As we cast our eyes out across another rainy day in the UK, our minds are elsewhere. Specifically, they’re in Saint Tropez, that most sun-drenched of French Riviera havens.
Not just famed for its azure waters and glitzy yachts, but also as a gastronomic paradise, if you’re looking to indulge in some of the finest dining experiences that this chic coastal town has to offer, you’re in luck. Today, we’re taking a culinary tour of the crème de la crème of Saint Tropez’s Michelin-starred and fine dining restaurants, and we’re getting the bill for you, too. So, grab your forks – it’s going to be one sumptuous ride.
Le Club 55
First up is the legendary Le Club 55. This isn’t just any old beach club; it’s the epitome of Saint Tropez glamour. Seeing as the town is regarded as a great place for a luxury yacht charter, it’s no surprise that Le Club is frequented by celebrities and royals alike, all swaggering ashore in search of their lunch. But this spot offers more than just a chance to rub shoulders with the elite – it’ll give you a damn good feed, too.
Whilst not Michelin-starred, the Provencal style cuisine here is intricate and generous, simultaneously, and served at outdoor tables draped with charming light blue tablecloths, offering a true taste of the Mediterranean. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely lunch under the sun and overlooking gorgeous Pampellone Beach, with the sea breeze gently complementing each flavourful bite. Hmmm, this bite tastes hella salty, actually…
Address: 43 Bd Patch, 83350 Ramatuelle, France
Website: club55.fr
La Voile at La Reserve
Nestled amidst nature, surrounded by whispering pine trees, La Voile at La Reserve boasts two Michelin stars and is an absolute must-try for those with pockets deep enough. The restaurant’s panoramic setting is as exquisite as its food, promising an experience that’s both intimate and grandiose. Here, the chefs are artists, and their plates are masterpieces of culinary innovation. It’s a place where every dish tells a story, and each story is worth savouring.
Address: Chemin de la Quessine, Ramatuelle, 83350, France
Website: lareserve-ramatuelle.com
La Vague d’Or – Cheval Blanc St-Tropez
For those seeking a truly opulent dining experience, La Vague d’Or (the Golden Wave) at the palatial Cheval Blanc St-Tropez is the destination. With the highest accolade of three Michelin stars to its name, this restaurant is a testament to the heights that French cuisine can reach. The menu is a creative tour de force, showcasing the best of what the region has to offer, all while pushing the boundaries of traditional flavours.
Dining here isn’t just a meal; it’s an event, one that will linger in your memory long after the last course has been cleared. Sure, the tasting menu might set you back €450, but you did say you wanted opulence, right?
Address: Plage de la Bouillabaisse, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France
Website: chevalblanc.com
Colette
Should you be seeking something a little more affordable, we just love Restaurant Colette, half an hour’s walk from the Old Town on Chem. des Salins. Here, the restaurant offers a little slice of tranquility far removed from St Tropez harbour’s tourist throngs. The food is stripped back but refined, celebrating local vegetables just as much as it bigs up the Mediterranean’s bounty. Lovely stuff, and a whole tasting menu at €176 feels a relative steal compared to our previous entry!
Address: 151 Chem. des Salins, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France
Website: colettesainttropez.com
Récif
Just a stone’s throw from Saint-Tropez, in the picturesque town of Saint-Raphaël, lies Récif, a culinary beacon that has earned its Michelin star for exceptional cuisine. Perched within the stylish waterfront hotel Les Roches Rouges, Récif is where Chef José Bailly’s culinary prowess comes to life, offering a menu inspired by the “Provençal Cuisine of Popular Tradition” by René Jouveau.
Récif’s dishes are a testament to the region’s bountiful produce, transforming simple ingredients into masterpieces of flavour and presentation. The menu features delights such as dentex with celeriac and Tamaris mussels, or pigeon accompanied by cucurbit and verbena onions, each dish a homage to the local terroir.
It’s not just the food that makes Récif a must-visit; the restaurant boasts a rooftop terrace with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Imagine dining with the Île d’Or on the horizon, all while enjoying valet parking and the option to dine al fresco under the stars.
Récif captures the essence of Provençal elegance, offering a dining experience that marries charm with sophistication. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a memorable meal, Récif promises an enchanting escape with vistas and flavours that embody the spirit of the French Riviera.
Address: Les Roches Rouges, 90 boulevard de la 36ème-Division-du-Texas, Saint-Raphaël, 83530, France
Website: beaumier.com
Club L’Indochine by The Duc Ngo
If fusion cuisine tickles your fancy, then Club L’Indochine by The Duc Ngo in Gassin is your go-to spot. Here, East meets West in a symphony of flavours that’s as unexpected as it is delicious.
Helmed by chef Jimmy Coutel in collaboration with famous Berlin-based Vietnamese chef The Duc Ngo, The fusion dishes are bold, innovative, and utterly irresistible. It’s the kind of place where each bite brings a new surprise, making for a dining adventure that’s as exciting as it is satisfying.
Address: Althoff Villa Belrose, Boulevard des Crêtes, Gassin, 83580, France
Website: althoffcollection.com
Cucina Byblos
Italian cuisine aficionados will find solace in Cucina Byblos. This restaurant offers a slice of Italy in the heart of Saint-Tropez, serving up dishes that are both authentic and innovative.
With the dining hosted on a gorgeous open air terrace shaded by palm trees, the chefs here pay homage to traditional Italian cooking while adding their own gently contemporary twist – see their take on Sicilian caponata featuring diced octopus as a prime example – ensuring each meal is a memorable one
Address: 27 Av. Foch, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France
Website: byblos.com
Byblos Beach
Next up, we’re heading even further towards sea level, to the chic, Michelin-plated Byblos Beach. This stylish beachfront venue is an extension of the legendary Hotel Byblos and offers a dining experience that encapsulates the essence of Saint Tropez luxury.
With its toes in the sand and a menu that celebrates the freshest local produce (expect plenty of seafood), Byblos Beach is a place where the jet-set come to dine and unwind. The ambiance is one of relaxed elegance, where the whisper of the waves accompanies each delectable course of freshly grilled, pearlescent fish. Heaven
Address: 42 Bd Patch, 83350 Ramatuelle, France
Website: byblos-beach.com
The Bottom Line
Now, before you dash off to make your reservations, let’s talk logistics. Remember, these spots are hot commodities, so booking in advance is essential. And while the prices may be steep (we’re talking €€€€), the experience is truly priceless.
So there you have it – a guide to the best Michelin-starred and fine dining restaurants in Saint Tropez. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic French feast or an avant-garde culinary escapade, these establishments are sure to satisfy your gourmet cravings. Bon appétit!
*Please note that the majority of the above listed restaurants are, as usual, closed for the winter season, with most reopening in March/April.*