Ellie's Riviera Lunch Guide

Some of the best moments on the French Riviera happen around a lunch table. Usually somewhere by the water, several hours into the afternoon with no real intention of leaving anytime soon.

Over the years, these are the places I always come back to. Some are iconic Riviera institutions, others feel more hidden away, but all of them are places that genuinely deliver.

La Guérite, Cannes Islands

La Guérite is one of those places that never misses.

Set on Île Sainte-Marguerite just off Cannes, it's the ultimate Riviera boat day lunch and always a guaranteed fun atmosphere. The best way to do it is by private boat charter so you can spend the morning swimming around the Cannes Islands before arriving by tender for lunch.

The later sitting is always the move here because that's when the energy really builds. If you want a lively afternoon, ask for a table in the main section near the music. If you want something calmer, request one of the separated terrace tables away from the centre of the party.

Expect seafood, endless rosé and a lunch that almost always turns into sunset drinks on the boat ride home.

Plage Keller, Juan-les-Pins

Plage Keller is one of the Riviera's best local beach clubs and feels very different to some of the larger Saint Tropez spots.

Located in a private cove in Juan-les-Pins, the water here is unbelievably clear and the whole atmosphere feels relaxed and understated. It's the kind of place locals return to year after year for long beach lunches and slow afternoons by the sea.

Fresh seafood, beach chairs, calm water and a much more authentic Côte d'Azur feel.

Anjuna & La Reserve de la Mala, Cap d'Ail

Post Monaco Grand Prix, these are always my go-to spots to celebrate race week.

Both Anjuna and La Reserve de la Mala have that perfect Riviera beach club atmosphere where everyone settles in for the entire afternoon. Think swimming, spritzes, DJs and very long lunches by the water.

Reservations during Grand Prix weekend are essential because it's one of the busiest weekends of the year on the Riviera.

Anjuna feels slightly more social and energetic while Plage Mala has a more tucked away beach cove feel. You really can't go wrong with either.

Eden Roc Hotel du Cap

Hotel du Cap Eden Roc is still one of the Riviera's most iconic hotels and while many people come for lunch, I actually think it's best for sunset drinks.

After a full day on the boat swimming around Cap d'Antibes, coming here for downers on the rooftop as the sun sets over the coastline is very hard to beat.

Saint Tropez

Saint Tropez has no shortage of famous restaurants and beach clubs but these are the ones I genuinely think are worth it.

Shellona

Shellona is probably my favourite spot on Pampelonne Beach for a fun day out. The atmosphere always feels good and the DJ lineup throughout summer is consistently one of the best in Saint Tropez.

It's the kind of place where lunch slowly turns into dancing on tables by late afternoon.

Always check who's playing ahead of time and definitely book in advance during peak summer.

Restaurant Les Graniers

For something more relaxed, Restaurant Les Graniers is one of the best lunch spots in Saint Tropez after a morning shopping in town or walking around the port.

Set slightly tucked away beneath the citadel, it has a much calmer atmosphere compared to Pampelonne Beach and feels more local and understated.

Perfect for a slower lunch by the water without the full beach club scene.

EPI 1959

EPI feels completely different to the usual Saint Tropez energy.

Located slightly off the beaten track, it's quiet, private and ideal for a slower pool day away from the crowds. The setting feels more exclusive and low key while still having that polished Riviera feel.

And always do cryotherapy before lunch.

Saint Tropez Polo Club

The Saint Tropez Polo Club is one of the Riviera's best hidden gems if you have access.

The property has several great restaurants, beautiful grounds, wellness facilities, gym, cryotherapy and one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in the area.

It feels worlds away from the intensity of central Saint Tropez during peak summer and is a great reset day after several big beach club afternoons.