Restaurants
When you book your stay at Villa Hippocampo at Villefranche-sur-Mer, you will stay in one of the most colorful villages on the Cote d’Azur. Its unique location around the deep bay that welcomes large cruise ships and the Cap Ferrat peninsula, and the close to 300 days of sunshine make Villefranche-sur-Mer one of the best vacation spots on the French Riviera.
You will get many sightseeing and exploring opportunities, including narrow winding streets, alleys, staircases, tall stone walls with creeping vines, and flowering bougainvillea and oleanders in every color imaginable. All this and more, with the Mediterranean sparkling in the distance on one side and the Ligurian Alps rising on the other.
The Mediterranean and Provence are known for the fantastic food produce, which you can taste at one of many local restaurants and eateries in Villefranche-sur-Mer. Here is a guide to some of the many local restaurants worth visiting in this colorful, fantastic slice of heaven on earth.
Mayssa Beach
Mayssa Beach is a rooftop restaurant overlooking Villefranche Bay, providing a gorgeous view of the sea and Cap Ferrat in the distance. The restaurant has an exciting menu that serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with an iconic view. You can book a lunch and enjoy the sun and the sparkling sea, or book a dinner and enjoy your drink and the lovely lights illuminating Villefranche Bay at night.
La Caravelle
La Caravelle is among the most famous seafood restaurants in Villefranche-sur-Mer, but the many online reviews also boast of perfectly cooked veal. The restaurant is tucked away in the Rue de l’Eglise and provides a charming atmosphere and traditional French cuisine with strong Mediterranean notes. La Caravelle also has an excellent wine list, and you can enjoy a meal while people-watching in a unique atmosphere.
La Grignotiere
La Grignotiere is an Italian restaurant in the heart of Villefranche-sur-Mer, located near the port and the sea. Considered the best Italian place in the town, this pizzeria-style restaurant is close to another great Villefranche-sur-Mer attraction, the Rue Obscure. Visitors have stated they enjoyed the prawns, seafood pasta, the parfait, and delicious coffee.
L’aparte
L’aparte is a fine dining establishment in the center of Villefranche-sur-Mer. You can enjoy a warm, cozy atmosphere and a great combination of Provencal produce and Mediterranean seafood in colorful and creative dishes. The restaurant is located in the famous Rue Obscure, and it offers a blend of Italian and French dining experience, with plenty of Italian and French wines served to perfection. The slightly eerie atmosphere from the Rue Obscure perfectly blends with the atmosphere.
La Belle Etoile
Another cozy restaurant tucked away in the famous Rue Obscure, La Belle Etoile, is a lovely family-run restaurant that serves French/Mediterranean dishes. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and this is an appealing place with relatively low prices and incredible service. The décor is splendid, and many visitors have recommended the truffle risotto, the crème brulee, the chocolate Frappe, and the rose wine.
Les Garcons
Les Garcons is a nice restaurant in Villefranche-sur-Mer where you can taste many regional dishes. The restaurant is known for its reasonable prices, cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and large outdoor courtyard, perfect for a long lunch or a romantic dinner. Even though it is Located in the backstreets of Villefranche-sur-mer, this small restaurant has a great atmosphere and enjoys quite positive reviews online.
La Mere Germaine
La Mere Germaine is one of the most famous restaurants in Villefranche-sur-Mer, especially for its long history and family atmosphere. The restaurant was the favorite place of the US naval teams stationed here from WWII to 1967, when the US Sixth Fleet was moved from Villefranche-sur-Mer to Naples, Italy. However, anyone who has ever dined at La Mere Germaine has enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and the beautiful view of the sea, as the restaurant is right on the water’s edge. Plus, the food here is one of the best you’ll try at Villefranche-sur-Mer, and the menu is predominantly seafood dishes, but there is something for everyone at La Mere Germaine.
Le Serre
Le Serre is just of the famous Rue Obscure, offering a diverse menu with French and Italian dishes. Unlike other places in Villefranche-sur-Mer that focus more on seafood, Le Serre offers perfectly cooked steaks at reasonable prices. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the menu also offers an excellent selection of desserts, with the tiramisu getting the most positive online reviews. You can enjoy indoor and outdoor seating at relatively affordable prices.
La Cave Nature
La Cave Nature is a lovely little place just off the center of Villefranche-sur-Mer, and this bistro-style restaurant is excellent for a light meal and a nice drink in a cozy atmosphere. The menu is varied and offers an incredible cheese platter, creative meals, and a great wine list. The quaint, historic surroundings and the lovely furnishings add to the entire dining experience at La Cave Nature.
Le Mekong
If you crave anything other than Provencal and Mediterranean cuisine, when you stay at Villa Hippocampo in Villefranche-sur-Mer, you can visit Le Mekong, the most famous Vietnamese restaurant in the area. The service is excellent, and the dishes and wines are paired to perfection. You can enjoy your food on the outdoor terrace and people-watch or indoors, enjoying the appealing interior. A must-try at Le Mekong is the chicken curry that has received plenty of online recommendations.
Achill’s
Achill’s is a restaurant and bar among the best you can try when staying in Villefranche-sur-Mer. The restaurant has a fascinating family history, and today, the initial founder’s grandchildren run the place in honor of Achille, the founder. The restaurant is cozy on the water’s edge and has a small private harbor that allows you to enjoy the sea and the fantastic food served here. The Rooftop Bar opened during the summer season, offers a breathtaking view of the Villefranche Bay, and you can enjoy the view with incredible cocktails and carefully selected wines.
