7 Michelin-Star Gems: The Best Restaurants in Nice & Monaco

Explore 7 top Michelin-star restaurants in Nice and Monaco. Learn about unique menus, chefs, and signature dishes in this comprehensive guide.

Nice draws many visitors who appreciate its beaches and museums. The city also stands out for its culinary scene. The region offers Mediterranean flavors shaped by sun-ripened vegetables, fresh herbs, and high-quality seafood. Local markets display bright tomatoes, zucchini, and aromatic basil. Chefs combine these ingredients with refined techniques to create appealing dishes.

Michelin star restaurants flourish in Nice and in nearby Monaco. Diners can savor creative menus that pay tribute to local produce while incorporating international influences. Modern twists on classic Provençal recipes appear on fine table settings. Some addresses feature contemporary interiors, while others provide charming views of the sea.

Food lovers seek the best restaurants in Nice to sample iconic dishes such as Niçoise salad or innovative creations that highlight local fisheries. Around 20 kilometers (12 miles) away, Monaco also offers top gastronomy. Several establishments there rank among the best restaurants in Monaco, attracting visitors with refined ingredients and skilled chefs. High-end hotels house prestigious dining rooms overlooking the Mediterranean.

This guide presents seven Michelin star restaurants that stand out for their location, talent, and menu philosophy. Each offers a different perspective on fine dining in this region. Expect details on signature dishes, chef backgrounds, and style.

Flaveur

Flaveur is a two-Michelin-star restaurant located in central Nice. It is led by the Tourteaux brothers, who have a solid background in French cuisine. Their approach involves using local ingredients, especially produce from the Mediterranean region. Fresh fish, ripe vegetables, and aromatic herbs often appear on the menu. The dining room has a modern design with neutral colors, allowing the dishes to take center stage.

One highlight is their tasting menu, which changes seasonally. Guests might encounter a dish featuring red mullet in a delicate sauce, served with finely chopped vegetables. Another noteworthy plate could involve slow-cooked beef paired with roasted artichokes. Each course has well-balanced flavors and precise execution. The wine list features French labels, including several from Provence and Burgundy. Prices for the tasting menu typically range from 120 to 180 euros (about 130 to 195 US dollars), depending on the selection.

Service is attentive and professional. Diners can discuss any dietary preferences with the staff before ordering. Flaveur aims to showcase the culinary heritage of Nice while integrating modern techniques. This dedication to regional tastes, combined with an emphasis on detail, makes Flaveur a strong recommendation among the best restaurants in Nice. Reservations are advised on weekends.

La Chèvre d’Or

La Chèvre d’Or holds two Michelin stars and is situated in the medieval village of Èze, around 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from Nice. The restaurant is part of the Château de la Chèvre d’Or, a luxury hotel perched on a hillside. Chef Arnaud Faye leads the kitchen, focusing on local ingredients and refined preparations. His background includes positions in prestigious French establishments, which shaped his approach to Haute Cuisine.

The dining room has large windows that provide sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea. Guests often appreciate the calm atmosphere and attentive service. Seasonal menus might feature rabbit with aromatic herbs or a refined bouillabaisse-inspired dish. A signature plate could include shellfish paired with delicate vegetables, presented with precise plating.

The wine cellar features labels from France and beyond, with a notable section of Provence rosés. Price ranges vary, but a full tasting menu starts around 220 euros (approximately 240 US dollars). Guests may also select à la carte options for a lighter meal. Dress code leans toward smart attire. Reservations are recommended, particularly during peak travel periods. La Chèvre d’Or provides a high-level experience that ranks it among the best restaurants in Nice and its surroundings. Parking is available nearby.

Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris

Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris is a three-Michelin-star restaurant in Monaco, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Nice. It opened in 1987 and gained international recognition for its take on Mediterranean cuisine. Chef Alain Ducasse oversees the concept, while a skilled team executes the menu. Dishes emphasize vegetables, seafood, and herbs from the region.

The dining room features ornate décor and white tablecloths. Service follows high standards, with staff who offer detailed explanations of each plate. Signature items can include the delicate Gamberoni from San Remo or a vegetable-based dish that highlights the freshness of local produce. Seasonal tasting menus showcase precise techniques and balanced flavors.

The wine list is extensive, with celebrated French wineries and prestigious global labels. Prices for a full menu may start at 310 euros (around 340 US dollars), reflecting the rare ingredients and refined methods. Jackets are often required for men, and reservations usually need to be made well in advance. The restaurant is located within the Hôtel de Paris, close to the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo. Its three stars and consistent quality place it among the best restaurants in Monaco. Parking is accessible nearby. The dress code is strictly maintained.

Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac

Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac is a two-Michelin-star restaurant in Monaco. It is located within the Hôtel Métropole, close to the Monte-Carlo district. Chef Christophe Cussac has worked alongside respected names in French gastronomy, which influenced his attention to detail. The menu blends classical techniques with modern elements, highlighting seasonal produce from local suppliers.

Diners may begin with an appetizer such as lobster salad or a delicate foie gras preparation. Main courses often feature prime cuts of meat or fresh fish, paired with precise sauces and vegetables. Desserts continue the theme of refinement, often incorporating fruits and rich chocolate. The wine list covers a broad range of regions, including Burgundy, Bordeaux, and New World selections. Staff members guide guests through pairings and menu choices.

The interior design offers a warm setting, with soft lighting and comfortable seating. Tables are spaced to allow quiet conversations. Prices can vary based on à la carte or tasting menu options, but a multi-course experience might start at 190 euros (about 205 US dollars). Reservations are suggested, especially during high season. Its dedication to quality and the chef’s experience place it among the best restaurants in Monaco for an upscale meal. Parking is onsite here.

Blue Bay Marcel Ravin

Blue Bay Marcel Ravin is a two-Michelin-star restaurant situated in the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort. Chef Marcel Ravin, originally from Martinique, brings a Caribbean flair to his creations. He blends tropical flavors with local produce, resulting in a distinctive style. The menu may include dishes such as foie gras with exotic spices or mahi-mahi paired with plantains.

The dining area offers a contemporary setting, with large windows overlooking the sea. Guests can also choose terrace seating, weather permitting. Service is attentive, and the staff provides guidance on both food and wine selections. Wines come from France, Italy, and beyond, with options that match the bright taste profiles of the cuisine.

A popular signature dish is the revisited green banana dish, which draws on the chef’s heritage. Menus change seasonally to highlight fresh market produce. Prices for a multi-course menu can start around 180 euros (around 195 US dollars). A vegetarian option is sometimes available upon request. Dress code is smart casual, though many guests opt for more formal attire. Because of the restaurant’s popularity, reservations are highly advised. For those seeking Michelin star restaurants that combine tradition with global influences, Blue Bay Marcel Ravin stands out. Parking available.

Mirazur

Mirazur is a three-Michelin-star restaurant located in Menton, close to the Italian border. Chef Mauro Colagreco leads the kitchen, drawing inspiration from the region’s produce. A large portion of the ingredients comes from the restaurant’s own gardens and local farmers. The menu changes frequently, reflecting the seasons and availability of fresh items.

The dining room sits on a hillside, offering panoramic views of the sea. Light floods the interior, enhancing the bright colors on each plate. Signature dishes often feature vegetables at their peak, combined with fish or meat for contrast. One example could be beetroot baked in salt crust, served with caviar cream. The presentation is understated, allowing flavors to speak for themselves.

Mirazur’s wine list features French and international bottles. Staff members are knowledgeable and can suggest pairings to match the evolving menu. A full tasting experience can cost around 260 euros (roughly 285 US dollars). Reservations are generally necessary, especially in high season. Diners are advised to arrive on time to fully appreciate the progression of courses. Mirazur’s global recognition positions it among the best restaurants in Nice vicinity for those who seek Michelin star restaurants focused on local resources. Parking is available on site. Smart attire.

La Villa Archange

La Villa Archange is a two-Michelin-star restaurant located in Le Cannet, roughly 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Nice. Chef Bruno Oger leads the kitchen and applies his extensive experience in French gastronomy. The setting is an 18th-century building with a courtyard that offers an intimate atmosphere. Diners can choose indoor seating or an outdoor table, depending on the season.

The menu focuses on French classics revisited with modern techniques. Ingredients often come from local markets, ensuring fresh quality. A signature dish might be crispy frog’s legs served with herbs and a subtle garlic purée. Another highlight could be roasted duck paired with seasonal vegetables. Each plate shows attention to detail without overwhelming the palate.

Service is discreet yet efficient. Staff members are prepared to discuss wine pairings, which can include selections from Bordeaux, Burgundy, and beyond. The tasting menu typically starts around 180 euros (about 195 US dollars), and an à la carte option is also available. Dress code leans toward business casual. Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend evenings. La Villa Archange stands out among Michelin star restaurants near Nice for its blend of historical charm and refined cuisine. Parking is available onsite. Outdoor heaters operate in cooler months.

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