Cannes is the kind of place where every meal feels cinematic, the clinking of glasses, the reflection of the sun on the Mediterranean, and a light breeze carrying the scent of salt and citrus. Whether you’re celebrating a special night or just soaking in the Riviera atmosphere, few experiences compare to dining beside the sea in Cannes.
Here’s a concrete guide to the best restaurants in Cannes with a sea view, each offering something distinct, from beachside barefoot dining to Michelin-starred terraces that overlook the Bay of Cannes.
1. Mademoiselle Gray Plage Barrière
This is the epitome of seaside chic, a restaurant where tables rest just steps from the surf, and every plate feels like a postcard from the Mediterranean. Mademoiselle Gray, part of the Barrière group, sits right on the Croisette and balances refinement with a relaxed, barefoot atmosphere.
The cuisine is Lebanese-inspired Mediterranean, built around fresh seafood, grilled meats, and generous mezze platters perfect for sharing. Lunch here often stretches into the afternoon, with rosé flowing and the sea shimmering just meters away.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Boulevard de la Croisette, private beach of Le Gray d’Albion |
| View Type | Direct beachfront |
| Best For | Long lunches, sunset cocktails |
| Signature Dish | Grilled octopus with za’atar and lemon |
2. La Palme d’Or – Hôtel Martinez
If Cannes had a culinary landmark, La Palme d’Or would be it. Perched on the second floor of the iconic Hôtel Martinez, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant offers one of the most beautiful terraces on the Riviera, with panoramic views over the Bay of Cannes.
Chef Jean Imbert’s cuisine is both modern and rooted in French tradition, expect dishes like red mullet with bouillabaisse sauce or a reimagined duck à l’orange. Service here is discreet yet warm, and every plate feels designed for the spotlight.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Style | Fine dining, two Michelin stars |
| View Type | Elevated terrace overlooking the bay |
| Atmosphere | Elegant, cinematic, refined |
| Best For | Romantic dinners or festival nights |
3. Rado Beach Helen
This is one of the Croisette’s best all-day beach restaurants, elegant enough for dinner, relaxed enough for a casual lunch after swimming. Rado Beach Helen has a large open-air terrace that faces the sea directly, and its menu is Mediterranean with a touch of glamour.
Expect classics like grilled prawns, burrata with tomatoes, truffle linguine, and refreshing local wines. The staff are known for remembering faces, and there’s an easy rhythm here: a cocktail at noon, a swim, and a slow lunch that turns into sunset.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Boulevard de la Croisette |
| View Type | Full sea view terrace |
| Best For | Lunch by the beach, sundowner dinners |
| Signature Drink | Cucumber gin spritz |
4. La Plage du Festival
A true local favorite, La Plage du Festival sits on the sand opposite the Majestic Hotel and combines unpretentious charm with excellent food. It’s where locals and visitors mingle, often with feet half-buried in warm sand, enjoying grilled fish or tagliolini with lobster.
The vibe here is friendly and casual, but the view is first-class, the Mediterranean right in front of you, the Croisette behind you, and a sense that time doesn’t matter much.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Boulevard de la Croisette |
| Atmosphere | Relaxed, bright, unpretentious |
| Specialties | Fresh fish, seasonal salads |
| Ideal Moment | Lunch between swims |
5. Le Cabanon
If you want to escape the Croisette’s crowds, Le Cabanon is your sanctuary. Tucked away near Port Canto, it’s part rustic hideaway, part secret locals’ spot, with tables perched almost over the rocks. You’ll hear the sea gently hitting the stones below as you eat.
The food is simple and heartfelt: grilled sardines, mussels in white wine, or Provençal lamb with herbs. There’s nothing overdone here; just genuine Riviera flavors and tranquility.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Pointe Croisette, near Port Canto |
| Vibe | Peaceful, authentic, local |
| Cuisine | Provençal and seafood |
| View Type | Rocky Cove overlooking the open sea |
6. La Plage du Martinez
This beach restaurant, under the same banner as La Palme d’Or, brings the luxury closer to the water. La Plage du Martinez is glamorous without being stiff, think sun-bleached umbrellas, bright blue cushions, and staff who seem to glide instead of walk.
The menu celebrates simplicity: oysters with lemon, tuna tataki, grilled sea bass, and creative desserts. The sound of waves mixes with lounge music, making it an ideal place for both elegant lunches and romantic evenings.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Private beach of Hôtel Martinez |
| Style | Beach luxury |
| Cuisine | Seafood and grill |
| Best Time | Sunset cocktails or late dinner |
7. Marea Rooftop – Canopy by Hilton
Rooftop dining in Cannes doesn’t get better than this. Located above the Old Port, Marea gives you a sweeping view of both the marina and the open sea. It’s perfect at golden hour, when the sunlight reflects off the boats below and the whole city glows.
The food is fresh, contemporary, and full of Mediterranean influence, risottos, grilled tuna, and charred vegetables drizzled in olive oil. The cocktails are crafted with care, making this one of the best sundowner spots in town.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Rooftop of Canopy by Hilton |
| View | Panoramic sea and port view |
| Signature Dish | Lemon risotto with shrimp |
| Perfect For | Sunset dinners or evening drinks |
8. Hyde Beach Cannes
If your idea of dining by the sea leans more toward lounging than formality, Hyde Beach is the spot. Part beach club, part restaurant, it’s a vibrant and youthful setting that draws locals, visitors, and festival-goers alike.
Here, you can grab sushi rolls, poke bowls, or a chilled glass of wine while watching the turquoise water just meters away. It’s upbeat but never chaotic, ideal for a casual lunch or a pre-dinner drink as the sun sets.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Croisette beachfront |
| Ambiance | Cool, lively, relaxed |
| Food | Modern Mediterranean |
| When to Go | Afternoon to early evening |
- Reserve early, especially during the Cannes Film Festival or summer weekends.
- Dress smart casual, most sea-view spots are relaxed but stylish.
- Timing matters; lunches by the sea are bright and breezy, while dinners at sunset bring the magic.
- Check the weather for outdoor terraces, sea winds can pick up in the evening.
Combine Your Dining with the Riviera
Dining by the water in Cannes naturally pairs with exploring the Riviera itself. Many visitors plan yacht excursions to Saint-Tropez, Antibes, or Île Sainte-Marguerite, timing their meals around anchor stops or port visits.
If you’re organizing a coastal itinerary, Yacht Charter French Riviera offers insight into routes, marinas, and timing, so you can sail by morning, dine by afternoon, and watch the coastline from both perspectives.
The Bottom Line
Cannes is a city built for indulgence, and its sea-view restaurants embody that spirit perfectly. You don’t need to be attending the film festival to feel like a star here, just a good appetite and a love for the sea.
Also read: Apps that pay you to go to bars and restaurants
For refined experiences, La Palme d’Or and La Plage du Martinez deliver excellence with elegance. For atmosphere and authenticity, Le Cabanon and La Plage du Festival are unbeatable. And for a new perspective, Marea’s rooftop shows the Riviera from above, glowing under the pink evening light.
Whichever you choose, one thing stays constant: the view. The horizon of Cannes, endless, calm, and golden, is the city’s most generous dish of all.
