We’ve been visiting a wonderful new beach club in Villefranche~sur~Mer, it’s a splendid spot to drop in for a drink, meal or an all day lounge and swim. A dear friend, who used to have my beloved Plage Papaya has found this new setting to spin her magical web and created a most captivating spot on the French Riviera along with her daughter!
Let’s start with the setting…. the restaurant is situated on a rocky shelf on the west side of Cap Ferrat surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea.
While I was taking in the scene another diner kindly asked to take some photos of me, wasn’t that nice of her? I’m sporting a embroidered silk Figue dress and it feels absolutely perfect here from day into evening.
Beyond the rocky ledges of Cap Ferrat, the club looks out towards the colorful, historical village of Villefranche~sur~mer.
Brilliantly, this small bar is set to face the sea, rather than a bartender {as charming as they are}.
The main bar is quite nice as well. Tequila has become so popular in France! When we first moved to Eze, just over 10 years ago we would bring in our own from the US because you just couldn’t find any here.
The stunning view is also enjoyed by those on the comfy loungers settled on the pebbly sand beach.
The furnishings inside create a casual air with comfortable, personalized camp chairs and woven lanterns dripping from the ceiling.
For those craving something a little cozier there are plush banquettes one can ease into towards the back of the house.
She procured the tri-colored rope curtains and pendant light shades in Greece. I love how they reflect the nautical lifestyle of the location.
The kitchen is open and busy and adds to the theatre of the restaurant.
The menu and logo are reminiscent of local artist Jean Cocteau who famously tatooed the walls of Villa Santo Sospir on Cap Ferrat and the Chapelle Saint Pierre on Villefranche~sur~Mer, both a stone throws away from the restaurant
The tiled tables repeat the color scheme of the rope curtain, a soft white, taupe and terracotta. This subtle color scheme creates a complex foundation that doesn’t detract from the surrounding nature.
She procured the ceramics in Morocco.
The menu is traditional Mediterranean cuisine and we found everything to be so fresh and delicious. I could live on their wonderful Salad Soleia this summer! Hearty chunks of perfectly ripened watermelon and cantalope surround a small bed of greens, with cucumber, feta, mint, basil red onions, and a simple vinaigrette.
Their tzatziki sauce is made with nice, thick ribbons of cucumber, creamy yogurt and plenty of garlic and mint and served with tender, warm pita bread.
You can’t go wrong with fresh grilled fish in this region, expertly filleted tableside.
They serve it with a chunky olive oil based sauce.
What’s in there? Looks like tomatoes, green onions, pinenuts and olives to me.
My favorite dish is the Poulet au citron brûlé de Menton et paprika fumé. I believe the thighs are marinated with smoked paprika, Menton lemons and then baked. I’ll try to do more research.
They offer a great selection of side dishes to share including a tasty rice and these delicious sautéed zucchinis.
A Votre Sante, Catherine!!
Again, this is just a wonderful spot from morning to night.
There is a very nice public beach right next to their private beach. I loved seeing this extravagant table all set up for a group to enjoy a sunset dinner al fresco together.
Hi !
Good choice, I know it well as visit it once, while investigating Cap Ferrat.
I love the places you visit and describe so well.
Please continue !
K.