If you’re visiting the French Riviera, you simply can’t leave without having experienced a long lunch at one of the many beach club restaurants along the coast. It is most definitely one of my all-time favourite things to do in summer.
There really is nothing quite like settling in for what you know will be hours, sitting in an absolutely breathtaking location, looking out at the ocean and the yachts, eating amazing seafood and sipping French wine…tell me, does it really get any better than that?
There are loads of beach clubs scattered right up and down the coast, but here I focussed only on the clubs that have a tender service for yachts at anchor. Also, given I doubt you want to read for hours, I had to whittle it down to my favourite five…(it was a tough call!).
So, here goes…
LA GUÉRITE, CANNES
La Guérite has been around for years, since 1935 to be exact, and it is definitely one of the coolest beach club restaurants on the French Riviera. It is set in an inlet on the island of Sainte-Marguerite, just off Cannes. After a long lunch here, you can easily see why the rich and famous have always flocked to this isolated gem of a restaurant.
It also happens to serve what I think is some of the best food in the area. Executive Chef Yiannis Kioroglou is Greek so the menu is heavily focussed on simple, delicious Mediterranean seafood. My favourite dishes include the open-cut grilled king prawns and the incredible lobster pasta; they are truly delicious and sum up everything that is good in this world!
Sundays are definitely a highlight, usually with a live band and a DJ later, but you can often find a live band on other days as well. If you’re after a quieter lunch I would suggest an earlier sitting but if you want a wilder vibe then things really kick off from 3pm.
Come here for: the amazing food, the secluded island setting, and some great people-watching and super-yacht-spotting.
ANJUNA BEACH, EZE
Anjuna Beach is an absolute institution on the Riviera, and you just can’t visit the area and not dine here! Entering Anjuna feels like you’ve somehow crossed seas and stepped into an island fishing village in the Indian Ocean…think aqua rescued wood, and white flowing dream-catchers.
Anjuna is known for its wild-fun, crazy parties where almost anything goes. It’s not uncommon to see an impeccably dressed 75 year old up dancing on the tables. If the party vibe is what you’re after then I suggest you come on a Saturday or Sunday. Be prepared to let a little loose and mingle with the eclectic crowd; once the band kicks off you’ll be up dancing and singing, sharing stories with strangers you’ll likely never meet again.
During the week Anjuna is back to a normal restaurant and beach club with the occasional troubadour band keeping things lively. The food here is simple and delicious Mediterranean fare. They offer a number of share dishes which are ideal amongst a group table…of note, you simply can’t not have the ribs…they’re incredible! They also have a really good selection of delicious entrees that are perfect to share around on a hot day when eating seems like too much work! The service here is top notch; they’re friendly and attentive and definitely on the ball.
Come here for: the incredible vibe, the eclectic mix of people (including a regular celeb or two),….and those ribs!
PALOMA BEACH RESTAURANT, SAINT-JEAN-CAP-FERRAT
Paloma Beach Restaurant is all about secluded serenity and incredible views. This place was designed for chilling, relaxing and soaking in the sounds and the sights. The setting for this hidden restaurant is down some steep steps, in a quiet little bay tucked around the super exclusive peninsular of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. The restaurant has been here since 1948 and is run by a group who have a collection of great dining spots around Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer.
The food here is focussed on seafood, with simple Mediterranean inspired dishes (are you noticing a trend here?). In my opinion they serve one of the best lobster spaghetti dishes on the Riviera, it is absolutely delicious…classic, without too much tomato sauce, and with a whole lobster tail perched on top.
Paloma loves families and bringing people together. It is a perfect location for a birthday celebration amongst friends or an anniversary or engagement occasion. When you sit looking out at the water and the beautiful houses tumbling down the hills of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Beaulieu-sur-Mer, you really do feel like there is no place on earth you would rather be. In fact, I had this exact feeling three years ago, sitting in this very location, and then and there, I made up my mind to move to the South of France and never leave!
Come here for: the incredible serenity and beautiful views, late lunch sittings that run until 5pm, and to fall in love once-and-for-all with the South of France.
EDEN PLAGE MALA, CAP D’AIL
Eden Plage Mala has been around for a while, but this year they have really changed their game and they now join my favourite list. As the name suggests, this beach club is a secluded little paradise, hidden deep down, surrounded by towering rocky cliffs in a little bay in Cap D’Ail. Here Eden has created a serene escape, complete with a carp pond, palm fronds, natural wood and tropical gardens.
In terms of food, Eden has tried to mix things up a little. There are some Italian favourites like fritto misto and burrata salad, mixed in with some Asian and Hawaiian influenced dishes like Thai salad and ceviche. They also have a really great selection of salad bowls from across the world. A brilliant thing about Eden is that they have a menu available for yachts at anchor; just order from the navette skipper and it is with you in 20 minutes.
If you’re after a relaxing day in a beach club then Eden is a perfect place. They have lovely big round day beds for groups, and offer massages in their spa area. Under new management, Sophie and her staff are very attentive and lovely, which all helps to make Eden a beautiful and relaxing place to dine or spend the day.
Come here for: cuisine with a difference, to escape from the rat race, or for a day on your yacht with food delivered on board.
PLAGE DE PASSABLE, SAINT-JEAN-CAP-FERRAT
I would have to say, that of all the beach clubs mentioned here, I think Passable has the best view. Some may disagree, but to me, the crystal clear water and the view over to the old town of Villefranche-sur-Mer, awash with masses of bougainvillea, is second to none.
This beach club is a great all-rounder. They have a large restaurant with lots of seating and a large number of day loungers in the beach club. The beauty of this is that you can usually get a table at the last minute. The vibe here is no fuss; it is a simple delicious meal, in a beautiful setting and at a reasonable price.
The food at Passable is once again quite Mediterranean in style, but with an Italian bent. They serve delicious whole fish of the day, done very simply in the Italian style and also do a lovely spaghetti vongole. And for those of you with children, you will be pleased to know that they serve pizza.
The biggest draw card for Passable is that it is situated in one of the best bays to anchor for yachts; the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer. Their navette service is super-fast, aided by the very lovely Jean-Michelle, and once you’re anchored here, there really is no need to visit any other bays.
Come here for: the breathtaking views, a simple, no-fuss lunch, and the perfect anchorage if you’re on a yacht.
We are Wild Child Charters, offering day charters with a difference across the French Riviera on board our very unique Wider 42. For more information get in touch by visiting www.wild-child-charters.com