The French Riviera has long been synonymous with glamour, sunshine, and extraordinary cuisine. In 2026, the region added yet another culinary milestone: eight restaurants across the Riviera and Monaco were awarded their first Michelin star, further cementing the Côte d’Azur’s reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting gastronomic destinations. (IYC)
The announcement was made during the Michelin Guide France & Monaco ceremony held at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, a historic first for the principality and a symbolic moment that highlighted the region’s global culinary influence. (Michelin)
For residents and visitors alike, this means one simple thing: the French Riviera is one of the best places in the world to eat. Going out to eat is a treat, but going to a Michelin restaurant every night eventually gets boring. A local Pan Bagnat on the beach with fresh tuna and anchovies can taste very good too, especially with your feet in the sand. Or a menu du jour at a local restaurant is often surprisingly tasty. But a night out at a Michelin restaurant remains the ultimate indulgence for the taste buds.
A New Generation of Michelin-Star Restaurants
Each year, Michelin inspectors travel anonymously across France to evaluate restaurants based on strict criteria: ingredient quality, technique, the chef’s personality, value, and consistency.
In the 2026 Michelin Guide, France welcomed 54 new one-star restaurants nationwide, with several of them located in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. (Michelin Guide)
The Riviera’s newest stars demonstrate a growing trend:
- Chefs combining Mediterranean ingredients with modern techniques
- Restaurants focusing on local seafood, Provençal herbs, and seasonal produce
- Dining experiences that mix luxury with authenticity
This wave of recognition confirms what locals have known for years: the Riviera’s culinary scene is evolving fast.
Why the Côte d’Azur Is a Culinary Powerhouse
The French Riviera benefits from a unique combination of ingredients and influences:
1. Exceptional local produce
The Mediterranean provides fresh fish, shellfish, and sea salt, while the nearby hills deliver olive oil, herbs, citrus, and vegetables.
2. Italian and Provençal heritage
Bordering Italy, the Riviera blends culinary traditions — think handmade pasta, seafood, olive oil, and delicate sauces.
3. A global clientele
International visitors push restaurants to innovate. Chefs constantly reinvent classic Mediterranean cuisine for a cosmopolitan audience.
4. Luxury hospitality culture
Five-star hotels and beach clubs have created a competitive environment where gastronomy is a key part of the experience.
From elegant seaside hotels to intimate gastronomic kitchens, these new stars represent a new generation of chefs redefining Mediterranean cuisine.
New Michelin Stars in the Var
Les Oliviers — Chef Martin Feragus
👉 https://www.thalazur.fr/bandol/hotel/restaurant/
Located in Bandol overlooking the beautiful Baie de Renécros, this elegant restaurant combines refined gastronomy with spectacular sea views. Chef Martin Feragus creates modern Mediterranean dishes inspired by Provence and the sea. (Bandol Tourisme)
L’Oursin — Hôtel Les Roches — Chef Antoine Gras
👉 https://lesroches-rouges.com/restaurants-bars/loursin
Situated inside the iconic Hôtel Les Roches Rouges near Saint-Raphaël, L’Oursin focuses on delicate seafood cuisine and seasonal Mediterranean ingredients.
Shanael — Chef Anthony Denon
👉 https://restaurant-shanael.fr
A creative gastronomic address in the Var where chef Anthony Denon delivers contemporary cuisine with bold flavour combinations and artistic presentation.
New Michelin Stars in the Alpes-Maritimes & Monaco
La Table du Cap Estel — Chef Kevin Garcia
👉 https://www.capestel.com/fr/restaurant-gastronomique-cote-dazur.html
Located in the spectacular Cap Estel hotel in Èze, this refined restaurant offers a gastronomic experience overlooking the Mediterranean. Chef Kevin Garcia’s cuisine blends precision technique with Mediterranean ingredients and herbs from the estate’s garden. (capestel.com)
La Table de Pierre — Chef Rodolphe Loury
👉 https://www.lemasdepierre.com/fr/restaurants-bars/la-table-de-pierre
Situated in the luxurious Domaine du Mas de Pierre in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, this restaurant elevates Provençal cuisine with modern creativity and seasonal produce.
Épicentre — Chef Selim M’Nasri
👉 https://restaurant-epicentre.fr
A contemporary gastronomic restaurant focusing on refined textures and intense flavours, showcasing chef Selim M’Nasri’s innovative approach to French cuisine.
Auberge de la Roche — Chef Louis-Philippe Riel
👉 https://aubergedelaroche.com
A charming gourmet restaurant where traditional French cuisine meets modern refinement in an intimate setting.
Robuchon Monaco — Chef Jonathan Larrieu
👉 https://www.montecarlosbm.com/en/restaurant-monaco/robuchon-monaco
Part of the legendary Joël Robuchon culinary legacy, this Monaco restaurant continues the tradition of elegant haute cuisine with modern precision.
With eight new Michelin stars and a growing generation of talented chefs, the Riviera continues to attract global attention. From the markets of Nice to the luxury terraces of Monaco and Saint-Tropez, the region offers some of the most exciting dining experiences in Europe.
For food lovers, there may be no better place to explore — because on the French Riviera, gastronomy is part of everyday life.
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