The Mediterranean Insider

Saint-Tropez, France

Saint-Tropez’s 5 best restaurants (and must-try dishes)

The Mediterranean • Eat & drink • Saint-Tropez’s 5 best restaurants (and must-try dishes)

The guide to Saint-Tropez’s top restaurants

Looking for the best restaurants in Saint-Tropez? Look no further – we’ve done the hard work for you (i.e., the eating) and have compiled a list of the ten essential restaurants in the culinary mosaic of Saint-Tropez by the Mediterranean. The city is a vibrant hub where traditional Provençal flavours meet innovative gastronomy and the restaurant scene is a delightful dance of old and new. Chefs in Saint-Tropez are reimagining classic dishes, infusing them with global influences while honouring their rustic roots. From bustling bistros serving timeless bouillabaisse to trendy eateries experimenting with fusion cuisine, Saint-Tropez’s food landscape is an evolving tapestry.

La Ponche

La Ponche in Saint-Tropez, refreshed by Fabrizio Casiraghi, blends Mediterranean zest with Riviera luxury. Chef Thomas Danigo, formerly of Galanga, serves a straightforward menu: fresh fish, regional vegetables, and choice meats, all bursting with flavour. The decor, a nod to La Dolce Vita, features bright rooms with off-white walnut and dark-stained tiles plus Picasso lithographs. Casiraghi’s bar design, with mirrors and checkered tiles, revives the Bardot-era glamour. It’s a slice of serene and sun-drenched French elegance, promising an uncomplicated yet rich, dining experience.

La Ponche
5 Rue des Remparts
Saint-Tropez
France

Photography courtesy of La Ponche

Colette

Restaurant Colette, at Hotel Sezz Saint-Tropez, shines with a Michelin star under Chef Philippe Colinet’s helm since 2020. This culinary gem marries Mediterranean essence with purity and freshness, echoing Colinet’s philosophy of simplicity and integrity on the plate. Colette’s atmosphere blends modern elegance with the warmth of the Riviera sun, inviting diners to indulge either on the vibrant terrace or within its chic interior. Named after the celebrated French novelist Sidonie Gabrielle Colette, the restaurant adds a literary touch to its refined dining experience. Whether it’s the BBQ lunch or a By the pool-feast, Colette promises a mesmerising blend of gastronomy, ambiance and an unforgettable Saint-Tropez flair.

Colette
Hotel Sezz
151 Chem. des Salins
Saint-Tropez
France

Photography courtesy of Hotel Sezz

Le Café

Le Café in Saint-Tropez offers a blend of French, International and Mediterranean delights. Set in the heart of the village, it transforms from a tranquil dining spot by day to a festive hub by night. Its decor, with a Provencal spirit and floral accents, sets a nostalgic scene under Place des Lices’ plane trees. Signature dishes like crispy sweetbreads “Grand-Mère” style and sole meunière with confit lemons invite indulgence, while desserts such as giant snow eggs with pink pralines promise shared joy. Evenings come alive with piano-bar tunes, making Le Café a microcosm of Saint-Tropez’s summer vibe.

Le Café
Trav. des Lices
Saint-Tropez
France

Photography courtesy of Le Café

Cucina Byblos

This jewel in Saint-Tropez’s culinary crown, offers a slice of Italy with a Mediterranean twist inside Hôtel Byblos. Launched under Alain Ducasse’s vision in 2013, with Chef Vincent Maillard at the helm, it melds simplicity with elegance. The setting is a contemporary oasis of colour and comfort that invites diners to relax and indulge. On the menu, classics like bruschetta with octopus and caponata, confit beef cheek paccheri, and Roman pizzas stand out. Desserts, including tiramisu and chocolate pizza by pastry chef Geoffrey Turpin, end meals on a high note.

Cucina Byblos
Hôtel Byblos
27 Av. Foch
Saint-Tropez
France

Photography courtesy of Byblos

Au Caprice des Deux

In the heart of St Tropez, Au Caprice des Deux, helmed by siblings Sonia and Stéphane Avelin, merges Provencal tradition with a contemporary twist at a price that’s reasonable for its prestigious locale. This spot champions local produce, with every dish crafted from scratch, reflecting the Avelins’ commitment to quality and the French culinary heritage. Chef Stéphane, celebrated among the Maîtres Restaurateurs, offers a menu that features seasonal specialties like truffles and zucchini flowers. Just a stroll from Place des Lices, its ambiance is cosy yet refined, making it a favoured destination for those seeking an authentic French-Mediterranean dining experience in the glitzy surrounds of St Tropez.