Sometimes we find places that are just darned pretty. This one though, not only looks good, but they have the chef and food to back it up. Circe Restaurant isn’t in the heart of St. Tropez, but instead, it’s in the charming village of Beaulieu-sur-Mer. If you’re asking, “Where is that?” it’s one of the reasons that makes this place so special. This is the inside look.
The Location:
You may have not heard of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, but you’ve likely been nearby. The seaside village is on the train line that runs along the coast from France to Italy and is just a few kilometers from Nice and Monaco. Beaulieu-sur-Mer doesn’t have the reputation for tourism that the more well-known towns do; rather, they have a richer local life with some of the coolest beaches and gardens on the Cote d’Azur.
Ancient olive trees line parks where artists from the area perform concerts. There are also historic Romanesque churches and villas whose beauty matches the natural scenery. The events venue, La Rotonde, was designed by Gustav Eiffel, of his namesake Eiffel Tower.
Overview:
Though the town has resorts, Beaulieu-sur-Mer retains authenticity, making it the perfect place for Circe. The best restaurant near Nice claims to present a conceptual approach to dining, with aspects of the interiors taking reference from the Greek goddess Circe. Although, the experience of dining at Circe is more than conceptual.
The goddess who inspires the restaurant has mystical abilities in Greek mythology. A master of potions, Circe is known for her power to turn her enemies into animals or beasts. She symbolizes divine feminine freedom and by doing what she pleased, she represents the enchantment of nature and of desire.
Circe the restaurant leans into this hedonistic quality of the goddess, as the restaurant serves indulgent, fresh, and seasonal menus across multiple dining and venue spaces. In addition to a large dining room that surrounds a central bar, the restaurant has a DJ booth and a dance floor where the after-dinner party kicks off. The best restaurant in Nice is going to have multiple vibes. Calmer spaces can be found upstairs on the terraces which overlook the Cote D’Azur, or in the garden privately curtained in flowers.
Each space has a different energy, and guests can flow through more intimate spaces and away from the larger party. The goddess, Circe’s humor may have been a bit devilish, and part of the allure is the ability for guests and staff to hide in plain sight. Bounds of colorful flowers, curtains, and centerpieces do master camouflage.
What they don’t hide, however, is the unbelievable bar and food menu. The cocktails take inspiration from astrology, while the Mediterranean, seafood-heavy menu has incredible salads, various pastas, and entrees. And while Circe does not reveal much information on its menus, Chef Stamatis Loumousiotis brings extensive training in Greek and English cuisines.
