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Where to Dine During the Cannes Film Festival

The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most glamorous events in the entertainment world, attracting celebrities, filmmakers, and film lovers from around the globe. While the festival is known for its screenings and red carpet events, it's also an excellent opportunity to indulge in the rich culinary offerings of the French Riviera. Whether you're in the mood for classic French cuisine or innovative fusion dishes, there's something for everyone. Here are our best restaurants in Cannes.

Institutions

La Guérite

Perched on the picturesque Île Sainte-Marguerite, La Guérite offers an escape into Mediterranean bliss. Accessible only by boat, this waterside haven began as a simple fisherman's cabin and has evolved into an institution on the French Riviera.

Executive chef Yiannis Kioroglou is the mastermind behind La Guérite, crafting dishes that are both a tribute to his Greek roots and a celebration of local flavors. The menu emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients, with aromatic herbs and a mix of cooking techniques, including oven-baked, braised, and barbecued dishes. Seafood takes center stage with specialties including grilled octopus, oven-baked fish, and crispy fried squid. The restaurant boasts an extensive selection of wines and inventive cocktails. It is the perfect setting to indulge in rosé, champagne, and their signature daiquiris.

La Guerite is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, where dining often stretches from afternoon into the sunset. Guests can savor their meals as the air fills with music and the Mediterranean breeze, turning every gathering into a celebration of life and leisure. The restaurant features distinct vibes on either side: the left side buzzes with energy near the bar and DJ booth, perfect for those who enjoy being at the center of the action, while the right side offers a quieter, more relaxed setting with daybeds for lounging and soaking in the panoramic views of the Cannes bay.

Open 12 pm to 6 pm daily, restaurantlaguerite.com

La Petite Maison

In the heart of Cannes, La Petite Maison embodies the charm and elegance of French dining. Its lively setting, with its airy atmosphere, crisp white linens, and rustic touches, reflects the chic spirit of Cannes with French country charm. The elegant design flows seamlessly into a magnificent botanic terrace, where diners can enjoy their meals surrounded by the natural beauty of the Riviera.

Chef Yiannis Kioroglouis helms the kitchen, where his passion for the region's flavors shines through. The restaurant is celebrated for its Niçoise cuisine, featuring specialties like velvety burrata, tender lamb chops, and scallops seared to perfection. The salt-crusted sea bass is a standout, baked whole and seasoned with fresh herbs. This dish is renowned for its beautifully flaky texture and subtle melt-in-your-mouth flavor, making it a favorite among regulars.

Open daily from 7:30 pm to 12:20 am, lapetitemaison-cannes.com

Baoli

Baoli stands out as a unique fusion of dining and entertainment. The restaurant is known for its Pan-Asian cuisine and enchanting garden-like setting that effortlessly transitions into its infamous nightlife.

The menu offerings are both innovative and inviting. Signature dishes such as the dragon roll—a sushi roll featuring tempura shrimp topped with spicy tuna that promises a burst of flavor with each bite. The Thai beef salad is another standout, combining spicy grilled beef with crisp greens dressed in a tangy sauce, offering a perfect balance of flavors.

As night falls, Baoli transforms from a stylish restaurant into one of Cannes's hottest nightspots. During the Cannes Film Festival, it becomes the pivotal spot for celebrities and festival-goers alike, offering an all-encompassing experience where guests can dine, drink and dance the night away all under one roof.

The restaurant is open daily from March to October from 8 pm to 12 am, while the party continues until 5 am, baolicannes.com

La Môme

Nestled in the charming streets of Cannes, La Môme is known for its culinary delights and vibrant atmosphere. Inspired by the golden years of the French Riviera and the spirit of La Dolce Vita, the founders envisioned a dining experience that transcends mere sustenance, offering guests a journey through time and taste.

La Môme showcases a Mediterranean cuisine with Provencal influences. Signature dishes include the decadent egg yolk in ravioli, succulent snacked octopus with sunny vegetables, and a rack of lamb in a crust of pine nuts, hazelnuts, and walnut kernels. To end on a sweet note, their exquisite desserts, especially the grand marnier soufflé and waffles, are a must-try.

Open daily for dinner from 7 pm, lamomecannes.com

New Openings

Zuma

Zuma brings its acclaimed style of contemporary Japanese cuisine to the newly built Palm in Cannes. Designed with a blend of natural elements, the restaurant's aesthetic harmoniously combines wood and stone to create a serene environment. This is complemented by a large terrace that blurs the line between indoor and outdoor, making it one continuous space in the Japanese technique of 'Shakkei,' meaning borrowed landscapes.

At the core of Zuma's culinary philosophy is the robata grill, a traditional Japanese method that involves grilling over hot coal. The technique infuses a smoky essence, sizzling meats and vegetables on the grill. Alongside this, guests can also enjoy an array of the freshest sushi and sashimi. The menu also features Zuma's global iconic dishes, including its signature black cod marinated in miso, featuring cod marinated and grilled to achieve a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, melting tenderly at the touch of a fork.

The new restaurant will also feature a large private dining room, an indoor and outdoor bar with a DJ booth, and various spaces for parties and events for up to 400 people.

Open daily from 6 PM to 11:30 PM, starting from May 15th, zumarestaurant.com

Nammos

Originally from Mykonos, Nammos has found a new home in Cannes, offering a beachfront dining experience famed for its lavish seafood dishes and extravagant beach parties. The menu focuses on a blend of Mediterranean and International flavors, perfectly complemented by the glamorous French Riviera.

True to its heritage, Nammos Beach in Cannes sports the signature turquoise and white stripes. The beach offers direct access to the azure waters, along with sun loungers and an elegant pontoon for leisurely moments by the sea. Beyond the sandy shores, Nammos features a gourmet restaurant and a vibrant bar. However, access to the coveted Nammos pool remains restricted to Palm Beach members only.

Opening soon, nammos.com

Worth the journey

Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc

Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes is an iconic destination, synonymous with the height of luxury and exclusivity. The setting is unmatched, with the restaurant perched above the rocky coastline, offering some of the most stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

One-Michelin-starred Louroc seamlessly blends the flavors of the Mediterranean and Provance. Chef Sébastien Broda focuses on authenticity and exceptional taste. Alongside the restaurant's kitchen garden, they work closely with local artisans and producers to source the finest ingredients, ensuring every dish is a tribute to the rare and refined products of the area.

For a more relaxed atmosphere, The Eden-Roc Grill is a contemporary brasserie offering a blend of international classics and local Mediterranean specialties for lunch and dinner. Here, guests can savor the region's flavors in a laid-back setting surrounded by the natural beauty of the French Riviera.

Dining at Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc is not just about food; it's about participating in a legacy of luxury and exclusivity that defines the Riviera. For the most stunning experience, book a table on the terrace at sunset to enjoy the breathtaking views.

Lourloc is open daily from April to October from 7:30 pm to 10 pm.

Eden-Roc Grill is open daily from April to October from 12 am to 6 pm for lunch and 6 pm to 10:30 pm for dinner, oetkercollection.com

Mamo Michelangelo

Mamo is a culinary gem tucked away in Antibes, just outside of Cannes. Known for its rustic decor and warm ambiance, It has been a staple in the Riviera dining scene for decades. Steeped in history and charm, the restaurant's walls adorned with photographs of its esteemed guests create a sense of nostalgia and belonging.

Mamo Michelangelo offers a taste of authentic Italian cuisine, with a focus on traditional dishes and hearty flavors. The restaurant is infamous for its truffle pizza and homemade pasta. You must also try Veal Milanese, perfectly breaded and fried and served with a fresh arugula salad, which has the perfect peppery contrast to the tender cutlet.

Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 12 am to 2 pm for lunch and 7 pm to 11:30 pm for dinner, mamo-michelangelo.com

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