot Terrasse is chic and cosy. The bistro has the “Maître restaurateur“ label and has earned a Michelin Plate. In front of La Pinede park in Juan Les Pins, the restaurant has alfresco dining on its private terrace, weather permitting. The menu has a focus on seafood dishes. We recommend the fried crab ravioli served with guacamole and grapefruit or the squid ink pasta. The beautiful desserts are created by Steve Moracchini, a 2016 Gault & Millau award-winning pastry chef.
Chez Mô
Restaurant Albert 1er is perfect for a Sunday lunch with the family in a calm restaurant. The maritime decoration is echoed in the menu in a restaurant near the sea at the end of Blvd Albert 1er. Meals can range from fish soup to turbot or seared scallops with a pinch of caviar. For those in a sharing mood, try the seafood paella with fish, gambas, scallops, mussels, squids and chorizo. Next door to Restaurant Albert 1er, the restaurant operates a small bar and seafood takeaway establishment called “Chez Mô” with oysters, fresh fish and sushi.
Le Vauban
Le Vauban is a classic French restaurant that is elegant, refined and welcoming. The Chef Raymond Cornelissens began his career working with Christian Morisset (le Figuier de Saint-Esprit). Le Vauban only offers inside seating but the space is air-conditioned. The waiting staff is young, friendly and professional. Lunch menus change weekly and the other set menus are modified to reflect seasonal produce. We find the dishes to be well-balanced, tasty and well presented.
Restaurant le Safranier
Located in a magical square in the heart of the Safranier community in the heart of old Antibes, Le Safranier has been operated by a new owner since 2020 who renovated the dining area including the beautiful terrace in front of the restaurant. Olivier Gaiatto (owner and chef) and works with Caroline Yvars as his sous chef. Olivier comes with a distinguished background having previously served as head chef at Hotel du Cap, Eden Roc. The menu at Le Safranier changes weekly and focuses on fresh, local ingredients to create seasonal dishes with an emphasis on Provençal and Niçois specialties. We recommend trying the Petit Farcis, homemade hummus, or fresh goat cheese (chèvre) as appetizers. The main course usually contains several meat and fish dishes. The beef cheek daube (stew made with red wine) and Aïoli made with fresh cod are two of our favorite dishes. The Aïoli is often available as the lunch special on Fridays. Come for a leisurely lunch on the terrace under the grape vines and plane trees on the lovely Place du Safranier.
Cap Riviera
Located in Juan les Pins, Cap Riviera is a fantastic French restaurant with stunning views of the Mediterranean. Chef Jeremy Ferrey, has been awarded a Michelin Plate. The dishes here focus on fresh traditional French dishes which are perfectly prepared. We recommend dishes such as monkfish and king prawns in shellfish sauce or potted sardine rillettes enhanced with lemon. Service here is exceptional. Cap Riviera tops our list of restaurants by the sea in Juan Les Pins.
CASUAL RESTAURANTS
Le Milano
Locals often pass by Café Milano on their way to the Marché Provençal but rarely stop. This is unfortunate as the restaurant prepares some of the best fish on the French Riviera. Chef Davide Bolzoni has a real talent for preparing delicious classical Italian dishes with a twist. As the dining room is quite small, we would encourage you to book a table in advance.
Le Bistrot du coin
At the corner of Rue de la Tourraque, there is a very small and discrete restaurant that is a great venue for Provencal and Corsican dishes. We recommend trying the fish lasagna or stuffed chicken escalope with parmesan, eggplant and coppa. On Friday and Saturday evening, the bistrot transforms into a tapas bar. Socca, pinchos, charcuteries, Corsican cheese, razor clams and other delicacies are served. Ask for the sharing board for two guests to get a taste of everything. Go early or book a table as the restaurant can host only ten diners.
La Trattoria
La Trattoria is a well-kept secret by locals who enjoy Italian cuisine. This small restaurant is located on Avenue Pasteur, a few streets away from Place Général de Gaulle. Inside the dining room, the atmosphere is warm with a lot of natural wood. The restaurant also has a small terrace for alfresco dining. The menu is handwritten on a chalkboard and is presented by the Italian waiter. Dishes here feature antipasti, pastas, raviolis and grilled meats.
Goood
Goood opened in November 2018 and earned the title of “Maître Restaurateur” in 2019. The restaurant’s casual menu includes simple dishes such as cheeses, charcuterie, seafood charcuteries, roasted camembert and socca chips with nachos. The wine selection ranges from Alsace to Portugal. On Tuesdays, Goood becomes a restaurant at lunch and dinner. The dishes are homemade and fresh from specialist providers. The presentation of the food is exceptional and the service is friendly. The music playlist changes every week. There is a book exchange box hidden in the bar. Try to find it!
Le Comptoir de la Tourraque
Le Comptoir de la Tourraque is great for a cosy dinner in the evening. With a unique and whimsical three- course French dinner, this friendly, neighbourhood restaurant with eclectic decorations presents a selection of fresh seasonal dishes on a hand-written blackboard. Desserts at Le Comptoire are always creative and a unique departure from the traditional French standards. La Tourraque’s dining room is small and service can be a bit slow, especially on a busy evening so do plan to spend a good two hours for dinner. The food is excellent so well worth the wait.
Mamalu
Located at the topof the Marché Provençal, Mamalu is a popular, casual Italian restaurant. Ask a local about an Italian restaurant and Mamalu will often be at the top of the list. The chef’s open kitchen is integrated as part of the dining room allowing guests to watch their dishes being prepared. The spaghetti with gambas and tomatoes and the linguini vongole are highly recommended specialities. Due to its popularity, the small restaurant fills up quickly so reserving a table is a must.
Le J
Le J is one of our favorite restaurant on Juan Les Pins’ Avenue Docteur Dautheville – one of the main restaurant streets in town. Chef Thomas Bastian and his wife Sabrina, who waits table front of house, make a great team. Thomas has worked as a chef in many countries before deciding to return to France and Juan Les Pins to open his own eatery. The restaurant is small with modern decorations and a slideshow on the wall. The menu focuses on seasonal, fresh ingredients. Thomas’ crunchy, deep-fried zucchini flowers and veal from the Basque country with olive polenta will put a smile on your face for the rest of the day. We highly recommend saving room for the special chocolate dessert that requires an additional 15 minutes to prepare – it’s well worth the wait.
Autour du Jardin
Autour du Jardin is a hidden gem located on Rue Sade in the centre of Antibes. Many of us have walked past before discovering the large, lovely garden in the back of the main dining room. Under the shade of the large mulberry tree, the restaurant has a charming garden setting. The cuisine is based on Provençal and Niçois dishes and changes with the seasons.We recommend trying the Mediterranean rock fish soup with rouille sauce and grilled Mediterranean sea bass with sea urchin cream sauce. The place gets very busy – especially on a warm evening, so don’t forget to book a table.
La Petite Escale
La Petite Escale is a small restaurant on Rue Fourmilliére which serves excellent French specialties. Vincent is the chef here and he prepares new dishes for the menu every day. The menu includes two starters, two main courses and two desserts or a cheese platter. Based on fresh seasonal ingredients, the dishes here are excellent. We recommend trying the salmon fishcakes, trout, lamb or pork filet mignon. As the restaurant is small and popular, we suggest you book a table.
Le Don Juan
Le Don Juan is easily spotted with its wooden baskets overflowing with fresh tomatoes and other fresh vegetables from the market adorning the front of the restaurant. The main attractions of this restaurant are classical Mediterranean dishes and locally-caught fish. Try the fresh Sea Bass baked in a crust of sea salt which tastes as good as it looks and the petits farcis as a starter. The service is friendly and the dining room’s decor is modern and clean. The restaurant also has a more casual sister-restaurant across the street called Bistro Don Juan.
Socca Bar
Francois and Sophie have recently opened a Socca bar in a location previously operated by their family from 1987 to 2000. The bar focuses on traditional socca (chickpea pancakes) made using organic chickpea flour. Their socca is available with multiple ingredients such as spring onions, anchovy, pancetta, saffron and chorizo and can be accompanied by a salad. The bar also prepares unique items such as socca burgers and a dessert of socca and apples.
Salé/Sucré
This family-run restaurant is located across the street from Antibes’ movie cinema. Its menu features Mediterranean dishes and Northern African tagines as well as French classics. The friendly team begins by recommending their suggestions for the day. The terrace fills up fast during summer—especially during lunch hour. The restaurant remains open all day so you can also stop by for a pastry in the afternoon or a pre-dinner drink.
Entre 2 Vins
Entre 2 Vins is a wine bar located at the end of Rue James Close. Owners Franck and Mathieu have created a space that is relaxed and playful. While one of the two is preparing casual French dishes such as charcuteries, cheeses, duck and terrines, the other offers advice on which wine would best accompany the meal. Booking is essential as this is a favourite wine bar among Antibes locals.
Chez Fieu
Mary and Julien prepare delicious sandwiches with ingredients sourced from small Italian producers and the Marché Provençal. The sandwich bread is focaccia-style and is baked by an Antibes bakery around the corner from the shop. Try their weekly special sandwich or the suggestion du Fieu. The portions are generous and sandwiches very tasty.
Le Clémenceau
Le Clémenceau is a traditional French café with a popular terrace in front of the fountain near Place National. We recommend stopping for a beer, a pastis, a glass of rosé, coffee or tea. Light snacks and daily lunch are also on offer.
L’Ecureuil Espagnol
This is the place to go for Paella in Antibes. Amando Carramal has been preparing this Spanish staple for more than 50 years. Assisted by his wife Linda, the service here is very friendly to make patrons feel right at home. The freshly-prepared paella is made in the traditional Iberian way and is enhanced with a glass or pitcher of sangria or Spanish wine. The restaurant also serves a wide variety of other classic Spanish dishes as well as tapas. Ask Amando, the waiter and sommelier, for a wine recommendation. The restaurant also has a Paella Valenciana takeaway to enjoy at home.
Bistro Jules
From the same owner of Don Juan is the more casual Bistro Jules (located just across the street). This restaurant has both indoor and street side dining options and is very popular in the summer months—we encourage guests to book a table in advance. The restaurant focuses on local Niçois specialties such as Aioli, daube (beef stew prepared in red wine and served with gnocchi), petit farcis (fresh vegetables stuffed with ground pork), a fish of the day and a meat of the day.
Le Brûlot Restaurant
Located on Rue Frédéric Isnard just one street down from the Provencal Market, Le Brûlot is an Antibes institution which offers traditional Provencal French cuisine in a casual atmosphere. Much of the meats and fresh seafood is prepared in its wood oven. Some of the most popular dishes at La Brûlot include: oven roasted duck breast, côte de boeuf, entrecôte, Sea Bream, Sea Bass, and fresh prawns. We recommend making a reservation as Le Brûlot is popular during the summer season.
Healthy Lounge by M
The Healthy Lounge by M is a great restaurant for diners looking for a healthy option for breakfast or lunch in the heart of old Antibes. Its objective is to provide dishes which cater to the dietary needs of its guests with a focus on fresh local products. Come here for a homemade soup, poke bowl, well-composed salad or sandwich. The restaurant also offers a nice brunch with fresh juices, pancakes, muesli, and eggs.
Nacional Trattoria
This Italian restaurant located on Place National offers a top- notch Neapolitan-style pizza as well as a good selection of pasta dishes. You should also try the popular barbeque pork ribs for a real hearty meal. Given its large terrace on Place National with alfresco dining, the restaurant is popular for families with children who can play on the square after dinner while the parents are finishing their meal.
Le Chrono Restaurant
Located at the end of Rue James Close, Le Chrono is a popular casual restaurant among locals and visitors alike. The restaurant is best known for its wood oven pizza (which is also offered to go) and oven-grilled steaks and lamb chops also prepared in the wood oven..
Le Sapori d’Italia
This local Italian restaurant is a favorite among local residents and offers a good selection of pastas, seafood, and meat dishes. We recommend trying their famous lasagna or pasta with fresh langoustine. The lasagna can be ordered for takeaway as well.
TERRACE
Lilian Bonnefoi
Lilian Bonnefoi is one of the most famous pastry chefs in France. After working at Maison Troisgros and the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Lilian opened his first boutique in the centre of Antibes in 2015. He recently opened a second which includes a restaurant and terrace on the Place du Safranier area. This is a great place to enjoy a sandwich or an amazing pastry with a coffee under the sun. Weekends, the restaurant also offers a brunch menu. The boutique also offers pastry and chocolate classes -check with the staff at Place du Safranier for a schedule.
La Cour des Thés
La Cour des Thés is a very cosy, inviting restaurant that is popular among locals. Valerie offers a daily lunch special for about 18 euros as well as an assortment of sandwiches, salads and other entrées. On a sunny day, we recommend having lunch in the small courtyard in front of the restaurant. Seasonal dishes such as aioli, provençal soup and pork filet mignon are on the menu. The restaurant offers a lunch of the day called “l’assiette de la cour” with a variety of items on one plate. La Cour des Thés is a great place for afternoon tea with fresh pastries.
Les Filles du Micocoulier
This casual creperie serves both savoury and sweet crepes and is popular for its large terrace overlooking the Marché Provençal. Come for a light lunch or an afternoon snack alfresco on a sunny day. The crepes are named after artists and made with organic ingredients from Brittany.
Golden Beef
Golden Beef is an ideally-placed steak house with glorious views of the Mediterranean from its terrace. We recommend dining on the terrace when the weather allows. The restaurant offers a wide selection of high-end beef such as Black Angus, Wagyu and Hereford. If you like aged beef, we suggest ordering French Charolais or a 450g Galician prime rib, rated by some as the best beef in the world. The restaurant also has a great wine list to accompany the food. The large restaurant is able to accommodate groups and also has a children’s menu.
Crêperie du Port
For traditional buckwheat crepes from Brittany, Creperie du Port is another must try. This restaurant offers a wide selection of both sweet and savoury crepes served with cider or freshly-pressed apple juice. Savory crepes with cheese, mushroom, ham and egg are popular choices.
La Clé de la Porte
La Cle de la Porte B&B in the center of old Antibes has a lovely terrace (just next to Pablo’s) which serves wines, cocktails, and light food items. The food served here has a bit of a Scandinavian flair as the owners are from Sweden. This is a great place to enjoy a Apero Spritz with a delicious charcuterie and cheese platter.
RELAXED & TAKEAWAY
Charlie’s Fish & Chips – Burgers
Charlie’s casual dining room is decorated with fun antiques from around France and the US. The restaurant focuses on two main dishes : fish & chips and burgers. In fact, Charlie’s makes the best burgers in Antibes. The service operated by Sébastien is flawless. The burger’s buns come from a local bakery and the burgers taste authentic. They have a burger of the day. If that doesn’t grab you, the Charlie’s signature burger with an IPA beer from the blackboard selection is a great choice. Of course, there is a children’s menu.
Moonshine
On Rue des Palmiers, a back street of the old town, the “Son of a Bun” food truck team has opened a tiny restaurant that focuses on American comfort food including sliders, grilled cheese sandwiches, and mac and cheese. The restaurant is also known for its barbecue sandwiches and chicken wings. We recommend accompanying your meal with one of the IPA beers on offer and finishing up with a shot of the day at the bar with the owners.
Pizza and company
The popular takeaway has delicious thick-crusted pizza. This Antibes institution is operated by a husband and wife team that serves focaccia-style, thick- crusted pizza mainly for take away as the seating is very limited. Customers form long lines in front of the shop to get a slice or two of this fresh and tasty pizza. We recommend coming around noon before the lunch rush.
Le Bacchus
The Bacchus is a new pizza and pasta restaurant located at the top of the Marché Provençal. This casual restaurant with either seating inside or on the terrace in front is a good addition to the restaurant scene in Antibes. The chef focuses on fresh, homemade pizza with fresh, natural toppings. Le Bacchus also has a selection of pasta dishes which change according to the season. We recommend coming here for a casual lunch in the sun with a nice glass of wine.
Périko Antibes
This sandwich and salad shop, located next to Antibes City Hall, offers a variety of healthy sandwiches and salad. The made-to-order sandwiches are served on its special thin bread which comes in white or whole wheat. Périko also offers made- to-order salads with similar ingredients for its sandwiches. They also have a homemade soup of the day.
Mistinguett
Located on Boulevars d’Aguillon, the Mistinguett is a retro-chic bistrot reminiscent of a Parisian bar with a large outdoor terrace. The lunch menu includes French classics such as blanquette de veau or sausages with mash potatoes. During the evening, the bistrot only offers simple dishes such as charcuteries and cheeses. This is a great location to enjoy a glass of rosé with friends.
Ponzo
This small shopfront located on Rue Thuret offers a selection of delicious homemade focaccia, focaccia with fillings like ham and cheese, and focaccia- style pizza for takeaway only.
