Some reservations on the French Riviera require more than good timing.

Some people book flights first. The experienced ones book these. If you’re heading to the French Riviera this summer, these are the reservations that disappear long before the season begins.

Beacause The Riviera isn’t short of beautiful restaurants its slim on availability.

Ordinarily, I would add a £££ rating but this is SOF…. Frankly speaking, if its under ££££, its a good bet that your’re probably in Italy.

The Beach Clubs

Club 55 – Saint-Tropez

The original Riviera beach club and still one of the most sought-after reservations on the coast. Don’t expect loud music or over-the-top luxury. Club 55 is all about understated glamour, long lunches and people-watching that’s second to none.

Best for: Classic Saint-Tropez
Booking Difficulty: ★★★★★

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La Guérite – Cannes

My all time favourite. Set on the island of Île Sainte-Marguerite, via boat. La Guérite is one of the Riviera’s most iconic lunch destinations. Most guests arrive by boat, the rosé and champagne flows freely (and via huge flag and firework presentations) and lunch becomes dinner. You will see me there, dancing on a chair with a napkin in my hand…. almost certainly.

Best for: Yacht lunches and celebrations
Booking Difficulty: ★★★★★

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LouLou Ramatuelle

One of the newest names to cement itself as a Riviera institution. Expect elegant interiors, impeccable service and a crowd that looks like Paris Fashion Week relocated to Saint-Tropez for the summer.

Best for: Chic lunches and stylish afternoons
Booking Difficulty: ★★★★☆

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Casa Amor

Casa Amor has perfected the art of looking effortlessly laid-back while being one of the hardest tables to secure on Pampelonne Beach. Think barefoot luxury, bohemian design, DJs and a crowd that’s suspiciously well dressed for eating in the sand.

Best for: Sunset lunches that become evening drinks
Booking Difficulty: ★★★★☆

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The Dinner Reservations

Le Petit Maison (LPM)

Few restaurants have achieved the international reputation of Le Petit Maison. The Mediterranean menu, lively atmosphere and consistency have made it one of the Riviera’s most famous lunch and dinner reservations.

Best for: Long Mediterranean feasts and THE BEST tomatini, you will ever have. This is not up for debate, this is fact. I will go to battle over this.
Booking Difficulty: ★★★★★

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Cipriani Monte-Carlo

An institution in Monaco. Elegant Italian classics, polished service and a clientele that perfectly captures Monte-Carlo’s timeless glamour. If you’re hoping for a quiet, anonymous dinner, you’ve come to the wrong place. A dining room where “smart casual” appears to come with a superyacht.

Best for: Monaco elegance
Booking Difficulty: ★★★★☆

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Bâoli

Dinner here rarely ends after dessert. Combining exceptional food with one of Cannes’ most famous nightlife scenes, Bâoli remains one of the Riviera’s most iconic evening destinations.

Best for: Dinner that turns into dancing on tables (Of course)
Booking Difficulty: ★★★★☆

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La Môme

One of Cannes’ best-loved restaurants (by me yes, but also other people), La Môme delivers refined Mediterranean cooking in an effortlessly glamorous setting. Consistently buzzing, consistently excellent and always a good idea. Actually one of the most fun. The place for the outfit you’ve marked as “No1”

Best for: Stylish Riviera evenings and fun
Booking Difficulty: ★★★★☆

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Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse

Located inside the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Le Louis XV is one of Europe’s most celebrated restaurants. Yes, this is different. Think less Vogue and Vanity Fair and Rolling Stone Magazine and more Harpers, Tatler, Town and Country. Three Michelin stars, exceptional service and one of the Riviera’s ultimate dining experiences.

Best for: Bucket-list fine dining
Booking Difficulty: ★★★★☆

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Gin & Bone Tip

Larger tables are easier to book, especially when it comes with a minimum spend. Tables for 2 are held back a lot of the time so booking 5+ helps your odds.

If you don’t know the restaurant or team, try using a booking or concierge service. I know it sounds unlikely, but….This is the Riviera… there are HUNDREDS and some have a great relationship with the brands and some have a partnership deal.

Or there is always joining as a member. Most of these places have memberships. If the price tag isn’t enough to have you “minding your French” (I’m proud of that one), its a guaranteed entry every year.

If you’re travelling between June and August, book as soon as your flights are confirmed. Prime lunch tables, particularly at Club 55, La Guérite and Le Petit Maison can disappear weeks in advance, while the best dinner reservations during Cannes Film Festival or the Monaco Grand Prix often require even more planning.

See you by the waterside mon amis x