In honor of Bastille Day, we have to give a shoutout to the French. The world would not be the same without French food, French wine, or even French fries. Not to mention Paris in spring and summer in the South of France. Speaking of which, when you find yourself in a place whose raison d’etre is to give you an outlet for rosé-fueled lunches, chances are you’re in St. Tropez. This is the destination of the summer with its beach club culture and debauchery (hello L’Opera) which defines living it up. Because sometimes you want to be in the mix, and there’s nothing wrong with dancing on a table and, for just a fleeting moment, you have no worries in the world. So, this is the list of the top places to escape from reality, even if for just a bit.
There’s no place quite like St. Tropez. The restaurants, the beach clubs, the yacht sightings– it’s all we could want out of a summer getaway. And as grateful as we are for its always-growing culinary scene, the plethora of options can get overwhelming. That’s why we’re keeping it simple this season, with a foolproof roundup of St. Tropez’s best. From high-energy beach clubs to Michelin-award-winning menus, these are the spots to keep on your radar.
Restaurant
When to Go
Lunch or early dinner
The Scoop
Gigi’s isn’t just a restaurant– it’s a beach club. That means the ambiance here is like a French pool party in full swing. Fun, sunny, and ever so chic. Plus– direct access to the beach, multiple family-friendly play areas, and a seaside dining terrazza. Meals eaten here are meant to be shared, whether that means ordering for the table– or begging your dining partner for a bite of their grilled octopus. Gigi’s menu highlights bright Italian cuisine in a woodsy, Parisian atmosphere.
Restaurant
When to go
Dinner
The Scoop
There are plenty of reasons to take a summer trip to the South of France. But for the foodies, the main draw might just be the local food markets. A plethora of seasonal gems– produce that’s as pretty as it is delicious. If that sounds like your kind of tourist attraction, then be sure to hit Pan Dei Palais. Its menu changes each night based on daily finds at the local market, picked by the Chef himself. The poolside space is in harmony with the subtly Indian-inspired menu, highlighting bold designs, colors, and flavors.
Restaurant
When to go
Dinner for the music, lunch for the beach club vibes.
The Scoop
A meal with a side of ocean views is quintessential St. Tropez. La Petite Plage takes it up a notch by overlooking the village port, meaning you can yacht-watch all day long. It’s a great place to soak up St. Tropez’s summer energy, either for lunch or dinner. A daytime meal brings a more relaxed, beachy atmosphere, while their DJ provides a lively soundtrack during the evenings. La Petite Plage’s menu is light and Mediterranean, crafted by Michelin Star Chef Eric Frechon.
Restaurant
When to go
Dinner
The Scoop
This spot is located at Cheval Blanc St Tropez, a woodsy hotel overlooking the sea. La Vague d’Or is like the crown jewel of foodie-friendly St. Tropez restaurants. And even that’s a bit of an understatement. The cuisine, imagined by Micheline three-star Chef Arnaud Donckele, is as inventive as it gets. His menu is all about local ingredients and creative pairings, like rabbit with absinthe and bacon, or turbot cooked in seaweed.
Restaurant
When to go
Dinner, for a meal under the romantic twinkly lights.
The Scoop
As the little sister of the famed Paris spot by the same name, you know St. Tropez’s Manko is going to be good. Another port-adjacent restaurant, it’s best known for its romantic atmosphere and exciting menu. And if you find yourself getting bored of the ever-present Mediterranean food scene (yes, it can happen), Manko is a good choice. The menu is technically Peruvian, though it doesn’t limit itself to just one cuisine. Here you’ll find dishes full of diverse influences, from Asia to Africa.
