French Riviera Dining: New Michelin-Starred Restaurants To Book A Table At This Summer
This March, Monaco hosted the annual 2026 Michelin Guide star ceremony for the first time at the Grimaldi Forum. The principality’s long-standing relationship with the famous culinary guide has played an important role in shaping the French Riviera’s reputation as a global culinary destination, and this year was no exception. Eight restaurants across the region earned their first Michelin stars this year, adding fresh talent and new experiences to a coastline already renowned for its gastronomic richness.
For those planning a luxury yacht charter along the French Riviera, the timing is ideal for summer trips. Anchoring off a Riviera bay and stepping ashore for a Michelin-starred meal is one of the best experiences to include when exploring the Mediterranean. With eight new addresses to book a table at, ranging from clifftops to intimate city spots, the French Riviera offers even more exciting dining experiences for a 2026 yacht charter itinerary.
A Taste of The French Riviera
A varied coastline that stretches from the glamour of Monaco to the chic St Tropez, dotted with quaint hilltop villages, such as Eze and Saint Paul de Vence - with hidden spots in the Var - the Riviera’s dining scene is incredibly diverse. The foundations of fine dining were laid long ago, with legendary restaurants such as Le Louis XV in Monaco and La Chevre d’Or in Eze, helping put the Riviera on the global fine-dining map.
And for 2026, the new intake of Michelin-starred restaurants highlights another wave of more experimental chefs reimagining Provencal and Mediterranean traditions through a contemporary flair. A well-planned yacht charter itinerary can combine anchorages and marina stops with dinner and lunch reservations, allowing arrival by tender or private car.
Across the region, culinary themes center on freshness, locality, and respect for ingredients, with seafood naturally taking pride of place. Increasingly, sustainability has also been a defining principle, with several of these new starred chefs making responsible sourcing a core part of their philosophy.
A Var Coastal Indulgence: Three Must-Visit New Michelin Stars
To the west of the classic Riviera hotspots lies the Var region, and this year, three new Michelin-starred restaurants can be enjoyed here, offering a delicious take on modern Mediterranean coastal cuisine.
At Bandol, above Renecros Bay and near Toulon, you can book a table at Les Oliviers. Earning its first star with a style of cooking that focuses on the sea and the surrounding Provencal landscape. Chef Martin Feragus leads a contemporary kitchen, and the restaurant’s position with views across the Mediterranean makes it a perfect stop for yacht charter guests exploring this part of the coastline.
Meanwhile, in the heart of Toulon, Shanael offers a more intimate venue, based on Chef Anthony Denon's vision. He has made sustainable sourcing and a passion for plant-based ingredients the foundation of this modern cuisine.
The most dramatically situated of Var’s new stars is L’Ouirsin at the Hotel Les Roches in Le Lavandou, perched on the cliffs above the port, with views across the Mediterranean. Chef Antoine Gras works with locally sourced seafood and garden herbs to create six- or eight-course menus, with outstanding vegetarian options alongside seafood dishes. The signature cuttlefish, served confit in its own ink, has become a talking point, and it’s a perfect lunch or dinner spot for those cruising the nearby Illes d’Hyères.
More From The Blog
Not only renowned for its luxurious lifestyle and chic coastal experiences, the French Riviera is also widely celebrated for its vibrant and diverse food scene. The area's strong culinary influence draws visitors to enjoy the freshest produce and regional traditions alongside annual festivals, cafe culture, and international chefs heading up endless fine dining establishments.
Indulge in the ultimate luxury and sophistication by embarking on a private yacht charter on the stunning French Riviera.
Long distinguished for its glamorous culture and effortlessly chic style, the French Riviera boasts spectacular shopping experiences. St Tropez has luxury storefronts on every avenue, the designer-clad streets of Cannes, and the chic energy of Nice; this coastline is every shopper’s dream. Arriving by yacht or private jet, each shopper will find no shortage of brands, stylish streets, and one-of-a-kind stores.
Riviera Refined: Five New Michelin Stars In Alpes-Maritimes & Monaco
Already boasting 26 starred restaurants in the Alpes-Maritimes region, with Monaco alone holding eight in its compact footprint, this year’s five new entries further highlight more of what the Riviera’s food scene has to offer yacht charter guests.
Between Nice and Monaco, on a rocky cliffside that has made it one of the most exclusive addresses on the Riviera, is La Table du Cap Estel under Chef Kevin Garcia. Now arriving on the Michelin scene, a table here accessed from a nearby anchorage is ideal. Dining on the terrace here is an experience in itself, with views while enjoying menus centered on seafood, locally grown vegetables, garden herbs, and luxurious touches.
Set within Le Mas de Pierre, a luxury hotel set within picturesque gardens above the artistic enclave of Saint Paul de Vence, La Table de Pierre offers one of the most magical dining environments. Chef Rodolphe Loury has designed a menu centered on the gardens, featuring seasonal, herb-focused dishes made with the finest local products. The kitchen opens directly onto the gardens, providing a perfect backdrop for a special occasion.
From clifftops back down to sea level in Nice, the intimate Epicentre has also made the list. The debut starred restaurant of Chef Selim M’Nasri, who trained under Marcel Ravin (Monaco’s iconic two-starred Blue Bay) and grew up in the area. Every table faces an open kitchen, giving diners a prime view of the chef's cooking.
While many of the Riviera’s concentrated dining experiences are along the coastline, the mountain village of Valdeblore, in the Mercantour National Park, also offers a new Michelin dining experience. A short drive from Nice, and break away from the coast, Chef Louis-Philippe Riesel has created a daily-changing vegetarian-centric menu built around what the garden and landscape have to offer, accompanied by a selection of natural wines.
Last but by no means least is the newest addition to Monaco’s dining scene, Robuchon Monaco, bringing the elegance of Joel Robuchon into a modern setting overlooking the Japanese Garden. Under Chef Jonathan Larrieu, the restaurant honors tradition - the famous Robuchon mashed potato accompanies every main course - while bringing in modern, Mediterranean influences.
Plan A Culinary Yacht Charter Along the French Riviera
The French Riviera offers a coastline with culinary experience and depth that is matched by few other locations. These eight new Michelin stars awarded this spring add another exciting layer to that, and for IYC yacht charter guests, this means even more dining experiences worth planning a charter itinerary around.
Reach out to our expert IYC charter consultants in our Monaco office today to create a French Riviera itinerary that includes these new addresses and discover the French Riviera through its endless variety of inventive Michelin-starred dishes.
Photos By Le Louis XV, L’Ouirsin, Robuchon