Between the balmy climate and the sun, the French Riviera is an exceptional spot, not just for its incredible landscapes, but also for its gastronomic heritage.
If you’re on holiday on the French Riviera, you will quickly be impressed by the sheer number of restaurants that abound on the little village streets and bordering the sea.
But how will you ever distinguish the good ones from the bad?
We’re going reveal 5 tips to help you find the best tables on the French Riviera and avoid those nasty tourist traps…
Tip n° 1: Opt for a menu that gives very little choice but that proposes seasonal products
Look for restaurants that refresh their menu regularly; these are generally the good restaurants that offer few menu choices, but offer quality products.
Tip n° 2: Avoid the hawkers and look for authentic restaurants
Indeed, the street sellers who try very aggressively to orient you toward certain restaurants are generally to be avoided. Often it’s the little hidden restaurants that are the best, as you’ve got to seek them out to appreciate their authentic cuisine. Try to identify the restaurants on the Riviera that are frequented by the locals; they generally propose products that are typical of the region and are under family management…
Tip n° 3: Ask local residents for advice
What could be better than to get a hot tip from people who really know the city and who will know how to point you to the Riviera’s finest restaurants? Proud of their region and their gastronomy, the locals know how to recognise good restaurants. They’ll be able to direct you according to your tastes. And don’t hesitate, either, to ask for our advice; with over 15 years of experience in the region, Riviera Holiday Homes will know how to direct you to the best tables.
Tip n° 4: Ask those around you
In your own entourage, your family and friends, there might be someone who has already visited the Riviera on holiday and remembers a good restaurant.
Tip n° 5: Seek out the restaurants that display quality labels
There are numerous sites, such as Allo Resto, Yelp, Michelin Restaurants and La Fourchette that help you to work out which are the best restaurants. I’m almost certain that you know the application, TripAdvisor. These tools allow you to compare prices, quality, and most importantly, to be able to consult the opinions of various internet users who have already tested the restaurants. The application Yelp, for example, relies on the geo-localisation of your telephone and recommends the best restaurants nearby, and always with the opinions of previous customers. Thanks to this application, there’s no need to wander aimlessly without knowing where to go or what to eat.
Nonetheless, you can’t always rely on others’ opinions; opt for sites that display trustworthy and reliable opinions, such as the website of Riviera Holidays Homes, partner of Opinion System.
You can also test the restaurants that display the famous credential “Recommended on TripAdvisor”, “Recommended by Le Petit Futé” or the Guide du Routard. Still, remember to check the year the label was obtained!
Our selection of restaurants on the French Riviera:
We are going to give you a selection of restaurants on the French Riviera that all of us at Riviera Holiday Homes appreciate and that are located in the best known and acclaimed cities of the region.
If you’re going to Nice, why not opt for a typical restaurant with Niçoise specialties? In an authentic setting, the restaurant Pipo is a specialist in socca (a typical niçoise dish).The Authentic is a restaurant in the spirit and flavour of the country. This gastronomic restaurant prepares dishes with a Provencal appeal. Every dish is made on site, and it is certified “master restaurateur”. The restaurant Attimi is also very well known for its Italian-style pizzas, which are truly worth a trip!
In the beautiful little city of Antibes, there are many competing restaurants but some of them really caught our attention. That is the case of the distinctive restaurant Le Figuier de Saint Esprit which offers regional cuisine. If it’s a good pizza you’re craving, choose the restaurant “Mauricio Pizza and Co”. In a “just like home” atmosphere, the restaurant “Chez Lulu” is located on one of the city’s little alleyways. Its concept: a table d’hôte and a single menu with a main dish that changes daily.
In Menton, ‘La Rotonde’ is a restaurant with a view over the water. It boasts not only a delightful setting, but also one of the warmest welcomes around. It’s a very good address to know after a long walk along the shore. A family restaurant where the welcome is as warm as the service is good, frozen products are banned from its menu, which offers only the highest quality to its customers.
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