Eat and Drink in Cannes

Cannes, France is perhaps best known for playing host to the entertainment industry during the Cannes Film Festival in May, and then again to advertising heavyweights during Cannes Lions in June. While dining in top-end Cannes restaurants demands a certain financial insouciance, the town offers ample opportunity to eat for more modest sums often in bistros specialising in regional fare.

The Cannes dining scene is filled with high-end French fine dining along with lower-key finds appropriate for both vacationers and the retirees who populate the city year round. And because Cannes is a "food-loving vacation destination in the south of France," the produce is almost always local and seasonal.

Aux Bons Enfants

Aux Bons Enfants

If you want to get to the very roots of Cannes catering, this is your place. Hard by the Forville market, it is tiny, pretty cramped and with nothing you’d actually call décor. Owner Luc Giorsetti – the third generation of Giorsettis in charge here– has no phone or fax. It is revealing that Aux Bons Enfants is a favourite of Cannes food professionals – restaurateurs and similar – who call in en route to market. It was also, not too long ago...
Read More

Bistrot Gourmand

Bistrot Gourmand

Here’s a classic Provençal bistro– simple, bustling, friendly… and rather brighter than most. Inside, there’s light-wood panelling enlivened by daubs of modern art; outside, beyond the French windows, a little pavement terrace. It’s clear that the owners care about the place and care, more especially, about what’s on the plate. These are generally Provençal classics with a modern twist and attention to presentation (which isn’t always a priority in bistros).
Read More

Table 22 By Mantel

Table 22 By Mantel

In discrete, stylishly contemporary premises, Noël Mantel and his Dutch wife have quietly cooked their way to the front rank of Cannes catering. The change of name in April 2017 - from Mantel to Table 22 By Mantel - marked the expansion and refurbishment of the premises, so the kitchen now opens onto the main dining area. At the apéritif hour, Mantel's establishment now also does tapas-style nibbles from €4, with glasses of wine from €6. Then hang around for dinner.
Read More